Green Sand Beach Hawaii: Papakolea

Overview of Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach) sits inside a breached cinder cone called Puʻu Mahana, just east of Ka Lae (South Point) — the southernmost tip of the United States. It's about a 2-hour drive south of Kailua-Kona along Highway 11 and roughly 1.5 hours from Hilo. The green color comes from olivine crystals — a magnesium-iron silicate mineral that's denser than other beach sediment, so wave action concentrates it on the sand here while sweeping lighter material out to sea.

One thing to clear up: Puʻu Mahana itself isn't a recent feature. The cinder cone is roughly 49,000 years old, predating the modern shoreline by several ice ages. The waves keep undercutting the cone's seaward wall, which is how fresh olivine keeps making it onto the beach. The 1868 Mauna Loa eruption is a different event entirely — it produced lava flows further north and triggered the massive Kaʻū earthquake, but it didn't create this cone.

It can get crowded, especially on weekends — visit before noon on a weekday for a cooler hike and fewer people. And the obvious rule: as much as we love the green sand, it has to stay here. Don't take any home.

Getting There- Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

The hike to Papakolea Beach (also known as Green Sand Beach) is a moderate/strenuous 5.5-mile round-trip hike. While the terrain is mostly flat, the sun and wind exposure makes it difficult. The later it is in the day, the hotter it will likely be, so start early! It will take approximately 3-5 hours to complete the round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the beach. The trail starts at South Point Road, between the 69 and 70-mile markers.

Drive to South Point, on the Big Island's Kona Coast, between mile markers 69 and 70 along Highway 11. When you come to near the bottom of the road, South Point will veer off to the right, and the Green Sand Beach parking lot is to the left. During our last visit, there was a sign marking the way.

Once you arrive at the Green Sand Beach parking lot, you'll want to head towards the boat ramp on the shore (roughly 0.5 miles from the parking lot) and then take an immediate left onto the trail once you reach the boat ramp. Accessing Green Sand Beach isn’t exactly a cakewalk. The hike to Papakolea, beginning at the parking lot, is approximately 2.25-2.5 miles one-way. It takes about an hour each way. The trail starts flat as you pass over old lava fields and through rutted roads filled with sand and dust; prepare yourself for a dirty hike. Be careful when descending to the beach, as the slope of the cinder cone surrounding the beach can be steep.

Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach) Amenities: The green sand beach has no restrooms or other amenities in the area. Bring your trash bag, pack out your trash and take it with you to leave. During our last visit, there were port-a-potties near the parking lot, but we wouldn't count on those being there indefinitely. There was also a local vendor selling drinks and other snacks, but we suspect the state of Hawaii will end this practice soon enough, along with the non-permitted "shuttle" rides (see below).

There are no lifeguards at Green Sand Beach. Swimming is not recommended because of the rough ocean conditions and strong currents.

Essential Tips for a Great Papakōlea beach (Green Sand Beach) Visit

There's no water or food available at the trailhead or along the trail. You will be hiking over older dusty lava fields. Wear sturdy shoes, like hiking shoes.

Update: We wanted to note that DHHL’s (Department of Hawaiian Homelands) official policy is no vehicular traffic to Papakolea. They do not issue vehicle permits for $25 or any amount, and they do not give a key. The trek to Papakolea and Mahana Bay can only be achieved by foot and should only be considered a “backcountry” trip for severe hikers. You do not need a permit to hike there, but you should call DHHL to let them know you will be going there. They like to know who is on their property, and the hike is free.

You can contact DHHL at: 160 Baker Ave. Hilo 96720 Phone: 808-974-4250

'Shuttle' Services and Parking Fees are not legal

We should also note that anyone trying to charge you for parking is running an illegal scam. Rather than get confrontational, leave if anyone attempts to do so. We also advise against paying for a ride out to the beach.

During our last visit, at least three separate residents were offering truck rides for $20-$25/person, and they were exaggerating the length of the hike to encourage people to take the "shuttle." Don't contribute to the problem these illegal rides are causing, which is destroying the road/trail and continues to desecrate the ancient burial sites located here. Instead, please only hike to the Green Sand Beach and avoid attempting to drive it yourself (which is against your rental agreement, even in a Jeep), and don't partake in the "shuttle" rides.

An Enjoyable Time at Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

Fun Activities at Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

Once you've made it the 2.5 miles down the trail, the beach is small and contained — most visitors stay an hour or two. A few things to do besides take it in:

Explore the cinder cone cliffs: The crescent of the breached Puʻu Mahana cone wraps around the beach. The lava rock walls hold visible pockets of green olivine — easier to spot in person than in photos.

Digging for shells and sea glass: If you're looking for a relaxing activity on the Big Island, I recommend this. You can spend hours just digging and finding extraordinary treasures in the sand.

Take pictures and videos of the sunset and the fantastic scenery: If you want to take photographs, we recommend you come early in the morning because later in the day, the sun is too high, and it's not ideal for photography.

Sunbathing: Papakolea Beach has soft green sand and stunning water, making it ideal for relaxing in the sun.