Papakolea Green Sand Beach at a Glance
There’s black sand, white sand, and coral-filled salt and
pepper-but I bet you’ve never seen anything like the Papakolea
Green Sand Beach. The coast of this secluded beach is sprinkled
with olivine, a semi-precious stone, crushed into fine sand
by years of lava cooling and erosion. So it’s literally
like walking on jewels. And get this: olivine sand can only
be found in two other places: Iceland, and the moon.
Getting to this beach isn’t easy. Papakolea sits at the
base of the Puu O Mahana, an old cinder cone in a wild,
undeveloped terrain. Access involves a 2.5-mile drive along
a rough dirt road and a four-mile hike among steep cliffs
and lava boulders. Some of these boulders are up to five
feet high-be sure to bring a pair of sturdy shoes!
Once you’re there, however, you’ll be instantly rewarded
with one of the best views on the island, if not the entire
state. The beach appears almost unreal against a backdrop
of steep cliffs and boulders, and the sides of the cliff
slope gracefully into the ocean. At sunset, the play of
colors against the sand is simply breathtaking.
The sparkling blue water appears calm and bubbly against
the green sand, but you’ll want to stay on the shore. Swimming
is recommended only for advanced swimmers, as the current
can be very strong and the tide can roughen up the whole
beach. On calmer days, you can go diving and snorkeling,
but make sure to observe the water before getting in.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach in Bullet Points
Papakolea Green Sand Beach Facilities
(top)
Papakolea Green Sand Beach Water Activities
Papakolea Green Sand Beach Location
Address: North of Naalehu, HI 96772
Papakolea Green Sand Beach Map (top)
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Papakolea Green Sand Beach Weather
(top)
Now
72°F
Windchill:
72°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Location: Naalehu, HI, US
Wind: 6 mph N
Humidity: 33%
Visibility: 0.07 mi
Pressure: 30.22 in falling
Sunrise: 6:25 am
Sunset: 5:45 pm
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Fri
Hi: 81°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy
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Sat
Hi: 82°F
Low: 68°F
Partly Cloudy
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Papakolea Green Sand Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Papakolea Green Sand Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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