Papakolea Green Sand Beach, Big Island

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Papakolea Green Sand Beach, Big Island

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Overview | Facilities | Map | Weather | Photos | Reviews


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
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
Fri
Hi: 81°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy
Sat
Hi: 82°F
Low: 68°F
Partly Cloudy

Papakolea Green Sand Beach Photos (click to enlarge) (top)

     
     
     

Papakolea Green Sand Beach Reviews and Comments (top)

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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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