Located near South Point in the Kaʻū district of the island of Hawaiʻi, Papakōlea Beach sits roughly three miles east of Ka Lae. Reaching this rare destination requires journeying across open pasturelands on foot, as vehicular access is legally restricted by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to protect the terrain. Hikers follow rugged, rutted paths carved through the landscape before arriving at the rim of the volcanic cone, where a final climb down the eroded headland brings you to the shore.
Papakōlea Beach is world-famous as one of only two green sand beaches on Earth. Its vibrant color comes from olivine—a green, iron- and magnesium-rich silicate crystal known locally as Hawaiian Diamond—winnowed from the partially collapsed Puʻu Mahana tuff ring. Formed over 49,000 years ago, this volcanic cone constantly supplies dense olivine crystals as ocean waves erode its ash matrix. The lighter volcanic sand is swept out to sea, leaving a striking, concentrated greenish shoreline within the sheltered bay.
The surrounding landscape offers a dramatic atmospheric window into the Big Island's ancient geologic past. Because the last lava flow here ended more than 10,000 years ago, the rocks enclosing the beach remain geologically stable, displaying exposed layers formed by historical volcanic eruptions and ash deposits. The area surrounding the crater is known in Hawaiian as 'papa kōlea' or plover flats. During the winter months, visitors traversing this quiet coastal setting may spot wintering Pacific golden plovers roaming near the crater.
This unique destination best suits adventurous travelers, hikers, and geology enthusiasts eager to witness a truly rare natural wonder. Expect an active outdoor excursion that demands a three-mile hike over rough ground followed by a steep descent down the tuff ring wall. Because facilities are absent and the terrain is exposed, visitors should come prepared for an authentic, unpaved journey to admire one of nature’s most unique coastal formations.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hike | Walk approximately 3 miles (5 km) east across pasturelands from Ka Lae (South Point). |
| Climb | Descend the steep inner wall of the partially collapsed Puʻu Mahana tuff ring to reach the sand. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Best time to visit & the water
| Season | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Winter months | Pacific golden plovers (Pluvialis fulva) can often be seen in the crater area during winter. |
Conditions vary with weather, tides & season · Last updated: 2026-09-12
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Legally, access across the pastureland to the beach is restricted strictly to foot travel.
- Pathways are very rugged and degraded by vehicle ruts reaching over 8 feet deep.
- Reaching the shoreline requires a steep climb down the volcanic tuff ring rim.
- There are no built facilities or amenities, so prepare for a remote hike.
