Weather: The area is hot, dry, and windy year-round, with little shade. Mornings are typically cooler with softer light, while afternoons can get dusty and harsh due to strong winds.
Pack a Day Bag: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person), snacks or a packed lunch, swimsuit, towel, and a light jacket in case of wind. A backpack is essential—there are no amenities.
What to Wear: Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals with good grip. The 2.5-mile trail is rugged, uneven, and dusty. Flip-flops are not recommended for the hike, but fine once you reach the beach.
What to Bring: Bring everything you need—there are no vendors or facilities. A waterproof bag or dry sack is helpful to protect electronics from dust and ocean spray.
Phone Service: Spotty to no reception in this remote area. Be sure to download maps ahead of time and let someone know your plans.
Bathrooms: There are no restrooms along the trail or at the beach. The nearest facilities are in the town of Nā‘ālehu, about 30–40 minutes away.
Parking: Park near the end of South Point Road at the marked lot before the trailhead. Do not attempt to drive to the beach unless you're with a permitted local shuttle—off-roading is illegal and damages the fragile ecosystem.
Check-In Booth: There is no official check-in booth. If you choose to take a shuttle, only use local, permitted operators offering safe and respectful transport.
Photography: This is one of the most unique beaches in the world—bring your camera! The olive-colored sand, carved cliffs, and turquoise water make for dramatic landscape photos. Early light is best for capturing the green hue of the sand.
Accessible for Disability: The beach is not accessible for those with mobility challenges. The hike is long, uneven, and exposed with no infrastructure. Shuttle rides may also be bumpy and not suitable for all visitors.
Rare Geological Formation
Located near South Point (Ka Lae) in the Kaʻū District of the Big Island, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Its signature olive-green hue comes from a mineral called olivine, which is abundant in the nearby Puʻu Mahana cinder cone, a 49,000-year-old volcanic tuff ring created by eruptions from Mauna Loa.
As the cone erodes, olivine crystals are carried to shore and collect in the small crescent-shaped bay, creating the striking green sand that makes this beach so unique.
Cultural and Ancestral Significance
The surrounding Kaʻū region is one of the most culturally intact and spiritually rich areas in Hawaiʻi. Papakōlea, meaning “plover flats” in Hawaiian (named for the Pacific golden plover), lies in a historically significant area where Native Hawaiians lived, fished, and practiced subsistence agriculture.
The beach sits near Ka Lae (South Point)—the southernmost point of the United States—which is believed to be one of the earliest landing sites of Polynesian voyagers in Hawaiʻi. Ancient fishing shrines (ko‘a), mooring holes for canoes, and heiau (temples) are still found in the region, reflecting its deep ancestral presence.
Access and Preservation
Reaching Papakōlea is an adventure in itself:
It’s about a 5.6-mile roundtrip hike from the parking area near South Point.
The trail is hot, dry, and exposed, but offers breathtaking ocean views and a chance to traverse one of the island’s most rugged and untouched landscapes.
Despite the remoteness, this beach has grown in popularity, and unauthorized vehicle access has caused damage to fragile terrain. Visitors are strongly encouraged to hike in and help protect this sensitive cultural and ecological site.
Papakōlea Today
Papakōlea remains a bucket-list destination for adventurous travelers seeking something truly unique. While swimming can be risky due to rough currents and no lifeguards, the beach is a stunning place to:
Reflect on the island’s volcanic power
Connect with the land’s cultural energy
Witness one of nature’s rarest coastal wonders
