I love discovering unique places, so I was amazed to find Hawaii’s colored sand beaches. Among them, the green sand beaches stand out—they’re so rare that only a few exist in the world.
Hawaii’s famous green sand beach, Papakōlea Beach, sits on the southern tip of the Big Island near the town of Naalehu.
Tiny olivine crystals give the beach its green color. These crystals come from the nearby volcanic cinder cone of Mauna Loa.
To reach the shore, you need to hike across lava fields or take a 4WD vehicle. The journey is an adventure, but the views and unique green sand make it worthwhile.
To learn more about what to expect, visit this guide to Papakōlea Beach.
What Makes Green Sand Beaches Unique
Special minerals in the sand create the rare and striking color of green sand beaches. Their volcanic origin and unique formation process make these spots unlike any other beach I’ve visited.
Olivine and Olivine Crystals
The green color of these beaches mostly comes from a mineral called olivine. Olivine is rich in iron and reflects light to make the sand look green.
A special variety of olivine, peridot, is often used as a gemstone. At beaches like Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, the sand contains tiny olivine crystals that sparkle in the sunlight.
These crystals mix with regular sand, giving the beach its unusual look. Green sand beaches have a high content of olivine, which is extremely rare.
Formation Through Volcanic Activity
Volcanic activity starts the process of making green sand beaches. When a volcano erupts, it pushes magma up from deep in the earth.
This magma cools and forms rocks rich in minerals like olivine. Over time, the volcanic cone breaks apart.
At Papakōlea Beach, the sand comes from the eroded remains of a volcanic cone near Mauna Loa. The landscape looks very different from the typical white or black sand beaches in Hawaii.
Hawaii’s active volcanoes bring olivine crystals to the surface. This unique volcanic history makes green sand beaches possible.
How Erosion Shapes the Beaches
After the volcano creates olivine-rich rocks, erosion shapes the beach. Wind, waves, and rain break down the rocks and carry the olivine crystals to the shore.
Lighter parts of the rock wash away, but heavier olivine crystals stay and collect at the shoreline. This process leaves a high concentration of green crystals mixed with regular sand.
Natural forces constantly reshape places like Papakōlea Beach, keeping them special and distinct.
Papakōlea Beach: Hawaii’s Famous Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea Beach on the Big Island is one of the world’s only green sand beaches. Its unique color, remote setting near South Point, and cultural significance make it a memorable stop for visitors.
History and Significance to Native Hawaiians
Papakōlea Beach, also called Papakolea, sits on land with deep meaning for Native Hawaiians. The area, including South Point, is one of the first places where Polynesians settled in Hawaii.
The green sand connects to ancestral stories about the land and volcanoes. Many local legends tie the beach and surrounding Kaʻū district to guardian spirits.
For Native Hawaiians, the place holds cultural and spiritual value. Signs around the area remind visitors to respect the land and its history.
Ancestors used these spots for fishing, gathering, and early farming. Cultural practices and ceremonies still happen nearby.
Getting There: Hiking and Access
Reaching Papakōlea Beach is an adventure. There’s no direct road, so you need to hike about 2.5 miles one way from the nearest parking area.
The hike follows a rugged path through open fields with almost no shade. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
The terrain is mostly flat, but wind and sun can make it tough. The round trip is about 4.5 miles total.
There are no restrooms or facilities along the way. Some people offer rides in 4WD vehicles, but this is discouraged because it damages the landscape and crosses private property.
Walking is the most respectful and safest way to visit. Early mornings are best to beat the heat, and the reward is standing above the brilliant green sands with the ocean at your feet.
South Point and the Kaʻū District
Papakōlea sits near the southernmost tip of the United States, called South Point or Ka Lae. The whole area is famous for rugged scenery and strong winds.
The Kaʻū district is one of the least developed parts of the Big Island. The region has a sense of untamed natural beauty.
Kaʻū is also home to rich agricultural lands, ranches, and many sites important to Hawaiian culture. South Point has archaeological sites, including ancient fishing shrines and old heiau (temples).
Early Hawaiians chose this spot for its fertile land and abundant fish. Driving to South Point, you follow a narrow road that leads to lava fields and open grasslands.
Signs along the way highlight the area’s natural and cultural history. It’s worth stopping to read and enjoy the views over the cliffs to the Pacific.
The Volcanic Cone and Nearby Landmarks
Papakōlea Beach gets its color from the weathered remains of a volcanic cone called Puʻu Mahana. This cone is about 49,000 years old and formed during a Mauna Loa eruption.
Tiny olivine crystals in the volcanic rocks create the green sand. The beach sits inside the eroded crater.
When you reach the edge, you’ll see the contrast between olive green sand, black lava fields, and the blue ocean. It’s a rare sight.
Nearby landmarks include the South Point cliffs, distant wind farms, and remnants of old Hawaiian settlements. Some spots offer cliff-jumping, but only experienced swimmers should try it.
The combination of history, geology, and scenery makes Papakōlea one of the most unusual beaches in Hawaii.
Other Notable Green Sand Beaches Around the World
Hawaii’s Papakolea Beach is famous, but a few other rare green sand beaches exist in different parts of the world. Each spot stands out for its special geology and setting.
Talofofo Beach in Guam
Talofofo Beach is on Guam’s southern coast. Olivine gives the sand its unusual green color.
The green tint is not always visible. Weather and wave patterns sometimes make the sand look brown.
The best time to see the green color is during summer, when the sun is bright and the sand is dry. Surfing is popular at Talofofo Beach when the winds are right.
The area has a friendly, easygoing vibe. Visitors often hunt for sea glass or shells along the shoreline.
Talofofo is a local favorite for picnics and gatherings. It offers a more relaxed experience than most beaches on Guam.
See more about Talofofo Beach at The Sun’s guide to rare green sand beaches.
Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island
Punta Cormorant is on Floreana Island in the Galápagos, Ecuador. The beach sits between green volcanic hills and shallow lagoons.
Olivine crystals give the sand its green hue. This makes it one of only a few green sand beaches on the planet.
Wildlife is a big draw at Punta Cormorant. Sea turtles nest here, and you can spot flamingos, herons, and finches.
Swimming is not allowed because the waters are protected for wildlife. The green sand contrasts with the pure white sand of a nearby cove.
Walking between the beaches highlights the natural differences. Boat tours often stop at Floreana, making it accessible to visitors.
Hornindalsvatnet, Norway
Hornindalsvatnet is Europe’s deepest lake. On its shores, you can spot stretches of greenish sand.
Steep, forested mountains surround the lakeside. The setting feels peaceful and remote.
Glacial minerals, including tiny bits of olivine, give the sand its green color. Unlike other green sand beaches, this spot is freshwater.
The temperature is chilly, especially outside summer. People visit to relax, picnic, or enjoy the view rather than swim.
Hornindalsvatnet is usually quiet, so you can enjoy time close to the water. For more about green sand beaches worldwide, visit The Manual’s guide to rare green sand beach locations.
Planning Your Trip to Hawaii’s Green Sand Beaches
When I visit Hawaii’s green sand beaches, I stay aware of the weather and my safety. I choose the right season for travel and pack essentials to make my trip comfortable.
Best Time to Visit
The weather on the Big Island can change quickly, especially near the coast.
April to October are usually the best months to visit because it’s warmer and drier.
These months help me avoid the rainy season, so I get more clear skies and better beach days.
If I travel from Kona, the drive takes about 1.5 hours to Papakōlea Beach.
I check traffic and weather before I leave.
Early mornings offer smaller crowds and cooler temperatures.
Weekdays are often less busy than weekends.
I check tide schedules and weather forecasts using local resources before making final plans.
This helps me spend more time at the beach and less time dealing with surprises.
Essential Tips for Vacationers
Visiting a green sand beach like Papakōlea Beach takes some planning.
I usually drive to the parking area near Naalehu and follow a rugged trail along the coast.
The round-trip hike is about 5.6 miles, so I wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Since the beach has no restroom or food facilities, I pack snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
There is little shade, so I protect myself from the sun.
Swimming is possible, but the surf can be strong.
I watch for high waves and avoid swimming too far.
I take all my trash with me to keep the beach clean.
Respecting the land and following local rules helps everyone enjoy Hawaii.
Responsible Tourism and Preserving Green Sand Beaches
I try to travel in a way that protects both the land and Hawaii’s culture.
Visiting green sand beaches comes with real responsibilities for nature and the community.
Respecting Nature and Local Culture
When I visit unique spots like Papakōlea Beach, I stay on marked trails and avoid walking on plants or hillsides.
This prevents damage to fragile dunes and rare vegetation.
It also keeps the green sand on the beach, not in my shoes or bag.
Native Hawaiians see these places as more than just tourist spots.
The land and its resources have deep cultural meaning.
Taking sand or rocks is against the law and is disrespectful.
I follow posted signs and listen to local advice.
I pack out my trash, use restrooms when available, and respect sacred sites.
This helps protect what makes these places special for everyone.
Conservation Efforts for Rare Beaches
Green sand beaches are rare and fragile.
For example, Papakōlea Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island has green sand, which is uncommon worldwide.
When people remove sand or leave litter, they cause lasting damage.
Conservation groups and local authorities maintain trails and post reminders.
Sometimes, they limit the number of visitors.
I look for volunteer opportunities or educational programs when I visit.
Some beaches display signs that explain why taking sand is harmful.
These signs also show how small changes in behavior protect the site.
