Green Sands Beach (Papakolea)

South Hawai'i / Ka'u District: Ocean View | South Point | Greensands Beach
Wai'ohinu | Na'alehu | Punalu'u Black Sand Beach | Pahala

Mahalo to Rick Bramm- Edmonton, Canada

Green Sands Beach (Papakōlea) is a two mile hike or 4WD drive East from the paved parking lot and boat ramp near South Point. The sand - made in part from a volcanic material called olivine - ranges from black to emerald green making this one of the most scenic beaches on the island.

Mahalo to Rick Bramm- Edmonton, Canada

To get to Greensands, hike or 4WD East from the parking spot by the boat ramp (see map below). There are several dirt trails that run parallel, criss-crossing on their way to Greensands. While some recommend staying "to the left," this is generally advice for 4WD. For hikers, staying to the middle is quickest and keeping right, near the ocean, can be more scenic.

The hike out to the beach and back is part of the experience, and is not for everyone. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and be advised the red dust that may blow around on a windy day will stain white clothing (socks, t shirts, etc.).

Mahalo to Rick Bramm- Edmonton, Canada

To get down to the beach, you'll have to hike down a low sea cliff. The best spot is the area where the cliff is less steep. The steep face of the cliff is dangerous because the ground is loose and can slide away. Some ad-hoc stairs and a ladder make the trip slightly easier than the photo below makes it look.

Mahalo to Rick Bramm- Edmonton, Canada

Down at the beach, enjoy the view and perhaps chat with fellow hikers. The water may appear calm, but be advised that there are strong currents in the waters off this part of the island. Stay close to the shore if you plan to swim here. If the surf is up, don't go into the ocean because if you get in trouble here, you're miles away from any help. There are no lifeguards on this beach.

Directions to Greensands Beach: Take South Point Road (see South Point Page for more) and follow it to the end. Near the end the road will fork off to the right; hang left and you will end up in the circular parking area near the boat ramp. Click on the link below the map to open it in a new page; you will see both the parking area and Green Sands beach marked with blue balloons.

View Green Sands Beach in a larger map

South Hawai'i / Ka'u District: Ocean View | South Point | Greensands Beach
Wai'ohinu | Na'alehu | Punalu'u Black Sand Beach | Pahala

[back to Beach Map]

[back to South Point Dashboard]