Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Dogs Off-leash

Features Swimming · Views

No shade and lots of sand. Bring sunscreen, good shoes (not flip flops) and lots of water. Requires climbing down ladder and steep section of rock to get down to beach. Lot of people swimming at beach, and several views of whales on the hike in January.

Parking is limited. There were port-a-potties but not well maintained. Local were selling snacks at the trailhead.

There is no defined trail and no signs. Lots of trucks, jeeps and ATVs cutting through the sand and creating multiple paths to drive people to the beach. It is not hard to follow the various paths to the beach.

Bring lots of water and sunscreen. It was hot and sunny in January, and there is no shade.

You'll need to climb down a ladder and navigate a steep section of rock to get down to the beach, but it is very manageable. I saw all ages and levels capable of climbing down. It looks worse that it is, but wear good shoes. The rocks get slippery with sand.

You can definitely have lunch and hang out at the beach, but there is no lifeguard or cell phone service. Swim at your own risk. Water was warm in January. There are no services (trash cans) so be prepared to Leave No Trace.

We saw lots of whales jumping out of the water along the hike in January, so keep your eyes on the horizon.

This hike travels to a green sand beach located in a bay cut into a side of Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago. The green sand is created by a common mineral in Big Island lava called olivine, which stays deposited on this beach because it is heavier than the other components of the lava.