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    Papakolea Green Sand Beach

    4.2 (276 reviews)

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    Anna C.

    Green sand beach? Say no more. I'm in. You're going to get dirty. It's windy and dusty. Bring sunglasses or something to protect crap from getting in your eyes. There are parts that are so dry and dusty that it's like dirt trap and my whole foot sinks ankle deep into fine dirt. There is no shade, so bring sun protection. It took us 52 minutes to walk one way. It's a bumpy road with slight incline, so not strenuous, but also not exactly easy. It's pretty steep to get down to the beach, but there are two (kinda janky) stairs to get down the first part, then some fissures along the side that almost act as stairs, so you won't have any issues climbing down. It's so worth it if you're at all enamored by seeing a green sand beach. My pictures are a bit filtered to emphasize the green color, but it's definitely green, unlike some of the other underwhelming pics. I was worried that it wouldn't really be green, but about halfway there, you'll start to see the olivine in the dirt, then definitely will notice the green of the beach at the end. *Note: There are trucks who apparently will drive out and back for a fee. We left Hilo at 6AM to get there just before 8AM and didn't see that option on the way out there. My initial plan was actually to hike out there, then maybe do a one-way back, but it wasn't an option since nobody was out there yet. We finally started seeing some trucks go out when we were almost back at the parking lot. In retrospect, it wasn't bad at all to walk, and some online articles are saying it's actually illegal and bad for the protected landscape.

    Heather K.

    Buckle up, this one's a doozy. We drove to the green sand beach with very open minds. I had a book and read about the green sand beach and how difficult it is to get there. We pulled into the small parking lot and started walking over to this small group of people. On one side you had the parking lot, on the other side were a bunch of trees and pick up trucks. Like I said earlier, I had a book and read about this. These trucks were locals, and they were offering to take us down and back to the green sand beach. Since I had already prepared myself for this hence by reading the book, I knew I could trust these random strangers that were telling me they would take me there for a price. This main guy, told us it's a 3 mile trip, it takes an hour and a half to walk, and it's all in the sun. We arrived around 10am and it was already hot out. I looked at him and said can you break a $100? He laughed at me and said sure thing. 6 other strangers climbed into the back of this man's pickup truck with my boyfriend and I. We sat on this wood bench he had created for his truck and sat on cushions. In case you haven't caught on, this guy does this for a living! He maneuvered his truck through some really rocky and sketchy parts of the beach for about 20-25 minutes until we got to the beach. He then offered to take all our pictures in front of the green sand beach. He waits at the top for you and your party to come back. This is an option for those who want to spend about 30-60 minutes at this once in a lifetime siting. On our way back he asked us if we wanted to see where the greenest sand is. Of course we said yes and let me tell you I am glad we did. The green sand beach is green, but this little pit stop has greener sand. It was gorgeous. We arrived back at the parking lot and paid him. He currently is charging $20 a person. He told us his name, for privacy and safety reasons I won't share. Some people are upset at these locals (and visitors who rent a 4x4) for driving on these paths as it is ruining the terrain. He has a nickname. It all clicked at this moment. This man's name was in that book I read! I was so happy we randomly stumbled upon him as it added to the very comical story I was bringing home. Definitely bring lots of water and wear sunscreen, I burned SO bad on my shoulders and thighs. This was an unforgettable experience, seeing 1 of 4 green sand beaches in the world, and I got to do it with complete strangers in the back of his pick up!

    Really wasn't that great. It's hard to get to and honestly not that green. It has a slight tinge but mostly just looks like regular sand. To get there it's either a 6 mile round trip rocky/windy hike or $20pp to stand on the back of a "shuttle" pickup. Also a fairly steep walk down to the actual water. I'd suggest skipping and spending your time at the black sand beach instead. Much prettier and a lot easier to access, plus more sea turtles to see (just make sure you keep your distance). If you do end up going to this beach be careful of the parking lot. Some deep drop offs where multiple people get stuck and have to be towed out.

    One of only four green sand beaches in the world...
    John L.

    #TakeMeBackTuesday Papakōlea Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world so, yeah, I want to be taken back to this beautiful location. It's a 3-mile hike from the South Point parking lot, but there are plenty of illegal "shuttles" operating there. Satellite views from iPhone/Google Maps would reveal how badly the terrain has been damaged by vehicles driving through. Tourists with 4X4 rentals contribute to the mayhem as well. The sand is green due to the denser olivine crystals that are left on the beach as opposed to the rest of the volcanic ash that gets swept away. It is not overly green, but it does have a green hue. The beach is secluded and the view is fantastic. The hike (or ride) can be brutal especially on a windy and/or hot day. It is one of our Big Island highlights for sure, but my hope is that something gets done to improve the hike trail (markers would be great) and close the area to vehicular traffic. Maybe the ruts can heal over time and help preserve the uniqueness of the place. Here's me hoping...

    Papakolea Beach (Green Sands)
    Duane G.

    It was well worth it to get here but once your here, it's just beautiful. The landscape is breathtaking and the sand is green, remember this is 1 of 4 in the world!

    Laurette R.

    This was quite an experience! We showed up around 10:30. We were offered a ride from a man with a truck. lol. Seemed like the best plan for $20 per person. What a crazy rough ride out there. We were in the back of the pick up truck with about six other people. Our driver asked us how long we needed to enjoy the beach and he waited the hour on top. He gladly took our picture. The way down to the beach was pretty interesting. We squeezed through to make it down the green sand beach. It was extraordinary. The waves were pretty rough and no one seemed to get in. Strong pull as soon as you stepped near the water. The views were incredible. I sat in the truck on the way back. So happy we did this. What an experience!! If you plan of hiking down to the beach- it's all in the sun with winds and no shade. Lots and lots of dust on the road. Highly trafficked. Beautiful views.

    Brian P.

    Definitely not worth coming to as it's a complete hassle unless you have a Jeep or 4x4 capable vehicle. If not you'll have to hike the 3 miles or ride in the back of a janky pick-up truck as some of the locals offer "shuttle" service for about $10 each way per person. If you decide to hike, make sure to bring hiking shoes or at least sneakers. We didn't know it would be such a far hike and we only had flip flops on. Bad choice as the trail is super rocky! As we finally got to the beach, we noticed it wasn't even really green colored! More like a different shade of brown. Because it was starting to rain and got super windy as we arrived we didn't climb down to the water. If you choose to do so, you have to climb down a rickety looking ladder and then hike down. Since it was raining we decided to catch a ride with one of the locals that said he was taking people back soon. The ride is super bumpy since the terrain is super rocky. The whole time you're riding on a 2x4 in the bed of a pick up truck! I'm surprised no one gets thrown out of these vehicles because at times we felt like we would fly out if not for holding on!! Overall we didn't have a very great experience, and if you are really dying to come here I'd recommend renting your own Jeep, truck, or 4x4 capable vehicle.

    Beach
    Travis P.

    This is a one of a kind green beach. It's definitely worth checking out at least once. Pretty hard to get to though in bad weather conditions. It's a 3 mile hike and can be dangerous depending on the weather. It rained and I ended up walking there in about an hour. Heavy winds are possible in this area as well. There are people that will take you up though for $20 per person round trip or $15 per person one way. It's quite worth it just to ride once because that drive is an absolute ride like an amusement park.

    Green Sand Beach
    Deborah P.

    I can't say the beach itself was bad... amazing green sand, outstanding views, and the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience such a natural wonder. HOWEVER, the scam that is to get people there is an anathema to the spirit of aloha! I wish I had reviewed the trip prior to our day, my mistake. The people who "ran" the shuttles were rude, condescending, and just down right awful. $20 per person to DESTROY the natural landscape. And, to take a harrowing 25 minute crawl in the back of a pick up truck with 12 other saps. As soon as we arrived to the "beach", and unaware of the beach's access, we were guided to park our car by an unofficial "guide" and we were accosted with "well, you can hike the 3 miles it takes to get there, or you can take the shuttle." Not wanting to turn down the experience, we agreed. This trip was horrifying with 45 degree angles in ditches- not to mention that if we had tipped over, we had zero recourse. Once there, if you are not in somewhat athletic shape, don't bother. It's a 4 point scramble both on the way down to the sand, and back up. After an hour, once you crawl your way to the "lot" you climb back in a pickup with 20 other saps. Because there was little room in the way back, my husband and his friend decided to hike it to let the women have the ride. I told the driver we would negotiate the new price since there were two less in our party. Unbelievably, he mimed with his hand me "yapping" screaming at me, " That's not the price we agreed on! You will be charged $20 per person whether they ride or not! ALL YOU TOURISTS ARE ALIKE!" I was dumbfounded and because there were children present, I refrained from responding. If you get the chance to go, hike it.

    Jacqueline T.

    This was my favorite discovery on the big island this time around. It's not an easy beach to get to. If you have 4 wheel drive, you can drive there. We did not though. This meant it was about a 2.5 mile hike (one way) out to the beach. It's pretty flat, so it's not a hard hike, but the 30 mile per hour winds didn't help. The wind is common on the southernmost point down here. It was all worth it for how pretty this beach was. It was a little rough getting sand whipped at you, so if you can find a less windy day, do that. The sand has a green hue, but it isn't overly green. The bay is gorgeous though. Even though it's a long walk, it was absolutely worth it to me to see this view.

    When you get to the beach, get ready to climb some steep stairs down
    Jeanette Y.

    Honestly going to the beach & swimming there is an experience in itself. If you're looking for calmness, this is NOT the beach for you. If you're looking for adventure & down for it, this is perfect spot for you. As some of the reviews mentioned, the sand is not GREEN GREEN. It's like a darker shade of brown but on the green side. You can NOT take sand home. There's a sign at the bottom near the shore not to take the sand home & I suggest you don't. So let's start from the beginning... WALK OR TAKE A LOCAL TRUCK: it's half half. It is 3 miles walk ONE way & we decided to pay the $20 RT (for each person) to take us to the beach. We did not feel like walking & wanted to use our time wisely. Some people take the walking route but it is long & the sun is just shining on you like crazy. When we were there, we tracked another couple that decided to walk. By the time we got there, swam, took pictures and walked back up to take our ride back to the parking lot, they finally got to the beach so I thought it was worth to pay it. Now the ride is BUMPY because you are driving over rocks, up & down hills so HOLD ON. This isn't some Uber comfort ride. But again, that itself is an adventure. THE BEACH: the driver WAITS for you too btw so the group that you rode in with is the same group you will ride out with. You decide as a group how long you want to stay there (30 mins, 1 hour, 2 hours). We decided to stay 1.5 hours. once the car parks, you walk down some steep stairs & through the lava flow rocks to get to shore. The waves were rough! (April 2021). But so much fun. We had to time it right to run in before we got hit by a wave. I think after 4 waves, I was done. THE TOP: other than swimming, a lot of people also walk along the lava flow rocks to see the top of the beach and appreciate nature's beauty. We got a little bit of time left & got to see the beach from the top & just see how the lava formed the way it did. & it was a nice way to dry off before hopping back in the truck. We probably were there for about 3 hours so time your trip wisely. You have to consider the time to either walk or ride in & out. Again, if you're looking for calm and relaxation, this isn't the beach for you. But if you want to explore & go on an adventure, then this should definitely be on your list!

    View from the side
    Erin S.

    Very cool! We went on the way back to Waikoloa from the volcano. Give yourself enough time to make sure you get back to your car before sunset! Plan for at least 3 hours for this activity (more if you walk). DEFINITELY worth paying $20 per person to get the ride from the parking lot to the beach. Both cars we rode in broke down, and we ended up walking about 1/8 of the way there on the way to the beach and maybe 1/6 of the way back, so we just paid $10 per person. Still worth it! The ride is super bumpy, so if you're fragile, this probably isn't the best activity for you. However, walking is way worse--there's no shade and it's a far walk (we've heard it's 1.5 hours each way). Be aware that once you get there, it's a steep climb down to the beach. The sand isn't a vibrant green; it's more of a forest green mixed with brown sand. The coolest part is the area that the amphitheater-esque area that the beach is in. If you're able, highly recommend!

    View from the top of the beach before descending

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    It was amazing, peaceful, not totally impacted by humans, and green. :) worth the hike out.

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Papakolea Green Sand Beach

    Is it possible to do the hike from the parking lot to the beach with a stroller?

    It will be a very bumpy dirty road and you may need to go through some grassy areas, so it's best not to go with a stroller, or you'll need a super heavy duty one. You also cannot wheel the stroller directly down to the beach because you will need… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Papakolea Green Sand Beach

    Make sure to go early, because we went in the afternoon and there were quite a few ppl there.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Kahalu'u Beach Park - The beach!

    Kahalu'u Beach Park

    4.4(396 reviews)
    79.7 km

    We swim here regularly, year-round. IMHO this is the best all-around snorkeling beach on the…read moreisland, but as with any ocean activity the surf and tide will affect your experience, so ask the lifeguards or the volunteers for advice. This protected bay has over 120 species of resident fish, and usually has clear water. Other than urchins (7 species) there is no marine life to worry about. Turtle sitings are more likely at high tide when their salad bar (the algae on the rocks) is available. Typically from 9 to 3 daily the Reef Teach volunteers have photo guide books and other reference materials available, along with free advice, defog spray, and reef-safe sunscreen. Water access is the narrow and shallow rocky channel in front of the lifeguard station by the parking and pavilion. Swim fins or sand shoes are recommended. The locals value their feet and swim through it even at low tide when it is only a foot deep. Coming back in you can actually swim all the way back to the sandy channel. The water is usually noticeably warmer and clearer away from the entry. The bay is shallow with only a few places that are even 8' deep at high tide. Unless you really need to, don't stand on the bottom or coral - fins and feet damage it.

    Great beach! It has shade and some good views. Definitely a good place to bring the family as it is…read moresomewhat protected. Parking is expensive kind of a bummer. The area itself didn't have much amenities, but definitely have palm trees and shade, which was nice in the afternoon. Happy to make it on our first day

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    Kahalu'u Beach Park - Locals

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    Papakolea Green Sand Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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