07/03/2025
🌿💚 Papakōlea Beach: Hawaii’s Green Sand Wonder! 💚🌿
Did you know Hawaii is home to one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world? 🤯 Papakōlea Beach, located on the Big Island, is a hidden gem made of tiny green crystals called olivine…formed from an ancient volcanic eruption over 50,000 years ago.
Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking of adding this unique stop to your itinerary:
🥾 It’s a hike! You’ll need to walk 5–6 miles round trip to reach the beach. The trail is exposed with no shade, so bring water, hats, and sunscreen.
🛻 Local rides available: If you decide against the hike, there are locals offering rides on 4x4 trucks for a fee. Note these are unofficial and not recommended if you have any health issue that prevents you from being able to stabilize yourself while riding down rough terrain.
🌊 Swimming: The water here is beautiful, but the surf can be rough…and there is no lifeguard. If you or your kids aren’t strong swimmers, it is best to just take in the view from the beach.
💚 The Color: Many photos of this beach have been edited/filtered to show an unrealistic shade of green. If you’re expecting lime green sand, you’ll be disappointed. My photos in this post are unfiltered and give a true representation of the actual color of the sand…which is an olive green color.
📸 Worth it for the views! Even if you don’t hike all the way down, the cliffside views of the green sand and crashing waves are unforgettable.
If you’re headed to the Big Island and want an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Papakōlea might just be the experience you’re looking for! 💚🌋
