Papakolea Green Sand Beach

About this spectacle

Papakolea is one of only a handful of green sand beaches on Earth, its vivid olive-hued shoreline born from the mineral olivine — a dense, gem-quality crystal that concentrates here as lighter basaltic material washes away. Reaching it requires a committed overland trek across exposed lava fields, rewarded by a sweeping cinder-cone bay where turquoise Pacific surf crashes against the startling green shore. The colour shifts with the angle of sunlight, glowing richest in midday brightness. Winds are often strong and skies wide open. The surrounding sea cliffs amplify wave noise and make the setting feel genuinely remote. Snorkelling is possible in calmer conditions, and fragments of olivine glitter underfoot. There are no facilities at the beach itself, and collecting sand is illegal under federal and state law.

When to go

Year-round

Getting there

Nearest airport: KOA. Nearest city: Hilo.

Booking options

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