Papakolea Green Sand Beach

Top 2% of attractions in Hawaii

8/10

“Hawaii’s famous green-sand beach is located at the base of Puu o Mahana, an old cinder cone spilling into the sea.”

– Frommer's

Lonely Planet

Top choice

"Hawaiʻi's southernmost tip, Ka Lae feels like the utter end of the earth." Full review

Fodor's

"You'll need good hiking shoes or sneakers to get to this olive-green crescent, one of the most unusual beaches on the island." Full review

It can get hot and windy, so bring lots of drinking water.

Where

"Located in the Kau district, this is the only one of its kind on the island." Full review

Atlas Obscura

"A beach made of semi-precious green sand on the Big Island of Hawai'i. " Full review

Michelin Guide

1 Star

"The olive-green-colored "sand" is actually made up of a mineral called olivine. Olivine is created when basaltic lava cools. " Full review

4.5

Tripadvisor

4.6

Google

Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI