Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Mountain View, Hawaii

4.9/5
based on 7 reviews

Description

Added by Lorene Voskinarian

A flat ~2 mile hike out to the beach unless you get a "taxi" from the locals. Have you ever been to a green sand beach?

Papakolea Beach aka Green Sand Beach is situated in a bay cut into a side of a cinder cone that erupted thousands of years ago. The green sand is created by a silicate deposit (mineral deposit) of lava called, which stays on this beach because it is heavier than the other, lighter components of the lava.

To get to the beach, It's possible to get a ride from locals for a few bucks from the parking lot to the beach, but the 2.5 mile hike out there isn't too bad. The path is relatively flat until you climb down onto the beach. The only thing to keep in mind is that the hike is really exposed so if it's windy, the sand will be blowing around a bit. Once you get there, enjoy the beach and go for a swim if the waves aren't too big or you're a comfortable ocean swimmer. You may also want to grab a coconut or a cold one from the local vendor before heading out to the beach.

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Features

Photography
Chillin
Swimming
Hiking
Beach
Easy Parking
Scenic

Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach Reviews

bring something to offer someone for a ride back! people with 4x4 cars can make it all the way. it's not a terribly long hike, but it is HOT.

A very cool bay to visit. Parking and walking from the end of the paved road is recommended as the road is deteriorating and the walk is very scenic.

On a hot day when the winds are blowing, its definitely worth hitching a ride with one of the locals (bring cash) or planning ahead and renting a car with four wheel drive. After checking out the Green Sand Beach, head over to South Point for some cliff jumping and to see the southern most point in the US!

There is no Shade... Bring lots of Water!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hawaii's South Point

Snorkel Two Step Beach

Halema‘uma‘u Trail

Thurston Lava Tube Trail

Kilauea Iki Trail

Halema'uma'u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks