Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Mountain View, Hawaii

4.9/5

based on 7 reviews

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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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Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach Reviews

Shelly Arroyo

Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

07/21/21

It is a bit of a walk, but well worth it. And remember, this is PRIVATE PROPERTY. The property owners allow hikers, and cars of any kind are illegal. You want access to the beach shut down? Then keep paying locals to drive you. ~sigh~

5.0

Margo Schmiederer

Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

08/04/20

Very close to South Point, Green Sands beach is one of the most beautiful and remote beaches one may ever come across in their lifetime. Most people walk or run to the beach from the main parking area, but it is drive-able if you have the right car (Jeep, all-wheel drive Subaru, etc)

5.0

Tom Dancu

Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

04/19/18

We found an alternative to illegal 4 x4 and faster than hiking. We rented Electric mountain bikes. It is windy there so the electric bikes made this a breeze (sorry:) We took a lunch and ended up sending 3 hours there. The coast line is beautiful.

5.0

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

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Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

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Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach Reviews

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Hawaii's South Point

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Halema‘uma‘u Trail

Thurston Lava Tube Trail

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