A Magical Beach and Its Unique Volcanic Formation
It sounds like something out of a fairy tale: a beach in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, isolated and off-the-beaten-path, with striking green sand. Known as simply the “green sand beach,” its name speaks for itself. Hawaiians call it Papakolea because the Kolea bird loves the green sand cove as much as the visitors who trek to see the rare geological phenomenon. The otherworldly sand is olivine crystals forged from within the Mauna Loa volcano, which comprises a sizable portion of the Big Island. Rich in magnesium, olivine is part of the earth’s upper mantle, and the volcanic activity of a nearby cinder cone pushes the olive-colored crystals towards the water, gathering on the nearby shores of Papakolea. As one of only four green sand beaches worldwide, it’s a breathtaking natural wonder, making it a must-visit destination during your stay at our Volcano Bed and Breakfast.
Cruising From Volcano Village to the Southernmost Tip of the US, Where Green Sands Await
Highway 11, which starts near the Hilo airport, traces a semi-circle around the bottom half of the Big Island. From our convenient location in Volcano Village, you can jump on highway 11 and head southward towards the green sand beach. As you pass through the southern section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, enjoy the shifting scenery and gorgeous views on both sides, passing by lush landscapes within the Ka’u Forest Reserve and exploring one of the most unpopulated and undeveloped areas on the Big Island.
After a scenic 75-minute drive, you’ll exit the highway by making a left on Kamaoa Road and then another quick left on South Point Road. This road gets its name because it leads to the southern tip of the Big Island, which is (fun trivia fact) the southernmost tip of the United States! South Point Road terminates at a small parking lot, and after gathering up your water, hiking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen (there are no facilities or shade on the way there or when you arrive at Papakolea, so come prepared), the journey to one-of-a-kind Papakolea begins.
Options for Getting to the Green Sand Beach: Hike, Drive, or Truck Shuttle
- Hiking: Although a 2.5-mile hike each way from the parking area to Papakolea, it’s doable with proper preparation and the most ecologically mindful way to make the trip. If you plan to hike, aim to park and hit the trail by 6-7 a.m., allowing enough time to make the journey, enjoy the magnificent green sand, and get back to your car before noon—when the intense heat sets in. You’ll be following the route of a dirt road that can be uneven and rugged, so wear proper hiking or trail-running shoes (leave the sandals back at your Volcano Village cottage for this outing). It’s also best to avoid hiking during or immediately after rainfall, as the road/trail will be very muddy, making the trek extra challenging. Another tip is downloading the area on Google Maps for offline use, allowing you to route-find even if/when your phone loses service. As you hike, you’ll be far from the Hilo crowds, a rare place to take in the Big Island’s majestic southeastern coastline. Given the historical significance of this region to native Hawaiians – the route to Papakolea passes by ancient burial grounds and important cultural sites – hiking is the best way to travel lightly and pay respect to the island’s heritage, embodying the aloha spirit.
- Driving: First and foremost, only attempt to drive to Papakolea if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle with sturdy tires and extra clearance. The dirt road has deep ruts in places and is not easily navigable, so only take the drive if you have 4WD experience, as you’ll be stranded if you get stuck. Your standard rental car from Hilo or Kona airport is not up to the job, so don’t risk getting hit with a massive bill if you need to be towed or incur damage to the car’s underside. With that warning in mind, if you have a 4WD drive vehicle and feel confident in your off-road skills, bring a spare tire, as AAA will not service this remote location for flat tire rescues.
- Truck Shuttle: When you arrive at the parking area, you’ll immediately notice Hawaiian locals with pickup trucks offering to take you to the green sand beach, urging you to skip the long hike and arrive there within a few minutes. It may seem like a fantastic deal for only $20-25, and although it’s certainly more convenient, it’s better to avoid these unofficial truck shuttles for a few reasons. First, they are unpermitted and technically illegal, so you have no legal recourse if an accident happens en route. Second, you’ll be packed into the back of a pickup truck and standing, so the means of transport is sketchy at best and slightly dangerous, no matter how friendly the driver seems. Lastly, these trucks make trips back and forth day in and day out, contributing to the erosion of the natural ecosystem, so avoiding them is a more thoughtful way to travel to Papakolea – ensuring that future generations can do the same.
A Far-From-Crowded Trek Well Worth the Effort, With a Black Sand Beach on the Way Home
One of Papakolea Beach’s rewards is that it takes commitment to get there, so it is less crowded than other well-known spots on the Big Island. Whether you hike, drive, or shuttle there, once you arrive, a small step ladder leads down to the unmistakable dark olive sand below, where you’ll want to snap plenty of photos to capture the uniquely vibrant lava-formed beachscape. Rugged rocks frame the spectacular olivine crystal cove on both sides, where you can plant your feet in the green sand while waves crash on the shore. Make the journey on a weekday morning, and you’ll likely have the surreal beauty all to yourself – an added benefit of hiking out super early, escaping the afternoon heat, and finding solitude amongst the green sand grandeur.
Because of Papakolea’s powerful surf and remote location, swimming is hazardous and only suitable for the most experienced oceangoers. However, halfway back on the return trip from Papakolea to Volcano, make a short detour off Highway 11 to visit Punalu’u Beach, one of several awe-inspiring black sand beaches in Puna. Explore the tide pools and cool off after your epic hike to the green sand beach with some snorkeling and swimming safe for the whole family as lifeguards staff this popular beach area. Nowhere else can you experience a green sand and black sand beach in one afternoon, the Big Island’s unmatched beauty unfolding in front of your eyes and under your feet.
Reserve your stay today and plan your once-in-a-lifetime green sand beach adventure!
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