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The Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea Beach)
Papakōlea Beach (Green Sands Beach) is located outside Naalehu, a tiny town between Volcanoes National Park and South Point (the southernmost point of the United States). The beach is approximately 2 hours south of Kailua-Kona along Highway 11. It is easily recognizable by its green sand color. Green sand beach is officially known as Papakōlea. The beach itself is carved in a 49.000 years old cinder cone belonging to the Mauna Loa volcano that contains the green crystals (olivines) that give the beach its name. You can read more about this in the green sand trivia sectionfurther below. Papakōlea Beach (also known as Green Sand Beach or Mahana Beach [1]) is a green sand beach located near South Point, in the Kaʻū district of the island of Hawaiʻi. It is one of only four green sand beaches in the world, the others being Talofofo Beach, Guam; Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island in the Galapagos Islands; and Hornindalsvatnet, Norway. Papakolea Green Sand Beach 2,180 reviews #2 of 15 things to do in Naalehu Beaches Write a review About The big island of Hawaii's southernmost point features the Green Sand Beach. Duration: 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. See options
Papalokea Green Sand Beach The Big Island, Hawaii
Papakōlea Papakōlea beach is a geologic oddity among few in the world. It means 'plover flats,' after the Pacific golden plover. This hike travels to a green sand beach located in a bay cut into a side of Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago. Papakolea green sand beach is a breathtaking and unique slice of paradise. The only green sand beach in Hawaii, and one of just a few in the entire world, it's a truly unforgettable place. We put together this guide with everything you need to know to visit Papakolea Beach. Green sand beach (Papakōlea) 32 reviews #42 of 119 things to do in Kailua-Kona Points of Interest & LandmarksScenic Drives Write a review What people are saying " 1 in 4 green sand beaches in the world. Enough said. Immaculate. " Nov 2023 You stand up and ride in the back of a beat up truck and hold on for dear life to the rails. Green sand beach (Papakōlea) 32 reviews #42 of 119 things to do in Kailua-Kona Points of Interest & LandmarksScenic Drives Write a review What people are saying " 1 in 4 green sand beaches in the world. Enough said. Immaculate. " Nov 2023 You stand up and ride in the back of a beat up truck and hold on for dear life to the rails.
What to Expect at the Big Island's Green Sand Beach Papakōlea Beach Big Island Travel Blog
Description Facilities Getting There This hike takes you to one of the only true Green Sand Beaches in the world, this is a must-see! Located in a bay cut by the ocean into a side of Puu Mahana, the green sand is created by a common silicate deposit of Big Island lava called Olivine. Walk the rough rocky terrain and enjoy the sights and sounds! Papakolea Beach has the rare distinction of being one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world, the others are located in Norway, the Galapagos Islands, and Guam. Approximately 3 miles from Kau district's South Point (Ka Lae) area, Papakolea (meaning "plover flats") is also known as Green Sand Beach. Located in Mahana Bay, it.
Our goal: to reach one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Secreted away near the southern tip of Hawaii's Big Island, far from the heavily frequented touristy spots, an intimate green beach lies at the bottom of a small cliff. Officially known as Papakōlea Beach because of the kōlea bird that frequents the area, Hawaii's green sand beach goes by many names. including, of course, "Green Sand Beach," a name which needs no explanation. Papakōlea Beach is also referred to as Mahana Beach because the geological feature that surrounds it is called Puʻu Mahana.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach Photograph by Sarah Vanheel
Where is "Papakolea" or Green Sand Beach? "Papakolea," or Green Sand Beach Hawaii, is located in the southern part of the Big Island. You can take Highway 11 from Kona and turn to South Point between markers 69 and 70. It will take about 1.5 hours to drive here from Kona. Parking for the Papakōlea Green Sand Beach Trail is located at the very end of South Point Road, where the trail/ 4WD road begins. The Green Sand Beach parking lot should not be confused with South Point itself, which is located down the turn just prior to where South Point Road ends at the Green Sand Beach Trailhead..
