Green Sands Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii
Green Sands Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii
Green Sands Beach (aka, Papakolea or Pu’u o Mahana) is located near South Point in the Ka’u District of the Big Island of Hawaii.
The beach gets its name because of ground up volcanic minerals called olivine in the sand, which gives it a greenish tint. This is a very unique place on the Big Island of Hawaii because there are only two green sand beaches in the world, the other being in the Galapagos Islands.
Green Sands Beach is a very isolated beach and access in and out of this area can be very difficult. Most people park just west of South Point, the southernmost point in the USA, and make the 2.5 mile hike across the lava fields to this eighth wonder of the world. Those who can endure the hot sun and blistering wind are rewarded with a bright blue ocean and a perfect place to relax and spend the day. Be sure to bring plenty of water because the hike out can be extra tough after a long day at the beach.
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- The sand gets it greenish tint from a ground up volcanic mineral called olivine.
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- The Green Sand Beach is located near South Point, the southernmost part of the USA.
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- The sand has a very unique texture. Almost like that of brown sugar.
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- The water here super clear and has an amazing blue tint to it.
