Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
One of only a few green-sand beaches in the world, its olive tint comes from olivine crystals eroded from a cinder cone.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: jonny - m t, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is a beach in Kaʻū, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 3–4 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Beach
- Area
- Kaʻū
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, active, nature and photo spot
- Best months
- January–February and November
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About Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
One of only a few green-sand beaches in the world, its olive tint comes from olivine crystals eroded from a cinder cone. It is reached by a walk of about 4.5 km each way across exposed, windy coastal plain near South Point.
Tip: Bring plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes; there is no shade, and the climb down into the cove is steep.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 3–4 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Kaʻū.
Best time to visit Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Maunakea.
- No. 11 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Near Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Also in Kaʻū, so you can walk between them:
- Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach — 1 hour, free
If you like Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — Volcano, A full day
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- Hāpuna Beach — Kohala Coast, Half a day
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park — Hāmākua Coast, 1 hour
Staying near Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Where to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Papakōlea Green Sand Beach?
Plan 3–4 hours. With Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach nearby, it fits a half-day in Kaʻū.
+Is Papakōlea Green Sand Beach free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Papakōlea Green Sand Beach?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Bring plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes; there is no shade, and the climb down into the cove is steep.
+Do I need to book Papakōlea Green Sand Beach in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.