Beaches with different shades of sand are not so rare in the world, but you would be looking for green sand for a long time.

There are only four similar beaches in the world. You'll find one at the very southern tip of the Big Island near Naalehu and Ocean View. The green colour here is caused by the mineral olivine.

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There are 3 different names for this beach:

Green Sand Beach - the most common and most telling name simply because the surface of the beach is distinctly green at first glance.
Papakōlea Beach - the second most common name is based on the Hawaiian term for the Pacific Bullet Bird, which is abundant here
Mahana Beach - the least used name derived from a nearby volcanic cone called Pu'u Mahana

Do you like beaches with exotic coloured sand? Then stop by Black Sand Beach, too, which lies just a few kilometres to the north.

Why is the beach green?

The secret to the beach's colouring lies just a few metres away. It is the aforementioned inactive Mahana volcanic cone, which spewed lava from the depths of the earth rich in the mineral olivine, known for its green colour.

The beach is thus covered with glassy-looking small crystals of green olivine, which is heavier than sand and black volcanic dust and therefore sticks to the beach to a greater extent. The waves tend to wash the sand and volcanic dust out of the sea and the olivine crystals remain.

The shade of green depends on the actual percentage of olivine in the sand (it varies with the waves) and of course also on the sun conditions. But no matter when you arrive at the beach, it will always be green at first sight, sometimes more, sometimes less.

Swimming

The olivine crystals are abraded by the waves and the constant movement, so they are not sharp and you can walk or sunbathe on the beach without too much trouble. However, the beach lies under a rather steep rock overhang and the walk down is not for everyone, so most tourists just take pictures of the beach from the adjacent cliff.

Also, swimming is only recommended where you can get "up to your knees". Although the beach is located in a small cove, the waves are quite big and the bottom currents are strong.

How to get there

Green Sand Beach is located at the very south of Hawai'i Island and can only be reached by car. It's in a completely remote area with no civilization and just getting there is a great experience.

From the main ring road around the island, number 11, turn off at the village of Waiohinu at the junction with the sign pointing to "South Point", the southernmost point on the island. There are 12 miles (19 km) of tarmac road ahead. Just before the end of the road, a right turn leads to South Point, which is not that interesting, but you continue straight on until you reach the Green Sand Beach parking lot.

From here you have to walk along the flat footpath along the wild coast for about 4.5 km in one direction, so you will walk a total of 9 km. It's not a difficult walk, but as there are no shops or restaurants for miles, be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.

Accommodation

As Green Sand Beach is really in a very remote location, many travellers choose to stay for 1 night in Ocean View, 20 km away, or in the village of Waiohinu or Naalehu. We would recommend these accommodations:

Leilani Bed and Breakfast - the cheapest guesthouse in the area with prices slightly below 110 eur for a room for 2 per night
Palaoa House with Lanai and Ocean Views - a holiday home for 4 at prices from 293 eur per night ideal when travelling with more people