Only 4 Green Sand Beaches Exist on Earth — One Is in Hawaii

Welcome to Papakolea Beach

One of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakolea sits at the southern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island. The olive-colored sand comes from a cinder cone that erupted 49,000 years ago, creating crystals that mix with regular beach sand.

Getting here takes work – it’s a hot 2.5-mile hike each way – but that keeps the crowds thin. Here are some interesting facts about this unique coastline.

The Green Sand is Really Old

Green sand started forming about 49,000 years ago when volcanic eruptions locked olivine crystals inside the Pu’u Mahana cone. Over thousands of years, these crystals have slowly broken free from the cone.

Since olivine is heavier than other volcanic bits, it stays on the beach while lighter particles wash away with the waves. You’ll find that 30% to 50% of the sand here is made up of these olivine crystals, making it one of the richest mineral beaches you can visit.

How Much Beach Do You Get?

The green sand covers most of the shoreline, creating a small but distinct area to experience this rare sight.

The beach stretches roughly 25 meters from the water to where it meets the cliff. These natural boundaries make it easy to see the sand’s green color clearly and the cove’s small size helps keep the olivine crystals concentrated in one area.

What Keeps the Beach Green

Approximately 3 miles east of Ka Lae, you’ll find ocean waves constantly hitting the old Puʻu Mahana cinder cone, breaking loose more olivine crystals that add fresh green sand to the beach.

Thanks to this steady erosion process and the curved shape of the bay which blocks strong waves, the beach still maintains its unique color.

Photographs For Every Moment

The green sand looks different throughout the day depending on various things. When waves wash over it, the olivine crystals turn dark and more vibrant.

During sunset, the sand glows with a mix of gold and green. The green color becomes more striking after it rains, and even the way you look at the sand changes its appearance.

The Sand Sparkles Like Gems

The beach’s olivine crystals (known as Hawaiian Diamonds) are the same material as peridot, the green gemstone jewelers use.

While these beach crystals are too small to make jewelry, all these tiny crystal pieces make the whole shore twinkle. Though it’s tempting to one home as a souvenir, these crystals are protected by law.

Why the Sand Gets So Hot

Olivine sand is noted for its high Mohs hardness, low uniform thermal expansion, sharp edges, and remarkable ability to resist slagging.

On sunny days, the surface can get so hot that you might have trouble walking barefoot, especially in the afternoon.

But the crystals hold onto heat longer than normal sand, staying warm even after the sun sets.

The Beach Changes Size

The beach looks quite different depending on the time of year. This means your experience at Papakolea can vary greatly depending on when you visit.

Winter brings strong waves that wash away some of the sand, making the beach smaller. In summer, calmer waters let the sand build up again, creating more area.

The Beach Has Some History

People have lived near Papakolea Beach since 124 CE, making it one of Hawaii’s first settled places. Early Hawaiians used the nearby South Point area to land their canoes.

The name “Papakolea” translates to ‘plover flats’ and holds deep meaning in Hawaiian culture, though each tribe interprets its meaning in different ways.

How the Beach Stays Protected

The volcanic cone around Papakolea acts like a natural wall, shielding the beach from severe erosion.

The cone’s walls also block strong winds, making the beach feel like a sheltered spot away from the elements. This protection helps explain why the green sand has stayed here for thousands of years.

This Beach is Special Worldwide

Out of all the green sand beaches in Guam, the Galapagos Islands, and Norway, Papakolea has the most olivine in its sand (up to 30 to 40%).

This high concentration is attributed to the perfect mix of volcanic activity, erosion, and ocean currents that create just the right conditions for so many olivine crystals to gather here.

What It Takes to Get There

To reach the beach, you’ll need to walk 2.5 miles each way on rough ground that goes past old ranch areas and along cliff edges. There’s no shade to protect you from the sun, and you won’t find any facilities on the way.

Most people spend about an hour walking, but your timing might vary. The path often gets windy and dusty, especially when it hasn’t rained in a while.

Even though it’s a tough walk, seeing this unusual beach makes the journey worth it.