This Lesser-Known Hawaii Shore is One of Only 4 Green Sand Beaches in the World

Green Sand Beach, Hawaii

Hawaii has no shortage of stunning beaches, but Green Sand Beach is in a league of its own.

The rare green color comes from crystals breaking free from a 49,000-year-old cinder cone called Pu’u Mahana. Wind and waves do the rest, creating this emerald shoreline at South Point.

Here are more interesting facts about this spectacular beach.

The Rare Green Beach

Papakolea Beach sits near South Point on Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s one of only four green sand beaches in the world.

The beach curves inside a bay partly circled by Pu’u Mahana, a volcano formed 49,000 years ago. Over time, wind, rain, and waves shaped this unique cove.

Hawaiians named it “Papakolea” meaning “plover flats” because Pacific golden plovers fly from Alaska to visit each winter.

Locals call it Papakolea Beach, Mahana Beach, or simply Green Sand Beach.

Why The Sand Looks Green

This beach gets its color from olivine crystals that washed out of the surrounding volcano.

Olivine contains iron and magnesium and the iron makes it green. When underground magma cools, olivine forms first because it hardens at higher temperatures.

High-quality olivine is called peridot – the August birthstone. Locals nickname these crystals “Hawaiian Diamonds” because they shine when polished, just like those at Diamond Head on Oahu.

How Nature Made Green Sand

The green sand beauty began when water hit hot magma 49,000 years ago on Mauna Loa’s side.

Water exploded into steam, blasting volcanic debris into the air. This material built a cone-shaped hill packed with olivine crystals.

Unlike other spots where olivine gets trapped in hard rock, this explosion mixed olivine into loose ash. For thousands of years, waves have hit this cone, breaking apart the ash and freeing the olivine.

Each wave today still releases more olivine.

Why The Green Sand Stays Put

Green sand doesn’t wash away because olivine crystals are heavier than other volcanic bits. When waves hit shore, they carry away lighter sand while the heavy olivine stays.

Scientists call this “mechanical weathering.” On other Hawaiian beaches, olivine stays trapped in solid lava, so it just breaks down and disappears.

Look closely at the sand and you’ll see green olivine mixed with black lava bits and white coral pieces, creating different green shades across the beach.

Why Green Sand Beaches Are So Rare

Besides Hawaii, green sand beaches exist only on Guam, in the Galapagos Islands, and in Norway. They need perfect conditions: lots of olivine in the rocks, strong waves to free the crystals, and a sheltered bay where they can collect.

It Will Be Gone Someday

The eroding volcano cone will supply fresh olivine for years, replacing older crystals that wash away during storms.

However, the green beach won’t last forever. Olivine crystals slowly break down when exposed to water and carbon dioxide, changing into other minerals over time.

Scientists think thousands of years from now, the olivine supply will run out as the cone completely erodes. Then Papakolea will become just an ordinary beach.

To help protect the place, Hawaii bans taking sand, with fines up to $100,000.

Sacred Ground For Hawaiians

This area holds deep meaning for Native Hawaiians. Nearby South Point is believed to be where souls jump into the afterlife to join their ancestors.

Evidence also shows South Point was the landing spot for the first Polynesian voyagers from Tahiti around 1,000 years ago. These sailors crossed thousands of miles using only stars and natural signs.

The Beach’s Connection to Goddess Pele

The olivine crystals link directly to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.

Hawaiian legends say Pele created the islands through her fiery temper. Ancient chants call her “She-who-shapes-the-sacred-land.”

Small pieces of peridot sell as “Pele’s tears” in local markets. Many locals believe finding an olivine crystal brings good luck as a gift from Pele herself.

Be Very Careful on This Beach

Steep cliffs from the collapsed volcano surround Papakolea Beach, rising 30 feet above the sand.

Swimming can be dangerous here due to strong currents. The beach faces directly south toward the open Pacific, catching powerful waves.

Strong winds sweep across this exposed point, often growing stronger in the afternoon. You won’t find facilities, lifeguards, water, or shade at the beach.

Visiting Green Sand Beach, Hawaii

Located at South Point Road near Ka Lae, Big Island, this unique beach requires a 2.5-mile hike each way from the free parking area.

You’ll find the trailhead between mile markers 69-70 on Highway 11. Turn onto South Point Road and follow signs to Green Sand Beach parking. The beach is accessible 24/7.

Read More from wheninyourstate.com

• The Beautiful Peninsula Where Hawaii Exiled Leprosy Patients for Over 100 Years
• Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles Glide Through Ancient Lava Formations at This Iconic Maui Snorkeling Spot
• If These 10 Things Make Sense to You, You’ve Been in Hawaii Far Too Long