One of only four green sand beaches on Earth, Papakolea near Naalehu on the Big Island's Kona Coast gets its magical green sparkle from olivine crystals in the surrounding cinder cone. This otherworldly beach sits in a collapsed crater cove with dramatic cliffs and turquoise water where sea turtles love to hang out.
The adventure is getting there: it's a 2.5-mile hike each way across exposed grassland with zero shade. The trail is rough and hot, but when you crest that final hill and see the glittery green sand below, every sweaty step pays off. There's a steep scramble down to the actual beach, so come prepared.
💡 Insider Tip
Skip the illegal truck shuttles that damage the protected landscape — the hike is flat and totally doable with proper prep. Bring way more water than you think you need, a hat, and sturdy shoes for the final steep descent to the beach.
Daylight hours
Free
Free at South Point road end
Early morning to avoid heat and wind
