Off the Beaten Path: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

The Island of Hawaii, also known as “The Big Island,” is the perfect location to relax and unwind, but you should also plan a road trip to explore the natural beauty of the island, including the diverse ecosystems and incredible landscapes. One of the more difficult places to reach is Papakōlea Beach, commonly known as Green Sand Beach. The beach, which is covered in a mixture of black lava, green crystals, and white shells, is actually the remains of a volcanic cinder cone.

The beach is located in the Ka’u district, near the southern tip of the island. To get there, you’ll take a two-hour scenic drive from Hilo, followed by an hour hike from the parking lot / trailhead with a fairly steep descent on a path that begins on the cliffs above the beach.

Travel Tip: Even though the beach is off the beaten path, it can still be very popular with locals and tourists, making the morning the best time to visit. There are no lifeguards or facilities at the beach, so plan accordingly. Locals will likely offer you a ride to the beach— choose between walking the mostly flat dirt path or bouncing around in the back of a pick-up truck on a dirt road for $20 (one-way).