Although most beaches feature the more traditional golden or white sand, others have red, black and even green sand. Distinctive green sand is created during volcanic eruptions and erosion caused by wind and water. The remote Papaolea Beach is the only green sand beach in Hawaii, and can only be reached on foot or with four-wheel drive vehicles.
Green sand beaches are very rare. In the United States, there are only two such beaches. The sand's greenish tint is caused by an accumulation of olivine crystals, which form during volcanic eruptions. The crystals erode out of basalt, or lava, flows and are left behind as lighter, finer sand is removed by wind and water erosion. Visitors to a green sand beach will note that, as a result of the crystals, the green sand is heavier than other types of sand.
Papakolea Beach, also known as Green Sands Beach, is located in the Kau district of Hawaii's Big Island. The green sand beach is crescent shaped and surrounded by gray cliffs. The cinder cone that helped form the beach has mostly eroded. The beach is only accessible with sturdy hiking boots or a four-wheel drive vehicle. Although considered a green sand beach, Papakolea also has gray sand in the higher sections of the beach.
The unusual enclave can be reached via Highway 11 and then traveling to South Point (Ka Lae). The beach is 2.5 miles northeast of South Point. Visitors who choose to hike to the beach can use a 4-mile, round trip, coastal trail, and then descend down the steep cliff-side that borders the beach. To reach Papakolea by vehicle, visitors must first contact the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands before using the access route.
Dangerous surf or rock slides can result in the closure of both the hiking trail and vehicle access route. Since there are usually strong currents and rough surf, swimming at the beach can be hazardous. Visitors should be very cautious if they decide to go swimming, and should always check the height of the surf before entering the water. Close attention should also be paid to the cliff-side as slides can occur.
