Papakolea Beach, Beach on Big Island, United States
Papakolea Beach features distinctive green sand created by olivine crystals that accumulated from volcanic activity, making it one of only four green sand beaches worldwide.
The beach formed within Puʻu Mahana, a 49,000-year-old cinder cone created during a southwest rift eruption of Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaii's Big Island.
The beach's name translates to 'plover flats' in Hawaiian, referencing the Pacific golden plover birds that inhabit the area around this sacred coastal region.
Visitors must complete a 5.5-mile round-trip hike from the parking area near South Point Road, bringing water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking shoes for the journey.
The green sand results from olivine mineral particles that are denser than other volcanic debris, causing them to concentrate on the shoreline through natural sorting processes.
Location: Hawaii
GPS coordinates: 18.93639,-155.64639
Latest update: July 25, 2025 19:31
The Hawaiian Islands offer beaches with white, black, and red sand, formed through volcanic activity and coral erosion. Coastal areas display tide pools, sea caves, and lava formations. Inland, hiking trails lead through rainforest valleys to waterfalls and historic Heiau temples, which served as ceremonial sites for the Polynesian inhabitants. The volcanic geology has created lava tubes, craters, and calderas that are now accessible to visitors. Botanical gardens preserve native plant species, while archaeological sites like ancient settlements and petroglyph fields provide insights into pre-European history. The islands also feature limestone caves with marine fossils and reefs suitable for snorkeling.
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