Guide
Magazine
Itinerary

South Point & Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)

South Point & Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)

Suitable for:
Active travellers, nature lovers, couples
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Rather unknown and little going on
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
5 hours
Optimal arrival time:
09:00 o' clock
Cost:
Free
Suitable for:
Active travellers, nature lovers, couples
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Rather unknown and little going on
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
5 hours
Optimal arrival time:
09:00 o' clock
Cost:
Free

Details of the beach

Ausstattung am South Point & Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)
(Available: )
The beach is popular for:
Picnics, Bodyboarding)
Beach material
Coarse sand
Sand colour:
Green
Area
850000 sqm
Entry into the sea
Mixed
Sight in the sea
Very clear

South Point & Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea) - Beschreibung

First of all: These destinations are only worthwhile if you are on the island for a longer time and drive from the east side to the west side (or the other way around). South Point is too long for a day trip. If you're only vacationing in Kona, it can be worth the drive if you leave early. If you are on a tour of the west coast Big Islands and have already explored Kealakekua Bay and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, you should drive south a bit on Highway 11, because then you won't be missing much at all until you arrive at the southernmost point of the entire USA. From Kona, the turnoff to South Point is between mile markers 69 and 70. From there, South Point Road takes you to the southernmost point in the U.S. After about 20 kilometers of driving along ancient lava landscapes, you'll head straight to Ka Lae (Hawaiian for "the tip"). Near Puʻu Nanaia, there is a lookout point on the highway that offers a view of the cape and the nearby wind farm.
About a kilometer east of the cape, Kaulana Ramp provides access to the sea.
It is quite incredible to think that there is nothing between South Point and Antarctica but the blue ocean.

In all likelihood, South Point is the site of the oldest Polynesian settlement in the entire archipelago, as it is closest to the Polynesian area of origin for this ethnic group - the Marquesas or Society Islands. Between 400 and 800 AD, the Polynesians set foot on Hawaiian soil. Remains of a heiau (Hawaiian temple) and other religious buildings have been found over the years, dated to 124 by the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. The ocean currents and winds are particularly strong here. In order to still be able to go fishing, the inhabitants were creative: for example, you can find metal rings hammered into the lava rock to which the canoes were tied for fishing hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, fishermen use so-called "Toy Boats" to lower their nets into the deep water. The exact southern tip is a short walk away, near the black and white lighthouse.

Watch the cliff divers shimmy back to land via rusty ladders on the rocks. If you are an adventurer, you can even dare to jump 10 meters from the cliffs into the crystal clear water. The jumps into the deep blue are allowed, but you do it at your own risk. Therefore, you should carefully watch the swell and jump only when the sea is calm. There is also a natural lava hole, like in a small cave, where you can jump in and then swim out after a few meters. At the metal ladder you have to climb back up. There is no other way. So there can be some discomfort...

On the way back we recommend a detour to Green Sand Beach. On South Point Road at the fork at Milemarker 10 take the right turn and drive past the Visitor Center to the very end of the road. There you can park for free. From here, there is about a 3.5 kilometer hike to the beach, which can be very strenuous and sweaty in good weather, as there is no shade. The path is unpaved and sometimes splits into several stretches. You can't go wrong, though, because all sections lead to Green Sand Beach. A small path leads down. Here you will find a green-black sandy beach of about 1300 square meters, which exists only once in the entire archipelago. The green color of the beach is due to a mineral called olivine, which was finely washed into this bay by the tides as a result of volcanic activity. When the sun shines, you lie here on a gemstone beach that sparkles greenish in the sun. A very special experience! You should also swim here only in calm seas.

Attention: Both South Point and Green Sand Beach are free of charge. Often locals claim that a toll has to be paid. Don't get confused and insist on free access if necessary!
Or you can rent a jeep, so that you can save yourself the tedious walk. You can use it well on Big Island (among other things for the ascent to Mauna Kea, Waipio Valley and here). Without a jeep you have no chance at these 3 sights and risk a broken axle!

What we say

Florian
Those who take the potholed road to South Point should combine the trip with the natural wonder of Green Sand Beach. South Point alone is not worth the trip! I've jumped off the cliffs and into the lava tube myself. It is a great pleasure, but should definitely be done only in calm seas. Afterwards I recommend a visit to the green beach. Overall, you should plan enough time, because you still have the arduous and long return trip to the next accommodation (in Kona on the west side or Volcano/Hilo on the east side).
Our checklist & tips:
  • By Jeep to Green Sand Beach
  • Lunch or dinner at Hana Hou Restaurant
  • South Point: 18.910945416180798, -155.68082555424408
  • Green Sand Beach: 18.93611485296975, -155.64657911021948
  • If you hike to the beach, be sure to bring enough water and possibly headgear/sunscreen, as there is no shade there.
  • Allow enough time

Wie gefiel dir South Point & Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)?

You have been there before? Did you like it?

Thank you

  • Hidden
  • Thank you for your review.

  • Dieses Feld dient zur Validierung und sollte nicht verändert werden.

Map and contact data

Longitude: -155.68082555424408
Latitude: 18.910945416180798

Your questions answered by us

You still have questions?

We answer them for you!

Other interesting sights

Waipi'o Valley

Waipio Valley is a significant place for the Hawaiian people. The valley has been inhabited for over 1,000 years and sp...

Carlsmith Beach Park

At a distance of about 5 km from Hilo airport, you would hardly expect such a wonderful place. The bathing p...

Ahalanui Park

Was unfortunately destroyed in 2018 by the then volcanic eruption / lava flow....

Hilo Town

Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island with a population of over 47,000. It is also the capital of Hawaii County and thus...

Onekahakaha Beach Park

The large beach park near the city of Hilo is especially suitable for families, as the sea here is very shallow and...

Pohoiki Beach (Isaac Hale Beach Park)

In the Puna District on Big Island, in the Pohoiki Bay, lies the Isaac Hale Beach Park. It is known for its strong ...
Oahu
Maui
Big Island
Kauai
Molokai
lanai
All Hawaii Islands
Overview of all islands & background info