Is Green Sand Beach in Hawaii Worth It? An Honest Review

This post is all about Is Green Sand Beach in Hawaii Worth It? An Honest Review

Whether it’s your first time exploring The Big Island or you’re finally visiting after seeing this place all over Instagram, welcome to the Green Sand Beach in Hawaii.

Located almost 2 hours from town, it can be challenging to figure out how to get there, how to navigate the local scams, and if the Green Sand Beach is even worth visiting.

I remember our first time here, I had no idea what to expect, regretted not being more prepared, and had no clue about the local scam happening.

Well, have no fear, I’ve put together the ultimate Green Sand Beach or Papakōlea Beach guide for you. From how to get here, what Papakōlea Beach is really like, how much it costs, and if it’s really worth your time.

This post is all about Is Green Sand Beach in Hawaii Worth It? An Honest Review

What Is The Green Sand Beach in Hawaii?

The Green Sand Beach, located on The Big Island in Hawaii, or Kona, is one of the rarest beaches in the world.

In fact, there are only 4 green sand beaches out there, with the others being in Guam, Norway, and the Galapagos Islands.

But Where Is The Green Sand Beach in Hawaii?

The Green Sand Beach is pretty difficult to reach. Located at the southern tip of Kona, it requires about two hours of driving and then a hike of about 2.5 miles (4km) one way. There is no direct road access, but you can go off-roading—be warned, though, that the roads are really tough.

Pro tip: After going to the beach, drive less than 10 minutes to Ka Lae, or South Point, the southernmost point of the United States. Here, you can see amazing views and even go cliff jumping from 5 feet to 100 feet.

All About The Green Sand Beach Shuttle Scam

Recently, there’s been this new “shuttle scam” from locals, driving tourists directly to the Green Sand Beach. While this may not seem like a scam, one thing the locals have been doing is exaggerating how long it actually takes to get to the beach. One tourist said it would take 6 miles one way to reach Green Sand Beach.

To clear things up, it is about 5 miles ROUNDTRIP to get to the Green Sand Beach.

Locals also pile up to 10 tourists into the back of a pickup truck, and the roads are really tough, so prepare for the bumpiest ride of your life!

How Much Is The Ride To Green Sand Beach?

It was a $20 round trip to Green Sand Beach, but you only got about 30 minutes to spend there.

Instead, we walked 2.5 miles one way and then took the “shuttle” back.

That way, we were able to spend as much time as we wanted to at the beach, and honestly, it made the beach feel like such an amazing, special reward! For the one way back, we paid $15.

How Long Is The Hike to Green Sand Beach, Hawaii

The hike to the Green Sand Beach is about 2.25-2.5 miles each way or about 5.6 miles.

It took us about an hour to an hour and a half to hike one way to the beach.

I highly recommend hiking at least one way; there are some truly beautiful sights along the way, making the view much more worth it!

I don’t recommend coming to the beach if you have small children or if you can’t walk a moderately challenging trail. Even sitting in the shuttle was extremely bumpy, and a good arm exercise left me with massive bruises when I bumped against the railing.

Can You Swim At Green Sand Beach, Hawaii?

Yes! You can swim at the Green Sand Beach, tan here, or have a gorgeous lunch at the top.

This might not be the most relaxing beach, however, as there isn’t much shade and the waves were really rough. A lot of sand also comes running down the mountains, so don’t expect the most relaxing beach day - just an epic one.

Be cautious as you swim at the Green Sand Beach, though, as there are no lifeguards, and it is. powerful surf and remote location.

Why Is The Sand Green?

What is the color of Papakolea Beach, and why? The reason that Papakolea Beach is green is because of tiny crystals called Olivine. These broken crystals were created when Puʻu Mahana, a volcanic cone, erupted.

Over time, the ocean washed away the darker rocks, leaving the sparkly green shiny olivine.

What To Bring To Green Sand Beach Hawaii

If you decide to journey all the way to Green Sand Beach make sure you’re prepared!
You’ll want to bring the following:

Water (there are no facilities, so make sure to bring drinking water!)
2. Bathing Suit

3. Towel

I love bringing a travel towel because they’re so easy to pack, lightweight, and super absorbent. Especially if you decide to go to another town after, you won’t want to bring a huge hotel towel. These two are my favorite travel towels!

4. Sunscreen

The sun is STRONG in Hawaii, and you’ll most likely be outside for at least 4-5 hours with no shade.

Make sure to add face and body sunscreen to your Green Sand Beach packing list.

Make sure they are reef-safe to protect marine life and preserve the unique environment.

5. Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are a must on this hike, there are some parts (especially when you get to the cave) that are difficult to climb if you’re wearing regular sneakers.

I highly recommend getting this pair on your trip because they also double as water shoes! They were perfect for my Hawaii trip and I can’t recommend them enough.

Is Green Sand Beach Worth Going To?

A near 5 hour drive and walk JUST to see this beach… is it worth it?

Green Sand Beach in Hawaii is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Playing with the green sand and taking in the beautiful blue water is one of the coolest sights to see. I have made a trip to the Big Island just to come here, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

But to make your trip even more worthwhile, I recommend exploring Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach(40 minutes away) and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It’ll be an exhausting day, but it is truly worth it.

Besides, when the next time you'll be back on the Big Island?

And there you have it! Everything you need to know about Green Sand Beach in Hawaii including how to get to the Green Sand Beach, WHY the sand is green, and if the Green Sand Beach is even worth visiting. I hope this guide prepared you for everything you need to know. Have an amazing time!