Papakolea Green Sand Beach

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

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Papakolea—one of only four green-sand beaches on the planet and the only one in Hawaii—is near the island’s southernmost point, carved into an ancient cinder cone. It’s a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer), fairly easy hike to the beach from the parking lot. The beach appears green thanks to a special particle (olivine) inside the sand. Skip the offer for a ride from the parking lot, as these are illegal. Make sure to bring water and snacks and leave this rare phenomenon exactly as you left it.
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Papakōlea Beach is located at the south point of Hawaii’s Big Island and is enclosed in a cinder cone of the Mauna Loa volcano. Also known as Mahana Beach and The Green Sand Beach, there is only one way to reach the rich green sands, and that is via a somewhat rugged trek. However, the sight before you makes it worth your while. The locals commonly refer to this unique sand as “Hawaiian Diamond” and on close inspection, it is easy to see why.
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