Login or Register Here
to remove these ads.
Green Sand Beach - Papakolea
This secluded, and we do mean secluded, sand beach is located near Ka Lae (South Point) in the Ka'u district of Hawaii. The hike is a rugged 2-mile dusty labyrinth of ruts that eventually lead to the beach. Getting down to the beach is an entirely different issue. Shaped like a giant bowl, you have to climb down the side of the "bowl" to reach the beach. Braving the rugged road down, you might be tempted to ask yourself if it's really worth the trip. It's not easy to get to, but where else can you see a Green Sand beach?
Do not swim here as the waters are very turbulent.
To drive to the Green Sands Beach you need to get a permit from the DHHL (Department of Hawaiian Homelands) for $25. They will also provide you with a key in the event the gate (near the boat ramp at the start of the road) is locked. When you return the key, you'll receive your deposit back. We should note however that you can only drive there with someone local since all the rental agencies companies forbid any off-pavement driving.
You do not need a permit to hike there but you are supposed to call DHHL to let them know you will be going there. They just like to be informed of who is on their property and the hike is absolutely free. You can contact DHHL at:
DHHL
160 Baker Ave.
Hilo 96720
Phone: 808-974-4250
We should also note that anyone trying to charge you for parking is running a scam. Rather than get confrontational, just leave if anyone's attempting to charge for parking.
Do not swim here as the waters are very turbulent.
To drive to the Green Sands Beach you need to get a permit from the DHHL (Department of Hawaiian Homelands) for $25. They will also provide you with a key in the event the gate (near the boat ramp at the start of the road) is locked. When you return the key, you'll receive your deposit back. We should note however that you can only drive there with someone local since all the rental agencies companies forbid any off-pavement driving.
You do not need a permit to hike there but you are supposed to call DHHL to let them know you will be going there. They just like to be informed of who is on their property and the hike is absolutely free. You can contact DHHL at:
DHHL
160 Baker Ave.
Hilo 96720
Phone: 808-974-4250
We should also note that anyone trying to charge you for parking is running a scam. Rather than get confrontational, just leave if anyone's attempting to charge for parking.
Location: Green Sand Beach - Papakolea is located in the South Kau Region
Visitor's Rating:
Your Rating:
Page 1 of 1 pages for this article
|
|
_thumb.jpg "Green Sand Papakolea Beach")
_thumb.jpg "Green Sand Beach Trail")
_thumb.jpg "Green Sand Papakolea Beach")
_thumb.jpg "Green Sand Papakolea Beach")
_thumb.jpg "Green Sand Beach Trail")
Topic Views: 5925
Author: JCDerrick
Destination Expert on
83°F
Aloha Eric. I’d estimate the hike is 30 min to an hour one way, it’ll depend on how fast you hike. We usually go pretty quickly, but for most folks I’d say it’s about a 45 minute trek out. If you took your time, possibly over an hour. The trail isn’t especially scenic (see the photos I’ve posted above), but does have nice views of the ocean. Expect to get dust on - well, everything. You’ll get a dust tan - but also be sure to wear sun screen, the sun can be brutal out there.
Hello - Is it 1.5 hours each way, or round trip to the parking area? Also, is it a nice hike, in regard to ocean views, or not much to see?
Thanks, Eric
The “marked trail” is actually multiple dirt roads that crisscross the entire route to the beach. Keep to the shore and you’ll have the quickest route in most cases. It is possible to take a 4wd vehicle out to the beach, but unless you’re a local resident, you’ll be violating your rental agreement if you take your rental out there. We’ve seen several folks actually stop and walk the majority of the hike because of the horrible “road” conditions. The trails are full of large ruts and are a disaster waiting to happen with rentals. The hike is hot and dry (not to mention dusty), but if done early in the day it’s not bad at all. The beach is certainly worth the trip - at least once. Best of luck.
We called today to find out whether or not we could take a 4wd in, and found that there is NO vehicle access whatsoever to the beach. Hiking takes about 1.5 hours, on a clearly marked trail.