Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)

Papakolea Beach near South Point (Ka Lae) in the Ka'u district is one of the world's rarest beaches, tinted olive green by olivine crystals eroded from the walls of an ancient volcanic cinder cone. Olivine, a magnesium iron silicate mineral denser than quartz, accumulates as lighter particles wash away, gradually concentrating on the beach. The beach sits within a partially collapsed crater that partly shields it from the open Pacific. Access requires a 5-mile round-trip hike on a rough track from the South Point road, or informal shuttle rides arranged locally. Swimming is not advisable due to strong currents and exposed conditions.