Papakōlea Beach, also known as Green Sand Beach, is a stunning natural wonder located in Naalehu, Hawaii, United States. This unique beach gets its …
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Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 2,198 reviews
5-star
53%
4-star
25%
3-star
9%
2-star
5%
1-star
8%
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Sep 27, 2024
It was NOT a beach we went down a very log road to find the"green sand beach" mind you following signs saying this way to the green sand beach, there was no beach, we sat on these high cliffs, wat… Full review by Seaside11235168074
Sep 1, 2024
My husband and I drove two hours from Kona. Follow GPS to a parking lot. Parked. Walked by foot about 5-6 miles round trip. Worth it. Beautiful and was first on my to do list. Wear hiking shoes. … Full review by Poindna
Jul 22, 2024
Be prepared for about 5 hours of a dusty, hot hike along the coast to get to the top edge where you can look down onto the tiny beach, then a terrifying scaling of the wall down- which we did not do!… Full review by iluvalberta
Where exactly is the green sand beach? Google Maps shows it NE of the southern most point, while Bing shows it Just North of the southernmost point? Hoping to surprise my wife when we go.
A:
I honestly don’t remember how we found it. It’s confusing because there is not a road anywhere near. You follow the signs to it… then you walk a very very long way or let a local …
I honestly don’t remember how we found it. It’s confusing because there is not a road anywhere near. You follow the signs to it… then you walk a very very long way or let a local take you in the back of a pick up truck off roading. I had friends who paid the $20 cash for the ride and it was worth it!
Hi! Are locals still offering rides to Papakolea Green Sand Beach? If so, are they already there as early as 7:00 am?
A:
Yes, they are, and we got there around 9:30 and there were only two trucks left, the others had already left. So if you're there at 7, you may have to wait a little bit (or not) but I would …
Yes, they are, and we got there around 9:30 and there were only two trucks left, the others had already left. So if you're there at 7, you may have to wait a little bit (or not) but I would think they'd be along shortly. I would DEFINITELY recommend getting a ride. Enjoy!!
Hi, Can someone confirm that the shuttles are still an option as of 2/9/2020? I have a torn ACL and can't do the beach if I can't get a ride in. Please let me know!
A:
When we were there in November, shuttles were still running. However, access to the beach is down a steep set of stairs/path and may not be very easy to navigate if you are still …
When we were there in November, shuttles were still running. However, access to the beach is down a steep set of stairs/path and may not be very easy to navigate if you are still recovering from ACL surgery. Its worth it though if you are into out of the way places not everyone gets to see. Good luck
Anyone see any signs of a break-in at the parking lot? Locals warn about parking, but I haven't heard any visitors mention having their cars broken into.
A:
Lots of coming and going seems like it would discourage break-ins, but for vehicles parked further down the road away from the grass "lot," the anonymity could certainly make it possible …
Lots of coming and going seems like it would discourage break-ins, but for vehicles parked further down the road away from the grass "lot," the anonymity could certainly make it possible if you can make it look like you're just getting into your own car. Who would know the difference? I find the comments about "sketchiness" offensive. Folks aren't suspect just because they're brown and driving off-road vehicles with duct tape on the upholstery. No one in their right mind would drive a nice Jeep or truck in the 6-foot sandy ruts between the parking and the green sand. Good grief. The transport operation may be informal, but it seems to be widely known and local authorities don't appear to have a problem with it. Our driver was personable, careful, and thoughtful. As several others have said, don't make poor choices that offer enticing theft opportunities, like leaving lots of valuables visible and easily accessible. Just like every other place in the world. There is no particular risk here that isn't a risk everywhere.
If a local drives you to the green sand beach, how long do you get to stay for before they take you back?
A:
You can negotiate the time spent on the beach. You don’t necessarily have to get a ride back with the same local who drove you to the beach. There are other locals who can …
You can negotiate the time spent on the beach. You don’t necessarily have to get a ride back with the same local who drove you to the beach. There are other locals who can take you back usually every 30-60min. You just need to ask if they have room in their vehicles for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
What is the time difference from the continental US?
A:
Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours). Since Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time, during the majority of the year (March-November),...
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