What makes it 48% Kids-Friendly: Tweens able to walk 5 miles may enjoy digging in green sand and spotting turtles. Parents must handle no shade, no toilets on beach and strong currents, so constant supervision, water and sun gear are essential.
Note: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is 48% Kids-Friendly. You may want to consider other Kids-Friendly Things to Do in Hawaii for a more suitable experience.
Why 4-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the 5 mile round-trip, breaks, and beach play without rushing.
Hike the coastal trail:
Walk the 2.5 mile one-way trail with ocean and cliff views.
Tip: Start before 9 AM and wear closed-toe shoes.
Dig in the green sand:
Explore the rare olivine crystals that give the beach its color.
Tip: Bring a small brush or scoops for sand play.
Family picnic on the beach:
Enjoy snacks on the untouched green sand under open sky.
Tip: Pack water, dry snacks, and a pop-up shade tent.
Spot seabirds and marine life:
Look for sea turtles on nearby shores and gulls overhead.
Tip: Keep a safe distance and use binoculars for better views.

Trisha Skenandore
We walked but if you are not a hiker this is not a stroll on the beach be prepared with plenty of water and good shoes. This is not a flip flop kind of footwear hike you will regret that decision. The sun and wind exposure are real, had a pretty good headwind on the way there. You can take a ride from the locals not sure of any details on that option. They portable toilets but bring your own pape...
Paola Cuellar
Amazing experience! I rented a Jeep but I’m glad I had the local lady to drive us there and back. Very knowledgeable and down to earth. You can walk 2.8 miles but definitely not for the weak. Very steep getting down to the actual beach. Cool down with some shaved ice after, roughly a mile drive leaving heading back out.
Jeffrey Viviani
My most memorable experience on the island! It is not only the fact that the sand is green that makes it neat— the entire surrounding landscape is drop-dead gorgeous. There is a calming presence, especially high up on the cliff overlooking that cove that contains the beach— the type of place seems and prophets would go. Be careful if you go up there— keep children away. The parking lot is far awa...
Wendy Jiang
I visited **Green Sand Beach** on the Big Island, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The weather was perfect, offering an **unbeatable ocean view**—a place where you could easily spend the whole day just admiring the beauty. The sand was an **amazing blend of green and gold**, creating an indescribably stunning landscape. The ocean itself displayed **three distinct shades of blue**, addi...
Alex Pan
Such a unique and beautiful spot—one of only four green sand beaches in the world! The sand, though olive-green, sparkles. Seemingly small, it is peaceful and incredibly picturesque once you arrive. Either way you get there, it is definitely an adventure. The hike is long, hot, windy, and rough—definitely not beginner-friendly. There's zero shade, no signs, and no bathrooms, so if you're hiking, ...
In winter (Dec–May), you may see whales offshore. Avoid rainy days (Nov–Mar) when the trail gets muddy. Early morning trips beat the heat year-round.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking | USD 0 |
| Water & snacks | USD 20 |
| Unofficial 4×4 shuttle (round-trip) | USD 80 |
| Total Estimated | USD 100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Address: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Naalehu, HI 96772, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Papakōlea Green Sand Beach (Hawaii)?
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official Website10 BEST nearby Activities
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities