86°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
40
Hawaii County, HI · Hawaiian Islands
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
South Point Rd (end), Naalehu, HI 96772
One of only four green sand beaches on Earth — the color comes from olivine crystals eroded out of a 49,000-year-old tuff cone, Pu'u Mahana. Set inside a half-collapsed cone near Ka Lae (South Point), the southernmost point in the United States. The 2.5-mile each-way hike across the windswept coastal scrub is the only legal access.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
61% rain · NWS alert active · 81°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. East northeast wind 10 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Northeast wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 61% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 4.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — high surf advisory issued september 9 at 7:25am hst until september 9 at 6:00pm hst by nws honolulu hi
40 /100
ok
3 Swim
29 Sunbathe
43 Walk
64 Photo
Best for photography today
High Surf High Surf Advisory
High Surf Advisory issued September 9 at 7:25AM HST until September 9 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Full NWS statement
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS TODAY... .A moderate long-period south swell mixed with a short-period southwest swell from Lowell will produce advisory level surf along south facing shores through today. Surf is expected to drop below advisory thresholds by this evening. * WHAT...Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet. * WHERE...South facing shores of Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu and the Big Island. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST this evening. * IMPACTS...Moderate. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.
Weather alert in effect
Flood Watch issued September 9 at 3:17AM HST until September 9 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Chance Rain Showers
Wind
10 to 14 mph
ENE
Rain
61%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:17 PM
0.3 ft · in 2.0h
Wave Height
4.9 ft
12s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:09 AM
Sunset
6:30 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
31%
59
84°
Isolated Rain Showers
24%
71
85°
Sunny
13%
80
85°
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
18%
77
86°
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
17%
75
87°
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
18%
75
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 10 to 14 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 61% chance of rain
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free gravel lot at the South Point access road; unauthorized local shuttles run rides for ~$20/person but vehicular access to the beach itself is not permitted.
Dogs
No formal rule, but discouraged — no water, full sun, 5-mile round-trip across DHHL land.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
South Point Rd (end), Naalehu, HI 96772
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Papakolea Green Sand Beach today?
Papakolea Green Sand Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Papakolea Green Sand Beach dog-friendly?
No formal rule, but discouraged — no water, full sun, 5-mile round-trip across DHHL land.
Is there an entry fee at Papakolea Green Sand Beach?
Entry to Papakolea Green Sand Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Papakolea Green Sand Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Papakolea Green Sand Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Papakolea Green Sand Beach?
Limited amenities. Plan to bring what you need.
When is the water warmest at Papakolea Green Sand Beach?
Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.
Where is Papakolea Green Sand Beach located?
Papakolea Green Sand Beach is in Hawaii County, HI, at South Point Rd (end), Naalehu, HI 96772.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS