Hawaii County, HI · Hawaiian Islands

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

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

Great day for a beach walk.

7.2ft waves · 25 mph wind · 80°F water

Full NWS forecast for Sunday

Isolated rain showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Isolated rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. East northeast wind 23 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Weather

86°F air — ideal beach weather
25 mph wind — strong wind — umbrellas will flip
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
7.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

59 /100

good

30 Swim

47 Sunbathe

70 Walk

69 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

86°F

Clear

Wind

25 mph

Rain

16%

Sunday

UV Peak

12 Extreme

High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

85°F

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

9:20 PM

0.7 ft · in 6.0h

Wave Height

7.2 ft

9s · E swell

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

11:52 AM

Sunset

1:03 AM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
12:36 AM	High	1.2 ft
6:54 AM	Low	-0.5 ft
2:31 PM	High	3.2 ft
9:20 PM	Low	0.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:39 AM	High	1.3 ft
7:45 AM	Low	-0.6 ft
3:13 PM	High	3.3 ft
10:01 PM	Low	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:32 AM	High	1.4 ft
8:34 AM	Low	-0.6 ft
3:54 PM	High	3.2 ft
10:41 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:23 AM	High	1.4 ft
9:22 AM	Low	-0.5 ft
4:34 PM	High	3.1 ft
11:19 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:16 AM	High	1.5 ft
10:09 AM	Low	-0.3 ft
5:12 PM	High	3.0 ft
11:55 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:11 AM	High	1.6 ft
10:57 AM	Low	0.1 ft
5:46 PM	High	2.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:30 AM	Low	0.3 ft
6:08 AM	High	1.6 ft
11:45 AM	Low	0.4 ft
6:17 PM	High	2.4 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617760, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 12

86°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

Mon Jul 13

85°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

Tue Jul 14

85°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

Wed Jul 15

85°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

Thu Jul 16

86°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

Fri Jul 17

87°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

Sat Jul 18

86°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 25 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

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.