85°
Mostly Sunny
9%
64
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
Great day for a beach walk.
9.2ft waves · 25 mph wind · 81°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East northeast wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. East northeast wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- 25 mph wind — strong wind — umbrellas will flip
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- 9.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
64 /100
good
39 Swim
55 Sunbathe
75 Walk
72 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
25 mph
ENE
Rain
9%
Today
Air Quality
16 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Naalehu
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–01 PM · burn in ~25m
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
8:13 PM
-0.2 ft · in 1.7h
Wave Height
9.2 ft
9s · ESE swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:25 AM
Sunset
5:46 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:49 AM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 8:48 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 2:03 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:13 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:21 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 9:31 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 2:32 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 8:39 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 10:14 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 3:01 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 9:05 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:28 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 10:58 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 3:29 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 9:34 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:05 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 11:45 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 3:58 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 10:04 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:44 AM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 12:33 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 4:26 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 10:36 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:27 AM | High | 2.5 ft |
| 1:26 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 4:56 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 11:11 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1618578, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Mostly Sunny
4%
72
84°
Mostly Sunny
4%
72
85°
Mostly Sunny
4%
77
85°
Sunny
5%
72
84°
Sunny
4%
71
84°
Sunny
4%
73
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 25 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS