Exactly as advertised by its moniker, the gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Green Sand Beach comprises green olivine crystals (locally known as “Hawaiian Diamond”) that make up most of the sand on the beach. This breath-taking geologic oddity was formed after Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone on the west side of the beach, erupted some 50,000 years ago. Also known as Papakōlea beach because of the exotic Pacific Golden Plover that can be found on the beach during the winter, or Mahana because of the original cinder cone, Green Sand Beach is one of four green beaches that can be found around the world, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience when on Big Island in Hawaii.

From the parking lot, visitors can access Green Sand Beach via a 2.5 mile hike, and will be rewarded for their efforts with a pristine, stunning aerial view of the remote beach paradise from the cliffs above. At the beach, visitors can choose to lounge on the crystal green sand or have a dip in the refreshing waters of the North Pacific ocean, whilst adrenaline junkies can cliff jump off a 12-metre platform at South Point – definitely the makings of an unforgettable beach holiday for the books!