Of all the unique natural wonders of the Big Island of Hawaii, the green-colored sands of Mahana Beach are certainly a unique find. The beach is located on the southern tip of the island, where the verdant color of its surface comes from small particles of peridot mixed in with the more common yellowish gray sand grains. Also known as olivine, this semiprecious translucent stone is a complex silicate of magnesium and iron, which is commonly used in refractories.
Mahana Beach goes by a number of other names, Green Sands Beach being one of the most common among visitors. The locals also call it Pu'u o Mahana or Papakolea Beach. Its olive-colored sand is the result of erosion, as ocean waves have washed over the cinder cone base of the shoreline, extracting granules of olivine and depositing them amid the crystals of common sand.
The beach is quite secluded and a bit difficult to reach. For those traveling on foot, it is a 2.5-mile hike on a dusty maze of rutted pathways that eventually lead to the beach. It can also be reached by mountain bike, ATV or four-wheel drive vehicle, although the going can be quite rough and slow. Some of the ruts and gullies are said to be as large as cars.
Hikers should allow at least an hour to make the trek one way. The terrain is rolling tropical prairie, and although the trail is rugged, the approach is relatively straight and it is impossible to get lost. Hikers are never out of sight of the shore.
Upon arriving at the cove that contains the green sands, visitors must make a steep descent down to the beach. The surrounding rocks form a giant bowl. There is no easy path down, but near the middle of the bowl there is a ladder to help with part of the climb and worn foot holds in the sandstone show the way. A little rock-climbing skill may come in handy at this point.
Although some locals youths prefer to leap from the cliffs into the waters far below, this is not recommended if you are unfamiliar with the depths and shallows. The waves crashing against the gateway outcroppings can be quite spectacular, but the waters can be so turbulent that swimming is not recommended beyond the protected entrance to the cove. Sunning, snorkeling and boogie-boarding are favored activities closer to the shore.
Visitors are advised to bring towels, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water. There are no facilities at all at Mahana Beach, no restrooms or lifeguards, and the climate can vary from tropically hot and windy to overcast and rainy. Be sure to check the local weather conditions before setting out, as this is likely to be a full day's activity.
Mahana Beach (Green Sands) is located at South Point, Kau, Hawaii 96737. To get there by car, take Hawaii State Route 11 south from either Hilo or Kailua-Kona to South Point. Turn seaward onto a partially paved dirt road in the Ka Lae area by following signs to the Kaulana Boat Launch. Parking is available down this road, just south of the boat launch. From here, a dirt road leads toward the beach. The entrance is gated and sometimes locked. There are no fences, however, and public access for hikers is available 24/7 throughout the year.
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