Green Sands Beach (aka Mahana Bay or Papakolea Beach) is an ancient volcanic cinder cone that has collapsed into the Pacific Ocean creating a cove full of green, black and white sand. It is one of four green sand beaches in the world. It is located at the end of a 45 minute coastal hike near the southern most point of the Big Island of Hawaii in the Kau (pronounced "ka-oo") District.
The green sand is granuals of Olivine, which is also known as the gemstone called Peridot. It is created from lava that has emerged from deep within the Earth. In the case of Green Sands Beach the Olivine is more dense than the ashen lava particles and other particulate matter so as the waves wash up against the shore the olivine is left behind. The olivine is easily broken down by water and carbon dioxide so the beach will not be green forever but because of the abundance of olivine within the cinder cone more will be eroded out of the walls for years to come and into the foreseeable future. With that said it is respectful to the nature of the area and the future of this natural wonder to not take any sand with you. Besides the sand is much less beautiful when sitting in a glass jar on a shelf.
Papalokea in Olelo (Hawaiian Language) translates to "plover flats" so allong the hike to and from the beach it is common during the winter months to see flocks of Pacific Golden Plover hoping around in the grassy flats along the orange sandy trails leading to the beach. It is advised to walk, or hitch a ride, on to the beach unless you are an experience off road driver. You could definitely wreck a rental car on these trails as there are many tire popping a'a lava rocks, steep inclines, declines and tilts. If you dare do the drive, just remember I told you not to do it... m'kay?
The landscape can seem alien and familiar at the same time.
Approaching the top of the cinder cone by foot.
The walls of the cinder cone have eroded to create a unique rippling fluid texture.
Mahalo Nui for enjoying my pictures! If you like posts like this remember to upvote and follow. I also run a B&B vacation rental deep in the rainforest of the eastern point of the Big Island. We live a half hour from Kilauea, the worlds most active volcano and I love to do tours. I can even accept crypto by request. Contact us if this is the type of adventure you enjoy.
http://www.makalapuagarden.com
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7308803?s=51
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/makalapua-garden.html
Sat Nam,
Sach Dharam Singh