86°
Sunny
10%
65
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.
25 mph wind · 6.6ft waves · 79°F water
Full NWS forecast for Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 86. East northeast wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 75. East northeast wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 25 mph wind — strong wind — umbrellas will flip
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
63 /100
good
37 Swim
51 Sunbathe
75 Walk
71 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Clear
Wind
25 mph
ENE
Rain
10%
Thursday
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
8:17 PM
1.0 ft · in 5.5h
Wave Height
6.6 ft
8s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:47 AM
Sunset
1:03 AM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:38 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 1:31 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| 8:17 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:33 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Mostly Sunny
10%
65
86°
Mostly Sunny
10%
76
87°
Sunny
9%
76
87°
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
18%
76
88°
Scattered Rain Showers
33%
66
87°
Scattered Rain Showers
26%
66
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 79°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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Papakolea Green Sand Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Papakolea Green Sand Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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