85°
Mostly Sunny
7%
76
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.
NWS alert active · 79°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East northeast wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. East northeast wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- 24 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 5.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — high surf advisory issued june 3 at 3:35am hst until june 4 at 6:00am hst by nws honolulu hi
68 /100
good
34 Swim
67 Sunbathe
81 Walk
75 Photo
Best for walking today
High Surf High Surf Advisory
High Surf Advisory issued June 3 at 3:35AM HST until June 4 at 6:00AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Full NWS statement
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL HAWAIIAN ISLANDS... .Large surf associated with a long-period south-southwest swell (190 degrees) will continue to impact exposed south-facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands through early Thursday. * WHAT...Surf heights of up to 10 to 14 feet. * WHERE...South facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands. * WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Moderate. Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Boaters should expect recreational surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas. Expect periodic wave runup across areas of the shore that typically remain dry during the afternoon high tide cycle.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
24 mph
ENE
Rain
7%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.9 ft
8s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:44 AM
Sunset
12:57 AM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:05 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 3:55 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 10:02 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 5:45 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
17%
76
86°
Isolated Rain Showers
15%
71
86°
Isolated Rain Showers
17%
71
86°
Sunny
4%
76
86°
Mostly Sunny
5%
76
86°
Mostly Sunny
6%
76
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 24 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