86°
Sunny
4%
64
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.
8.2ft waves · 31 mph wind · 79°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 28 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East northeast wind 21 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 31 mph wind — strong wind — umbrellas will flip
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 8.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
59 /100
good
26 Swim
47 Sunbathe
73 Walk
69 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
28 to 31 mph
E
Rain
4%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
8.2 ft
9s · E swell
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:54 AM
Sunset
1:02 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:08 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:45 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:17 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:12 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 12:35 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 6:43 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:41 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:36 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 1:39 PM | Low | 1.2 ft |
| 7:04 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:23 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:12 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 3:41 PM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 7:15 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:14 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:32 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:33 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:03 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:17 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| 8:39 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:15 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617760, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Sunny
4%
68
86°
Mostly Sunny
5%
71
86°
Scattered Rain Showers
29%
55
85°
Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
18%
63
86°
Mostly Sunny
6%
65
86°
Sunny
5%
65
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 28 to 31 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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Papakolea Green Sand Beach today?
Papakolea Green Sand Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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