When you think about Hawaii, tropical beaches are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Indeed, Hawaii has beautiful beaches and the Big Island is home to some of the most striking and unique. The crystal clear waters in various shades of blue are gorgeous, but in this post, I am going to focus mainly on the sand.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea Beach
If you visit the Big Island, you will have the opportunity to see the most unique beach on all of the Hawaiian Islands and one of the most unique beaches in the world. Papakōlea Beach is one of only four, green sand beaches on Earth. The others are located in Norway, Ecuador and Guam.
Papakōlea Beach is located on the south side of Hawai'i in a bay that was created by a volcanic eruption. When the lava from that eruption cooled, it created a basalt rock that contained vast amounts of olivine. Waves eroded the rock, leaving behind green particles that make up the green sand on the shore.
Here's an up close look.
In order to scoop up that handful of sand, I had to put in some serious effort because Papakōlea Beach isn't easily accessible. Well, that's true if you're following the rules which require visitors to walk to the beach, rather than hire a driver to take you to the entrance of the cove.
If you choose to follow the rules, you will need to hike for about 5.5 miles roundtrip to access Papakōlea Beach. The distance itself is manageable and the path is mostly flat. That said, there is zero shade anywhere along the route, so you are hiking for about an hour or so each way in the Hawaiian heat and humidity. Plan on sweating - a lot.
To add to that, the dry, dusty trail is known for being extremely windy, so sand and dirt are blowing everywhere, including into your eyes and ears, and covering your wet and sticky skin. Once you reach the entrance to the cove, the trek is not over.
First, you will need to descend a steep, rickety, metal staircase.
Then the real "fun" begins. The rest of your descent is equally steep, slippery and sandy. In addition, it is narrow. In fact, there are some sections where it is easier to descend sideways. As tempting as it may be to look at the view ahead for inspiration, I strongly suggest watching your footing instead.
Eventually, you reach the bottom and are finally standing on the green sand that you've been working so hard to reach.
The beach is absolutely beautiful and after all of that work, you will be ready for a swim. I certainly was, at least. If you plan on swimming, use caution because the winds kick up the waves. The current at Papakōlea Beach is strong and conditions change quickly. You may consider skipping the swim. If that's the case, you can stay close to the shore and dip your feet in the water whilst shielding your face from the sand storm.
I was enjoying my swim so much, I didn't quite think about how being drenched in salt water from head to toe would impact my hike back. As opposed to being dusty on the way in, I was a bit muddy on my way out.
Before making the ascent and starting the long walk back to my car, I grabbed one more handful of sand and turned to admire the beach. All things considered, the hike was worth it in order to experience such a spectacular and unique beach.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Black sand beaches, though much more common than green, are still rare. During this trip, I visited Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, one of the most famous in Hawaii. Punalu'u Beach is located on the southeastern Kaʻū coast of the Big Island.
Black sand beaches, like green sand beaches, are created through volcanic activity. When basaltic lava hits the ocean water, it cools rapidly and eventually becomes sand, as a result of being broken down by the pounding waves.
Honu
Like Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is also exposed to very strong ocean currents. Depending on conditions, swimming is not always advised. Regardless, this beach is a great place to visit, as you are likely to find large honu, or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, basking on the shore. There is also a tide pool nearby that's great for kids.
If you are driving between Hilo and Kona, this beach is a great stopping point. The black sand, blue waters, freshwater pond, and rows of palm trees are sure to relax and recharge you before getting back on the road.
White Sand Beaches
Ka'upulehu Beach
Last up are some of the Big Island's white sand beaches. Granted, the sand at the beaches in this post isn't actually white.
Old Kona Airport Beach
There are beaches on the Big Island however, where it comes close, such as Mauna Kea, Hapuna and Makalawena beaches. I just didn't happen to visit any of those on this particular trip.
No matter which Big Island beach you choose, the setting will be awe inspiring. Hawai'i has warm breezes, cerulean waters, palm trees and that unmistakable Aloha Spirit which envelops you.
Lanihau Beach
That's it for this post. In my next post, I will continue reviewing great restaurants in Kona. Still to come in subsequent posts, I'll share my road trip from Kona to Hilo and back and the adventures I had along the way.
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