Beaches :: Punaluu ~ Green Sand Beach

From Punaluu to Green Sands Beach, these are the beaches of Hawaii Big Island's Kau Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Punaluu Beach County Park

Kau, Big Island, Hawaii. The black sand beach at Punaluu is a frequent tourist stop as the beach park offers some of the only safe swimming on the entire south coast. But still: use caution when you're trying out your breast stroke. The water may be safe, but Punaluu Beach is still located on the ocean. The wave action can sometimes be unpredictable, the riptides fierce. Be cautious. Use common sense.

Location :: Just south of Pahala, near Mile Marker 56 on the Mamalahoa Highway.

Access :: Mamalahoa Highway.

Services :: Showers, restrooms, telephone, pavilion, camping (with permit).

Notes :: Swimming is best at the northeast section of the beach, near the boat ramp. Though the park is crowded during daylight hours, it is virtually empty during the night, making a camping trip well worthwhile.

Whittington Beach County Park

Kau, Big Island, Hawaii. This unremarkable beach park offers a wide range of services. And though it is a bit run down, it's hardly ever crowded.

Location :: Three miles north of Naalehu, off of Mamalahoa Highway.

Access :: Mamalahoa Highway. The access road can be tough to spot. While coming down a steep hill from Naalehu, turn right at the site of a bridge.

Services :: Showers, restrooms, picnic facilities.

Notes :: Follow the dirt roads to the undeveloped sections of the beach where you'll find all manner of old ruins dating to the turn of the century and the days when Honuapo Bay was a prosperous sugar port.

Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)

Ka Lae, Big Island, Hawaii. Also known as Papakolea, Green Sand Beach is well deserving of its name. The olive-like color of the sand comes from the presence of a greenish, semi-precious stone named, appropriately enough, olivine. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon your tastes) Green Sand is very isolated (see ACCESS).

Location :: Ka Lae, east of the boat ramp.

Access :: The road down to Green Sand begins as a very rugged jeep trail. Jagged rocks are everywhere. Be sure to wear shoes when attempting the hike down. Follow the road for ten minutes to reach an area lush with green pastureland made possible by an ancient volcanic eruption. After another 35 minutes of walking, you'll arrive at an ancient cinder cone. The trail down from here is as treacherous as they come. Expect heavy duty climbing and drops of four to five feet. Follow the trail down to the beach.

Services :: None.

Notes :: The swimming here is terrible, the water dangerous, the currents vicious. Only enter the water on very calm days in the summer. Because of its seclusion, there are never any lifeguards on duty. If you get snared by a rip, you're on your own. In conclusion: the unique color of its sand is Papakolea's only draw. Braving the rugged road down, you might be tempted to ask yourself if it's really worth the trip.