South Point - Green Sand Beach
South Point is the most southern point of land in the United States and home to amazing clear views of the Pacific Ocean. There is a spot for cliff diving, but I do not recommend it. Additionally, South Point is home to the famous Papakōlea beach (Green Sand Beach).
The locals fishing nearby will tell you the ladder to climb up doesn’t go all the way down to the water, thus, you cannot get back up to the top. In the event it is fixed, do not jump if it is windy or choppy.
Papakōlea beach (Green Sand Beach)
With only 4 green sand beaches in the world (Norway, Guam, Hawaii, and Galapagos Islands), I recommend making the trek out to this. The best time to go is during the weekday and not during summer for less crowds.
What Makes It Green
Papakolea at one point was a cinder cone volcano. It erupted and its lava had high amounts of olivine. This mineral is common in Hawaii’s volcanic rock. Over time, the ocean and natural elements wore away the basalt rock, leaving the olivine behind. The olivine mineral is what makes the beach green.
Getting There
It is located off South Point Road at the very end. You will also see a right turn option on South Point Road, this is for the actual “South Point” with the cliff diving. Finally, keep going straight to the parking lot with the port-o-johns on the right.
There are two ways to access this beach, walking or paying a local $20(RT) to take you in the bed of their truck. The hike is about three miles one way. It is windy, dusty, and hot. A truck ride for $20 round trip is much more fun, and faster (15 minutes).
They will drop you off at top of the beach and you walk down. The truck ride seems suitable for kids around 8 and up. Port-o-johns that are not cleaned are available at the parking lot. There are no facilities at the beach itself.
Punalu'u Bake Shop – Famous Hawaiian Sweet Bread
This amazing bakery is about 10 minutes past the South Point turn if you are coming from Kona. I highly recommend stopping here for food and one last bathroom break. Coming from Kona, Punalu’u Bake Shop is about 1.5-hour drive so start early and have breakfast here.
Their sandwiches, bread, and malasadas are all good and you can’t go wrong. The malasadas come in many flavors and Lilikoi and Guava flavored (not filled) to me are the best. Even better, everything here is made fresh in house. Grab a loaf of their homemade bread on the way out. There are plenty of places to sit outside.
PUNALUʻU BLACK SAND BEACH
The Big Island of Hawaii has seven black sand beaches which were a result of Kilauea Volcano lava. Punaluʻu beach, located in between Pahala and Na’a’ehu, is the most popular. The views are amazing and endangered Hawksbill turtles are often seen hanging out.
This beach is about 1.5 hours from Kona going to the volcano and 15 minutes past South Point Road. A gravel parking lot, restrooms, showers, and a picnic area are available. Click here for more Big Island beaches.
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