One of the more unique beaches you fill find in the world is on the south side of the Big Island of Hawaii, Papakolea beach better known as the green sand beach. This green sand beach is created by a green mineral in lava called olivine. The beach itself was created about 50,000 years ago when a cinder cone erupted.
Green sand beach is definitely more of a site to see than a beach to swim at. The beach itself is not too large and the water off of it is relatively rough. There are not any services at the beach, nor life guards, nor too many people in general other than the few hikers going to see it so it really in recommended not to get into the water.
Green sand beach is located near the south tip of the island. There is a small parking lot with a few port-a-potties. There is a local family at this point that offers drinks for sale as well as rides down to the beach in the bed of the truck. It is not a standard business so it is not always guaranteed they will be there. If you are not a hiker this is a great option.
For those that enjoy scenery and hiking, you may find walking to the beach more fun than the beach itself. The main path goes along the ocean through areas that feel like sand dunes, which make for some interesting scenery. Along the way you will see a few areas that are beach-like that are great places to stop off and enjoy. Depending how many areas you stop off at you are looking at roughly a 2 mile walk in.
Once you get to the beach you will be at the top of a bluff and you can carefully hike down into the beach area. Once thing to be aware of is the water level because you do not want to be down at the beach if the surf is too high. You can get some great pictures from both at the beach itself as well as at the bluff.
This is a 2-3 hour hike if you want to enjoy things. Please make sure to have sunscreen and bring water. You will also want to note where you enter the trail at because it is very easy to pass where you parked at.
If you love to hike, this is a must see site on the Big Island of Hawaii!