20 Best Beaches in the World
By • Last UpdatedPapakōlea Beach, Hawaii
This secluded cove boasts its lush appearance thanks to tiny crystals known as olivine, found in the rocks of the ancient 49,000-year-old Puu Mahana cinder cone. While reaching this hidden gem involves a challenging two-mile hike, the reward of walking on one of the world’s few green-sand beaches makes it worthwhile.
Papakōlea Beach is located near South Point in the Kaʻū district of Hawaiʻi and is one of only four green sand beaches globally, alongside Talofofo Beach in Guam, Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island in the Galapagos, and Hornindalsvatnet in Norway. Its unique coloration comes from olivine sand that has been eroded from the surrounding collapsed cinder cone.
Situated in a bay partially encircled by Puʻu Mahana, this cinder cone, formed over 49,000 years ago, is linked to the southwest rift of Mauna Loa. Since its last eruption, it has partially collapsed and been worn down by the ocean. The beach is sometimes named after the cinder cone itself or the surrounding region known as Papakōlea, which translates to “plover flats” in Hawaiian. This area is home to Pacific golden plovers (Pluvialis fulva), which can occasionally be spotted in winter near the crater.