Papakolea, Hawaii: Where the Water Is Warm and the Sand Is Green
Photography courtesy Hawaii Visitor’s & Convention Bureau
Papakolea, Hawaii, better known as Green Sand Beach, is aptly named for its olive-tinted shore. One of only two green sand beaches in the world, its colour comes from olivine crystals created from volcanic eruptions years ago. The drive to the beach is challenging, so visitors are encouraged to hike the last two and a half miles to the water—but the experience of swimming in this rare natural treasure is well worth the trek.
