Mahana Beach

Stunning unique natural wonder. The green sand is coming from the erosion of the crystals of olivine that you find in thw volcanic ground. The hike is pretty flat, 6 miles out and back, super windy and rough ground. Please, don't take the shuttle and hike there instead.

WINDY AS HELL, bring sunscreen and water. Be careful the rocks on parts of the trail are sharp and we saw someone fall and get badly hurt 😬 That being said, it's a beautiful hike and the views are insane.

Are you someone that likes to take your life in your hands and live a little dangerously? Do you enjoy questionable decisions made by strangers working for low wages? Do you enjoy nature? If you answered yes to all these questions, the beautiful Mahana green sand beach is for you! First, let’s talk about the beach. It’s an olive gold greenish color. The waves and cove it’s located in are quite beautiful and it is very striking. It is also quite dangerous. We watched the waves stack up and crash on the shore, sometimes being at least 10 feet (3+ meters) high. Like any beach, I’m sure conditions vary so your results may vary. While we were there we saw a turtle swimming around, which was awesome. Now let’s talk about the hike and the options that exist if you don’t want to walk 5 miles round trip. The hike has no shade and is not very vertical but it is going to be a little punishing because of the weather. You need water, appropriate (hiking) shoes, and should be somewhat covered from the sun (long sleeves) if you are going to do it right. We saw many people that were not prepared but decided to go for it anyway. This is both dangerous and ill-advised. Please prepare properly for a multi-hour hike in the sun. The alternative is the “local ride” choice. There is a lovely group of “good ol’ boys/gals” waiting to ferry you and your party to the beach… plus a half dozen or more strangers in the back of a pick up truck for only $20 per person round trip. See photo for what that looks like. PLEASE BE AWARE: This is NOT a mostly-safe ride where everyone is strapped in and the road is rough but rideable. It is an extremely bumpy and hazardous dirt/gravel trail where you feel like the vehicle could tip over on several occasions. I would not, for example, allow my children on this ride. Even though the drivers do this every day, it is very likely that, at some point in the future a truck will tip over and someone will be killed. The closest comparison I can think of are the treacherous bus ride videos we have all seen in China or India where death seems to wait around every corner. You feel like you are in one of those videos. The ride was terrifying and I wouldn’t do it again (even though we saw a seal on the way) but it was better than walking the five miles.

4 stars because although the beach is beautiful the steep cliff to get to it and the 3 mile hike were not worth it. The hike is rocky and steep in parts and the climb down the cliff is slippery. I'm surprised people are allowed to go down into the secluded "beach"

OK, this is absolutely the most unique incredibly different beach I’ve ever been to. Stunning is gorgeous The Green Hughes really quite amazing! From the parking lot, you will have to either hike 3 miles or pay $20 for a very bumpy truck ride to get down to the beach. We hiked 3 miles down and 3 miles back. It was a great day. BRING WATER! It’s hot!! And we got to see a lot more of the coastline than the people in the truck. This place is so unique and so beautiful it’s absolutely worth a stop. I would divert and drive here on purpose.! I’ll be back!

2.6 mile hike there one way. You can grab a ride from one of the drivers of the 4x4 trucks. They're expensive, but it might be worth it for you. We hiked there and back and it only took 2.5 hrs and it was fairly easy. You'll have to navigate the massive ruts here and there, and if the wind is blowing, which it likely will be that close to the south end, you WILL be sandblasted the whole way there and back. Bring water! Bring a hat and sunscreen! Be prepared for the hike if you're walking. The beach itself is amazing! Beautiful olivine beach where turtles play in the surf. It's a moderate climb down via a ladder then pathways carved into the rocks. Wear good shoes, but be sure to take them off when you get to the sand! It was absolutely worth the effort and the views along the way are stunning.

Beautiful view and worth the trip. When you arrive there are locals there asking if you want to hike or take the truck. The hike was over 2 miles. We went with the truck ride. The local allowed some to sit in truck and the rest to stand up in the back of the truck. There are deep ruts, but the views are amazing. When you arrive you do walk down a couple of steep ladders and then make your way down to the beach. The “paths” are cut into the rock, but you can easily make it down. Wear good shoes to get down. Once down the water was cool and a little rough but was worth the trip. Sand is like an olive green color but was nice to see in person. They allowed us to stay about an hour and then ride back. Paid 20 dollars per person round trip. Once you get back you can something to drink about $2.00 each for soda and $3.00 for Gatorade. The do have portable toilets where you park as well. All in all a great view and visit.

Mahana Beach, more famously known as Green Sand Beach, is a remarkable natural wonder located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is one of only four green sand beaches in the world, making it a unique and must-see destination for visitors to the island. The beach gets its distinct green hue from a mineral called olivine, which is abundant in the cinder cone that surrounds the beach. Over thousands of years, the volcanic activity at Puʻu Mahana, the cone near the beach, has deposited olivine crystals that give the sand its unusual color. Accessing Mahana Beach is part of the adventure, as it requires a drive to the southernmost point of the United States, followed by a challenging 2.5-mile hike across rugged terrain. The trail offers stunning coastal views, and while the hike can be demanding due to the rough and windy conditions, the destination is well worth the effort. For those who prefer not to hike, local residents often offer rides in 4x4 vehicles for a fee. The beach itself is relatively small and nestled in a crescent-shaped bay, framed by steep cliffs that enhance its secluded feel. The striking contrast between the green sand, the blue ocean, and the black lava rocks creates a visually stunning environment. However, visitors should be cautious when swimming, as the waters can be unpredictable and rough. Mahana Beach is not just a beautiful spot; it’s also a geological treasure, offering a rare and unforgettable experience for those who make the journey to this secluded location.