Beaches in Kaʻū

Kaʻū's shorelines come in colors found almost nowhere else on Earth — jet black at Punaluʻu, olivine green at Papakōlea.

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Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Jet-black sand where green sea turtles haul out to bask.

<p>The island's most famous black-sand beach, between Volcano and Nāʻālehu. Honu (green sea turtles) rest on the sand most days — keep the required distance and never touch. Swimming is possible on calm days but the water is chilly from freshwater springs.</p>

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Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

One of the world's few green sand beaches, in an eroding olivine cinder cone.

<p>From the South Point parking area it's about 2.5 windswept miles each way along the coast to the collapsed cone whose olivine crystals tint the sand green. Walk it — the unofficial truck shuttles run over fragile land, and taking sand is prohibited. Carry water and sun protection; swim only when calm, as there are no lifeguards for many miles.</p>