Although we might favor locations with the whitest sand or marvel at bubble-pink sand beaches, or black for that matter, the most unique hue of sand on Earth is actually green. If you like the sound of going home with green sand between your toes (or you’d like to boost your followers on social media), there are four locations where you can visit this rare and stunning natural phenomenon.
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These Are the Only Four Green Sand Beaches in the World
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The unusually vibrant hue of green sand results from a specific geological process involving the presence of a mineral called olivine. Olivine is a common mineral in the Earth’s upper mantle and is often found in volcanic areas like Hawai’i. When volcanic eruptions occur, they can bring olivine-rich lava to the surface. Once these crystals are ejected, over time they weather and erode into tiny green grains of sand.
This natural marvel can only be found in four locations around the world: Papakōlea Beach in Hawai’i, Talofofo Beach in Guam, Punta Cormorant in Ecuador, and Hornindalsvatnet in Norway.
Papakōlea Beach, also known as Green Sand Beach or Mahana Beach, is arguably the most famous of the four. Located on the Big Island of Hawai’i, in the Kaʻū district, this is unsurprisingly a popular place for Instagrammers and TikTokers.
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The green sand here is derived from the olivine-rich lava of the nearby Puʻu Mahana cinder cone. This volcanic cone, formed over 49,000 years ago, continues to contribute to the beach’s unique color.
Reaching Papakōlea Beach requires a moderate 2.8-mile hike, offering stunning coastal views. The trailhead is located near the South Point, the southernmost point in the US. The hike is relatively easy, though the terrain can be uneven in some sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The trek is well worth the effort, as the beach is quite a sight. The vivid green sand contrasts beautifully with the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.
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It’s important to note that visitors must be respectful when visiting. To preserve the pristine beauty and delicate ecosystem of Papakōlea Beach, visitors are urged to stay on designated trails, and you’ll need to brush down your gear as removing any sand (or rocks) from the beach is illegal.
Talofofo Beach, located on the southern tip of Guam, is another remarkable green sand beach. Talofofo is relatively small but very picturesque, and it is one of Guam’s most popular surfing spots.
It’s perhaps not a massive surprise that the volcanic Galápagos Archipelago is also home to green sand. Punta Cormorant, situated on Floreana Island, also gets its famous hue from olivine crystals from the nearby volcanoes on the island.
Lastly, while not a traditional beach, the shores of Hornindalsvatnet, a fjord in Norway’s Sunnmøre region, have green-colored sand. Unlike the volcanic origins of other green sand beaches, Hornindalsvatnet’s green shores result from a specific combination of minerals and algae in the lake’s waters that contributes to the coloration of the sand. It’s also the country’s deepest lake, reaching depths of almost 400 meters. This region of Norway is an excellent place for a road trip. The Northwest is simply spectacular, with dramatic fjords, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and exceptional coastal restaurants. 