Green Sand Beach, South Point & Kaʻū Coast swimming guide
The Kaʻū district on Hawaiʻi Island's south coast is home to some of the most dramatic and remote beaches in the state. South Point (Ka Lae) is the southernmost point in the United States, and the nearby beaches feature green, black, and gray sand from volcanic minerals.
Water quality at south coast beaches is generally good due to extreme remoteness, minimal development, and strong ocean currents. However, the physical conditions are frequently dangerous with powerful currents, strong winds, and no lifeguards.
Safety first: These are remote, unmonitored beaches with limited cell service. Never swim alone, and always tell someone where you are going.
Green olivine sand · 2.5-mile hike · No lifeguards · Strong currents
One of only four green sand beaches in the world. The sand gets its color from olivine crystals eroding from a volcanic cinder cone. Water quality is excellent due to total absence of development, but swimming is dangerous. Strong currents, shore break, and a difficult entry/exit through the rocky cove make this a high-risk swimming spot.
Access: 2.5-mile hike each way from the parking area. No shade, bring water. Do not take sand — it is culturally disrespectful and technically illegal.
Cliff jumping spot · Strong currents · No beach · No lifeguards
South Point is a dramatic cliff area popular for cliff jumping into deep blue water. Water quality is pristine — this is open ocean with no nearby development. However, the currents are extremely powerful and can sweep swimmers out to sea. Rescues here are difficult and dangerous. Only experienced ocean swimmers should consider entering the water, and only on calm days.
Black volcanic sand · Sea turtles · Rough water · Limited swimming
A stunning black sand beach famous for resting Hawaiian green sea turtles (hʻonu). Water quality is generally good due to the remote location, but swimming is not recommended at most times due to strong currents and a rocky bottom. Cold freshwater springs feed into the bay.
Turtle etiquette: Stay at least 10 feet from resting turtles. Do not touch, feed, or disturb them. Violators can face fines up to $25,000.
Remote fishing village · Rocky coastline · Limited swimming
One of the last traditional Hawaiian fishing villages. The rocky coastline offers limited swimming but excellent tide pooling on calm days. Water quality is good due to remoteness. The road down to Miloliʻi is narrow and winding. Respect the community and local fishing rights.
Gray sand · Decent swimming · Snorkeling · Camping
One of the more accessible south coast beaches with a gray sand shoreline and protected swimming area. Water quality is generally good. Conditions are calmer than other south coast spots, making it a reasonable swimming option. Community-managed with camping permits available. Dolphins frequently visit the bay.
The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. The south coast is relatively dry but heavy rain can channel through gulches to the coast. DOH monitoring is extremely limited in the Kaʻū district. Always assess conditions visually.
South Point Road branches off Highway 11 between the towns of Ocean View and Nʻaʻalehu. The 12-mile road to the point is paved but narrow with no centerline in places. Allow 20-25 minutes for the drive.
From Kona: Approximately 70 miles south, about 1.5-2 hours via Highway 11.
From Hilo: Approximately 80 miles south, about 1.5-2 hours via Highway 11.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is directly off Highway 11 and easily accessible with any vehicle. It is a common stop on the drive between Kona and Hilo.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙