There are many attractions near Wai Ahukini Beach. Papakolea Beach - also known as Green Sand Beach or Mahana Beach - is a small green sand beach carved into a 49,000-year-old cinder cone from the Mauna Loa volcano, which is home to the green crystals (olivines) that make up a significant portion of the sand here. The beach is situated on the southernmost tip of the Big Island and offers Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean and overlooking cliffs. Papakolea Beach offers many fun activities including swimming, hiking, surfing, beachcombing, and sunbathing. It is important to note that the beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly.
South Point Park is located on the southernmost tip of the Big Island on Ka Lae Point. It is believed that Ka Lae was the first place where Polynesians first set foot when they reached the Hawaiian Islands as early as 750 A.D. It is an ideal fishing spot. Swimming is not recommended here due to the steep, rocky cliffs (approximately 40 feet high), deep waters, and dangerous currents. Despite this, it is an excellent place to relax and unwind oneself, as South Point Park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The entire southern point is listed as a National Historic Landmark because it is littered with the remains of fishing shrines, heiau (temples), and other historical sites. If you are looking for another attraction near Wai Ahukini Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater that forms a small, uninhabited islet, and it is home to two active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive shield volcano. The park features magnificent volcanic landscapes, including the Thurston Lava Tube, which is easily accessible by a one-and-a-half-mile hike through a rainforest, and a 500-year-old lava tube that was carved out by lava exceeding temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, there are many other amazing spots within the park, including the Halemaumau Crater, the Crater Rim Drive, the Kilauea Visitor Center, and 150 miles of hiking trails throughout this gigantic park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
