I honestly don’t remember how we found it. It’s confusing because there is not a road anywhere near. You follow the signs to it… then you walk a very very long way or let a local take you in the back of a pick up truck off roading. I had friends who paid the $20 cash for the ride and it was worth it!

I did not consider it exactly an easy hike as you are being scoured by sand blown by strong winds the entire way, good luck keeping your head up. It took us considerably longer than 45 minutes for that reason. Of course, the ride given by locals is somewhat of a hair-raising experience itself!

When we were there in November, shuttles were still running. However, access to the beach is down a steep set of stairs/path and may not be very easy to navigate if you are still recovering from ACL surgery. Its worth it though if you are into out of the way places not everyone gets to see. Good luck

Lots of coming and going seems like it would discourage break-ins, but for vehicles parked further down the road away from the grass "lot," the anonymity could certainly make it possible if you can make it look like you're just getting into your own car. Who would know the difference? I find the comments about "sketchiness" offensive. Folks aren't suspect just because they're brown and driving off-road vehicles with duct tape on the upholstery. No one in their right mind would drive a nice Jeep or truck in the 6-foot sandy ruts between the parking and the green sand. Good grief. The transport operation may be informal, but it seems to be widely known and local authorities don't appear to have a problem with it. Our driver was personable, careful, and thoughtful. As several others have said, don't make poor choices that offer enticing theft opportunities, like leaving lots of valuables visible and easily accessible. Just like every other place in the world. There is no particular risk here that isn't a risk everywhere.

You can negotiate the time spent on the beach. You don’t necessarily have to get a ride back with the same local who drove you to the beach. There are other locals who can take you back usually every 30-60min. You just need to ask if they have room in their vehicles for you.

You can drive to the cliffs further south. There is a road, fairly rough, but drivable, where the divers jump off. It's above the beach to the south and a pretty good walk down to the actual beach if you're able to go down some big rock. Haven't been there in a while but it's easily accessible by car or 4 wheel or truck.

It is about 3 miles to walk and the walk is difficult. The ride is about 20 minutes and is $20 per person cash only. Some people walked and took the ride back for half the price, if there was a driver that had space. Most that walked one way were very happy to have a ride back. A regular car cannot make the drive and even a 4 wheel drive will probably get banged up as the turns are difficult. I'd pay the $20. The Green Sand Beach trip was a highlight of our visit to the Big Island. I am 70 years old and my wife is 76.

So since I wrote this review, I have been there many times. If you can't drive, talk a friend into going with you. Make sure they drive!! LOL. Once you are in South Point, there are often locals who will drive you there for a price. You can try bargaining, but they stick together and have set the price. When I have driven, there are always people walking. It is not that far! I drove there once with 5 people in my SUV, and another couple I knew were walking. The road is rough enough that they arrived 10 minutes after we did!! I am gimped, so walking is not an option for me! So when you stand looking out at the ocean from the boat launch, turn left and walk. Stay between the fence and the ocean. The beach is not huge, so don't miss it. I have been there with no one else but my friends and I. And I have been there when there are a couple hundred people. Most of them had walked. It's worth it!! Fionicaly. I will try to get hold of you next time I go through this website...

If you follow the road all the way to the South Point, they have a sign for Green Sand Beach parking and the locals are parked in there. They pretty much approach everyone who pulls in but you'll be able to spot them as they have trucks with couches in the back or trucks with built up hand rails. It seems kind of sketchy but it really added to our experience! Enjoy - it was totally worth it!

I would not jump. Don't do it..... Today my wife and I visited. Just as we showed up they were dragging out a lady that drown in front of 40 plus people. From what we heard she jumped in but was unable to climb the ladder to get out. Sadly it appears she got tired and that was it. I looked at this flimsy old steel ladder and I don't think I would make it out... Also the surf was above average. Whoever she was... Rest on peace. Sad day.