Like all the others said, shuttles are still there, but the steep path down can be a challenge with torn ACL. Path doesn't have much to hold on to and the sand is bit slippery at certain section.

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...

They will approach you on the parking area. I think the hike itself added to the experience though and I wouldn't pay for the ride personally. I would suggest being sunscreens up as it's very windy and you don't realize how burnt you are getting till it's too late!

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.

Yes, locals are there waiting when you drive in. We paid $15 per person. Ask them to be in the cab, otherwise you're in the box of the truck. It's very windy out there, wear close toed shoes too. Enjoy!!

We didn't hire a local driver. We parked our car in the lot that said "Green Sand Parking". Then we walked towards the water (about 1/4 mile) then headed to the left along the trails and walked ourselves. we did see people walking, and then they'd jump onto a truck passing by which probably was one of the local drivers. We mostly wanted to hike so we trekked it!