Where To Find Peridot in Hawaii: A Guide to the 4 Most Likely Places

Have you ever heard of peridot?

It’s a beautiful gemstone that is primarily found in Hawaii, and it has been used for centuries to create jewelry.

In this article, we will explore where to find peridot in Hawaii and how best to go about finding the precious gemstones.

Where To Find Peridot in Hawaii: A Guide

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Laws are updated. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material.

Peridot Introduction

Though Hawaii produces tons of gemstones for the market every year, the bigger ones you see most likely come from between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have some of the larger peridots in the world.

There are plenty of large old stones seen in museums around the world.

The best time of year to go out searching for peridot is during the rainy season because it washes away dirt from rocks that could contain this precious gemstone.

While it’s possible to find peridot on all the Hawaiian Islands, most gemstones are found on Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that peridot can mostly be found in Hawaii.

It is a mineral that is indigenous to the islands, and the amount of peridot that Hawaii offers is rare anywhere else in the world because of the way they’re created.

That said, peridot can be found on all the main Hawaiian islands – Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai – but it’s most commonly located on the Big Island and Maui.

Oahu

Oahu is a beautiful place to go looking for gemstones like the peridot.

The island has quite a few trails that are short hikes, leading you to the legendary green stone.

These are called the ‘tears of Pele’ and blanket some beaches in the area.

Most of the peridot stones found on Oahu are very small, some like grains of sand, but the rewards of exploration and views will be well worth it!

Peridot is formed from the lava when volcanoes erupt and cool as they’re doing so.

Sometimes people will report seeing peridots spat out from the lava as it flows onto the ground.

At times, while hiking or driving to your destination, you may find peridot by accident just from stepping on rocks that contain them.

Therefore, it’s usually best to go in the rainy season, where you’re able to see more stones after the grime has washed away.

Maui Island

If you’re looking for peridot on Maui Island, the best place to start is the Kahakapao Loop Trail.

This hike is in the Iao Valley and is about 5.4 miles long near the city of Makawao, Maui, Hawaii.

The trail is easy to moderate, making it perfect for hikers.

You’ll need to pack a good pair of boots for the hike and dress a little warmer as the higher altitude is much cooler in temperature, at around 4000ft above sea level.

Another beautiful place to find peridot in Maui is Puu Haleakala National Park.

This park is located near the cities of Kihei, Maui, and Wailea, Wailea-Makena, and is known for its stunning waterfalls and lava tubes.

The park offers a variety of different trails that range in difficulty, so it’s perfect for hikers of all levels.

You’ll be able to find peridot stones in the surrounding areas.

In Haleakalā National Park, you can find peridot stones with a black sheen called Olivine.

These gems are rare and only found on Kauai in these dark volcanic rocks that were formed from cooled lava flows.

You’ll need to purchase a permit before going into the park.

Big Island

The Hualalai volcano is the best place to find peridot, as it is located on the ‘big island’ near its sister volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

The Hualalai Volcano features a loop trail you should start early in the morning, and the loop makes its way around the main crater, giving you ample time to find peridot.

There are so many distinct types of volcanic cones and trails; it’s easy to get distracted and stay out for much longer than expected.

Peridot stones can be found loosely scattered all around the volcano.

You’ll be able to find peridot stones here as well as other gemstones like amethyst and agate.

It’s important to dress warmly as you’ll be much higher in altitude than you are used to.

You should also bring a good pair of boots as there is a lot of hiking involved.

It’s also helpful to have a guide with you who knows where to go looking for peridot on Mauna Kea, especially if you haven’t been there before.

Kauai Island

Finally, Kauai is the home to another one of Hawaii’s national parks: Waimea Canyon State Park near the city of Waimea.

The park is known for its stunning waterfalls and red cliffs, which make for a perfect backdrop while you’re searching for peridot stones.

The Puu Hinahina Trail is a moderate hike (2.8 miles) that will take you about an hour, and it’s one of the best places to find peridot on the island.

You’ll be able to find stones all around the area, so keep your eyes peeled!

The island is also home to Haleakalā National Park, located near Hāna, which has been a source of this precious gemstone for centuries.

The Puu Kukui Trail is located in the park and features several different trails that you can choose from, all leading up to stunning views of the island’s highest peak: Mauna Kea.

Mauna Kea boasts peridot and andesite in its black volcanic rock, which differs from the Olivine found elsewhere on the islands.

Olivine is another type of peridot on some islands.

Peridot crystals can be transparent to translucent, have an olive-green color, and are pleochroic (they change color when looked at from different angles).

The Olivine’s color can range from yellow-green to deep green.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for peridot in Hawaii, there are a few specific places to find it.

On the Big Island, Haleakalā National Park and Waimea Canyon State Park offer great hiking trails that lead up to beautiful views of waterfalls and cliffs- perfect spots to search for these precious stones!