Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kekaha Kai State Park
more memorable for being tucked on the far side of a vast desert of unforgiving black
lava. This nearly undeveloped 1600-acre park has four beaches, only one of which has
paved access. The others are best approached with a 4WD or on foot; but if you hike,
come prepared with good shoes, food and lots of water. It can be brutally hot, and once
you reach the sand you'll want to stay till the last drop of sunlight.
The park is 11 miles north of Kailua-Kona.
Beaches
Mahaiʻula Beach
BEACH
MAP
The park's largest, this rough, salt-and-pepper-sand beach is not great for swimming, but
has good surfing during winter swells and kayaking is possible year-round. The beach
has shaded picnic tables and pit toilets. Walk a few minutes north along the coast to a
second, less rocky, curved tan beach with soft sand (called Magoon's) that is perfect for
sunning and swimming.
Mahaiʻula Beach is at the end of the park's main entrance - a ragged 1.5-mile road
between mile markers 90 and 91. You can trek out here or drive, but if you go by vehicle,
a 4WD is recommended. The road has been improved and 2WD cars were making the
trek during our visit but you'll want to drive very carefully. The end of this road is the
junction for Makalawena and Makoleʻa Beaches.
Makalawena Beach
BEACH
MAP
'Maks,' as it is often called, is almost the picture-perfect definition of an isolated, off the
beaten path and (occasionally) deserted beach. If what you're after is an almost deserted,
postcard-perfect scoop of pristine white-sand beach, edged by ivy-covered dunes and
cupping brilliant blue-green water (are you sold?), head here.
Just realize it takes a little effort. Before the parking lot for Mahaiʻula, the road junc-
tion offers two choices: go south for Makoleʻa Beach, or go north for Makalawena
Beach. You'll be heading north. The service road to Makalawena Beach is cabled off, so
