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Usitour
Sightseeing

Makalawena Beach

📍 Big Island · USA
No photos yet
4.2/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Big Island
Category
Sightseeing
Duration
Recommended half to full day
Coordinates
19.7878, -156.0236

Introduction

Makalawena Beach is one of the Big Island most dreamy hidden white-sand coves, stretching about 1 kilometer with powder-fine sand backed by ancient lava rock and kiawe trees, facing crystalline turquoise water. Reaching it requires a 4WD drive over rough lava road or a roughly 5-kilometer hike from the Kona coast, preserving a pristine, undeveloped escape. The nearshore reef is rich, with snorkeling for green sea turtles, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish in glass-clear water when calm. The Pu\u2018u Kuili cinder cone at the south end can be climbed for sweeping coast views and sight of Hualalai volcano, making this a sanctuary for travelers seeking quiet, raw nature, and the rare blend of white sand, lava, and shade forest.

✨ Highlights

1
Powder Sand
Fine white sand cove about 1 km long
2
Turquoise Water
Glass-clear turquoise nearshore sea
3
Turtle Snorkel
Reef hosts green turtles and tropical fish
4
Pu\u2018u Kuili Cone
Climb for coast and Hualalai views
5
Kiawe Shade
Backed by ancient trees offering rare shade
6
Secluded Wild
4WD or hike access keeps it pristine

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：Kekaha Kai State Park north of Kona
→Access：4WD over lava road or 5-km hike from Kona coast
→Facilities：No guards, food, or changing rooms; bring everything
→Parking：State park $5; 4WD vehicle required
→Safety：No lifeguards; watch rip currents and sun exposure
→Opening Hours：Beach open all day; 4WD or hike access required
→Transportation：North of Kona, Big Island; in Kekaha Kai State Park via 4WD lava road

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Free entry; state park parking $5

💡 Tips

• Rent a 4WD and confirm insurance covers unpaved roads
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, shade, and food
• Snorkel respectfully; keep distance from turtles and do not chase
• Pu\u2018u Kuili climb takes about 20 min; try the cool morning
• Lava roads are sharp; rent a 4WD with a good spare tire

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Makalawena Beach?

Beach open all day; 4WD or hike access required

How much is the admission for Makalawena Beach?

Adult: Free; Free entry; state park parking $5

Any practical tips for visiting Makalawena Beach?

Rent a 4WD and confirm insurance covers unpaved roads Bring plenty of water, sun protection, shade, and food

How long should I spend at Makalawena Beach?

A typical visit takes Recommended half to full day.

Content is for reference only; verify road and beach conditions with the state park.