Hike· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Mahai'ula to Makalawena Coastal Walk
19° 47.1′ N · 156° 2.1′ W
A short but hot walk north along the Ala Kahakai trail from Mahai'ula Beach over rough pahoehoe lava to Makalawena, one of the most beautiful undeveloped white-sand beaches on the Kona coast, with dunes and the 'Opae'ula bird pond behind.
Practical
Coordinate is the midpoint of the Makalawena Beach Trail in OpenStreetMap. Start at Mahai'ula Beach (Kekaha Kai State Park), reached by a rough 1.5-mile unpaved road off Highway 19 between mile markers 90 and 91; the walk is about 15 to 20 minutes each way over lava (To-Hawaii.com). A northern 4x4 route starts between mile markers 88 and 89. Makalawena has no facilities, no lifeguards and no drinking water: carry water, sun cover and shoes for hot lava. Avoid midday heat. Monk seals sometimes rest on these beaches; stay clear if volunteers ask.
Best for
Wild-beach walk on a day ashore from Kona or Kua Bay
Season
Calm mornings; avoid midday heat and winter high surf
Nearby
- Mahai'ula Beach (Kekaha Kai State Park)0.2 NM away
- Kekaha Kai State Park (Makalawena)0.5 NM away
- Kua Bay (Manini'owali Beach)2.1 NM away
- Winter North Swell on the Kona-Kohala Anchorages2.1 NM away
- Kikaua Point Beach Park2.8 NM away
- Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)2.9 NM away
- Kuki'o Beach3 NM away
- Garden Eel Cove and Keahole Dive Moorings3.1 NM away