A string of white-sand coves backed by dunes. The only way in is on foot, heading north from Mahaiʻula Beach over rough lava rock and packed sand. There are no facilities at all, so no water, shade, or restrooms, and that keeps the crowds small.
Why we love it
The walk is hot and rocky, and that's the point. In exchange for a sweaty 20-plus minutes, you get one of the emptiest, prettiest stretches of sand on the Kona coast.
What to expect
The trip starts at Mahaiʻula, reached by an unpaved, bumpy lava-rock road off Highway 19. From the northern end of Mahaiʻula Beach, look for a rocky trail near the palm trees. It crosses sharp ʻaʻā and compacted sand, which can be slippery, for about 20 minutes each way, and the lava field radiates heat. At the end there are no buildings, rentals, or services of any kind. Of the three Kekaha Kai beaches, Makalawena is the least visited, because it’s the only one you can reach only on foot. Plan around the park’s gate hours for the walk back.
Know before you go
- Getting there
- Drive the rough road to the Mahaiʻula section of Kekaha Kai State Park, then walk north from the far end of the beach. Kekaha Kai is open 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m., and the gates close at 7 p.m.
- Trail surface
- The route crosses sharp ʻaʻā lava and compacted sand, so wear closed-toe shoes rather than sandals.
- Facilities
- There are no restrooms, drinking water, shade, lifeguards, or trash cans. DLNR describes Mahaiʻula itself as dry and hot with no drinking water, so carry everything in and pack all trash out.
- Water conditions
- Currents can be strong, and winter shore break can be heavy. DLNR’s Kekaha Kai warning applies here too: waves over 3 feet are for experts only.
- Fees
- DLNR lists non-resident Kekaha Kai fees of $5 per person and $10 per vehicle, card only, but gives a start date (January 2026) only for the Kua Bay section. Check at the Mahaiʻula entrance.
- Nearby
- Puʻu Kuʻili, a 342-foot cinder cone with coastline views, is a side hike off the 4.5-mile Ala Kahakai trail between Mahaiʻula and Kua Bay.
Photo: Eli Duke from Portland, OR, USA via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
