THIS SECLUDED SPOT IS WORTH THE RIDE!
A hidden gem!
This secluded beach is rarely crowded!
White sand
Soft white sand with natural shade provided by surrounding trees.
See Hawaiian wildlife
Home to fish, turtles and herds of goats in the surrounding lava field!
THIS BEACH IS LIKE A REAL-LIFE POSTCARD!
Mahai’ula is the Southernmost beach in Kekaha Kai Beach Park. It’s one of the Islands more secluded beaches and is rarely crowded. The only way to access this beach is through a winding, rugged road. It can be quite bumpy, but most cars are able to make the trip. Just take it slow!
This gorgeous white sand beach is surrounded by a fair number of trees, which provide a good amount of shade. With typically calm waters, this beach is a great spot for swimming. The water does become deep fairly close to the shoreline, which can be a surprise for young or inexperienced swimmers.
There’s lots to see at this beach. If you bring your snorkel gear you’ll find lots of fish and the occasional sea turtle. You can watch planes come and go from the Kona airport. There are often herds of goats traversing the lava fields behind the beach. You may even be lucky enough to see a group of Hawaiian monk seals basking in the sun.
About a 30 minute hike North of Mahai’ula is the even more secluded, but stunning, Makalawena Beach. If you’re going to visit this beach you’ll want closed-toed shoes, as the walk goes over sharp lava rock, reef-safe sunscreen and water!
DIRECTIONS & GENERAL INFORMATION
Kekaha Kai State Park is a couple miles North of Kona airport. Access to Mahai’ula Bay is at the Southern end of the park between the 90 and 91 mile markers on Highway 19. The lava road to the shoreline is rough and uneven. Go slowly, especially if in a normal car and not a vehicle with 4 wheel drive. The end of the road is 1.5 miles from the highway. Just before the parking lot you’ll see a metal chain restricting access to a dirt road that leads to the beach. Once you’ve parked head up this road on foot for 5-10 minutes to reach the beach. The park gates are open from 9am-7pm.
We recommend contacting organisations directly to get the most up to date information about their operations.
