Makalawena Beach: A Guide to the Big Island’s Secret Beach
Heard of Makalawena Beach but wondering how to get there or if it’s worth it?
Makalawena Beach is arguably one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the Big Island. It is a bit of a treacherous road to drive and then a small hike across a lava field, but it’s well worth the effort as it gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing you earned your beach time.
After living and exploring the Big Island for year, I believe it to be the most magical beach on the island.
Before You Go
A few things to know before heading out to Makalawena Beach:
1. No restrooms or amenities. If you park at Mahai’ula Beach you can use their restroom before hiking over to Makalawena.
2. No shade. If you are like me and melt easily in the sun you’ll want to bring your own covering or prepare to get crispy. There are some trees behind the shoreline to get some respite but not really for setting up shop.
3. Bring sustenance. You won’t be able to just pop back to the car for water or a snack. To prevent dehydration make sure you have plenty of liquid refreshment to keep from passing out.
4. Wear sturdy shoes. Walking across the lava field in flip flops is not recommended. Be sure to wear some soles with some structure to keep your feet safe.
Where is Makalawena Beach?
Kekaha Kai State Park consists of three beaches: Mahai’ula, Makalawena, and Kua.
The parking for Makalawena is only about 3.5 miles north of the Kona International Airport.
Heading north, a sign from Hwy 19 points left to enter Kekaha Kai State Park to Mahai’ula Beach. The yellow gate close to the highway is open from 8am-7pm.
However, don’t be surprised if it’s closed for various reasons. I was told they will close it for shark sightings, as one example.
When I visited, it was closed at 10am with no explanation so I just walked down the road which added an extra 30min one way of hiking. Ironically, as soon as I reached the parking lot at the end of the road the gate had opened.
The dirt road past the yellow gate down to Mahai’ula Beach has some big potholes. It’s doable in a regular car, just take it slowly and carefully and you’ll be fine.
Mahai’ula Beach
Once you reach the end of the road you’ll reach the parking lot for Mahai’ula Beach. It has restrooms, picnic tables, and trees for shade.
The sand on this beach is also white and plentiful. Because of the trees there is a lot of debris in the sand which can hurt your bare feet. You might be tempted to just stay at this beach, but trust me, the best is yet to come.
Endangered Monk Seals
Warning signs explain that endangered Hawaiian monk seals like to beach here. These seals are indigenious to and only found in Hawaii.
In the late 19th century they were hunted to near extinction. Conservation efforts over the years have preserved the species and about 1,400 of these native seals still exist today.
Touching and harassing a Hawaiian monk seal is illegal and punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. If you see a beached seal, stay 50 feet away. You can also report your sighting by calling the Marine Mammal Center hotline at 808-987-0765.
I was lucky enough to see one chilling in the shade of a tree already reported and roped off.
The Hike to Makalawena Beach
From the Mahai’ula Beach parking lot it’s about a 1-mile hike to Makalawena Beach. It will take about 20-30 minutes, depending on your walking speed.
Facing north from the parking lot look for the gated gravel path. Follow it.
It will take you to the north corner of Mahai’ula Beach to a picturesque and shallow cove.
The abandoned, iconic red Magoon Beach House is here. It was built in 1880 by John Kaelemakule, bought by George Magoon in 1936 for $1,000, stayed in the family until it became the property of the state of Hawaii in 1993, and in 2014 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The house is boarded up and there isn’t much to see but it adds some interest to the beach.
At the end of the cove, past the house, a “palm gauntlet” makes a clearly labeled path. Follow over the crest of the dune and the path opens up to an expansive lava field.
The footpath across the field is mostly a’a lava, the annoying sharp kind. With each step it will sound like you are walking over glass. This is how you will earn your beach.
Shade is absent on this stretch and if it’s a sunny day you’ll be toasting.
Coming to the end of the trail you’ll see a mirage-esque, green oasis. The path almost immediately converts from lava to white sand: a clue that you are close to your destination.
Pass over the debris laden sand, walking between green and purple Pōhuehue, native Hawaiian Beach Morning Glory plants. The dune to the left blocks the ocean view but you can hear the waves crashing.
Choose your path route. Many offshoots lead straight to the ocean or continue north with the Pōhuehue to your left and a reappeared lava field to your right.
Don’t be surprised if you have a run in with goats. They overrun this side of the island but they are mostly harmless.
Whenever you decide to turn left towards the ocean you’ll be graced with the paradise white sands you’ve been dreaming about.
Alternative Hike to Makalawena Beach
A less common way to hike to Makalawena Beach is to start from Kua Bay and hike the approximate 3 miles south. This is the route one would take if they want to go hiking for the day and have a swimming destination at the end; not if you are just looking for a chill beach day.
Park at Kua Bay or the Pu’u Ku’ili parking area and take the path behind the pu’u. Keep following it south until you hit Makalawena Beach. This route is super sun-exposed so I suggest starting early and bringing lots of water.
Can You Drive to Makalawena Beach?
Yes and no.
Unless you have 4WD with high clearance there is no way you will be able to drive to Makalawena Beach. It’s up to you how adventurous you want to be with your rental car.
The unpaved road starts at the Makalawena Trailhead (so technically you could hike from here too if you wanted). If you are headed north on Hwy 19 it’s right before you turn left on Kua Bay Access Rd; it just looks like a dirt pullout. You’ll need to make a U-turn at Kua Bay Access Rd to reach it.
Take this knobbly, gnarly rocky road for about 1.5-miles and Makalawena Beach will be towards your left.
You Made it to Makalawena Beach
To date, this is THE best white sand beach I have visited on the Big Island. I hear Hapuna Beach is better but I haven’t made it there yet.
Makalawena Beach is almost 0.5-miles long with powdered-sugar-soft sand and bright azure water worthy of any Pinterest picture. It’s beautiful!
A rock “peninsula” divides the beach into two main sections with some fragmented areas further north. Choose a side that fancies you most. If you go north to the second half you’ll probably have less people.
That being said, I wouldn’t say this is a crowded beach. It’s mostly locals or adventurous tourists. Only about six groups showed up while I was reposing on the seashore; there’s plenty of sand to be shared.
Shade isn’t much of an option, at least not on the main part of the beach. There are some trees further inland to give some respite.
If you are lucky, like I was, you might find a palm shelter already built; definitely giving me Robinson Crusoe vibes. Try making your own shelter if none are available and show me your pic!
Activities at Makalawena Beach
There is no lifeguard at Makalawena Beach. Use your own judgement on whether water activities are safe for you.
Swimming can be good at the beach. The wave strength can vary, sometimes they are burlier than other days.
Be aware that there are some exposed lava boulders hiding in the water so stubbing a toe is a possibility while swimming.
Makalawena Beach is not considered a snorkel beach due to the potential ferocious waves; but it can be a great spot. On calm days people can snorkel or scuba and see sealife like octopus around the lava coves in the outcroppings.
The energetic waves do allow this beach to be a prime spot for bodysurfing and boogie boarding.
Camping is not allowed on this beach.
Opa’eula Pond
Behind the northernmost section of Makalawena Beach lies 12-acres of an ancient Hawaiian fishpond and an important bird sanctuary on the Big Island, Opa’eula Pond.
Opa’eula is an indigenous red shrimp that only gets to about half an inch long. Birds of all varieties feast on these little guys including the endangered Hawaiian stilt, ducks, doves, cardinals, and more.
Read about more Big Island beaches:
Papakalea Green Sand Beach
Punalu’u Black Sand Beack
Kua Bay Beach
Magic Sands Beach
Conclusion
Don’t let the hike to Makalawena Beach scare you from experiencing this pristine stretch of sand. It’s well worth the effort and you’ll get Insta-pics your friends will be jealous over.
🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺
🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
