The beautiful beach of Makalawena stretches over 5 cove/inlets and covers an area of about a half a mile to a mile of shoreline.  Makalawena is a remote beach, with few crowds - and known as one of the prettiest beaches on the Island.  Prepare yourself for a 20-30 minute hike just to get to this beach. The trail starts at the Kona Coast State Park parking area (see below) also called Kekaha Kai State Park, off Route 19, the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. The beach itself lies between mile markers 89 and 90. 

The trip is well-worth it, however.  The rough road leads you to the parking area for Kekaha Kai State Park.  Hike initially towards Mahaiula Beach, but then continue on the trail - hike across the dried lava bed for about 15-20 minutes and you will find Makalawena.  The trail leads you to the teal blue lagoons surrounded by the three crescent-shaped near-perfect white sand beaches.  Beyond the shore are white sand dunes and plenty of shady trees to keep the sun off of you.  A little farther inland, just on the other side of the shade trees is a freshwater pool where you can bathe and wash off the salt and sea before hiking back to your parked car.

Because of the remoteness of this beach, you will rarely find any crowds here!  The only footprints in the sand will be your own.  The few people that venture to this hidden beach think it is one of the prettiest on the island.  In the late afternoon, as the sun moves low on the horizon, the sunset's colors are painted on the white sand beach.

Check out our Kona Snorkeling Section for more information on snorkeling in Kona.  Want to take your digital camera underwater? Check out our water-proof underwater cases.

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