Makalawena Beach

This long white sand beach offers amazing views out over the Pacific and is large enough that you feel as though you have the entire beach to yourself. To get to Makalawena Beach you have to park at Kekaha Kai State Park and hike about 30 minutes north partially along a lava rock path and partially along sand. Due to this, once you get to the beach there are few people there. The water is great for snorkeling and swimming. There are a few rocks, which are not sharp, scattered around throughout the water. There is surf there throughout the year, but it typically is not very rough. The surf typically is just large enough to bodyboard. Just remember that it is a pretty long hike out so make sure to just take what is necessary. If you walk north to the end of the beach you will see Opaeula Pond on the right. There are typically several different types of fish and sea life in there. Also to the left of this area is a great place in the ocean for young children if they made it this far. There is a wave break of large lava rocks about 20 feet out into the ocean so it makes for a very calm , shallow area for children to enjoy. Also the nearest restroom is at Kekaha Kai State Park. This beach ends the nice beaches in the Kekaka Kai State Park. There are some other areas just further north, which you can camp at, but the beaches are not that great.

Note: You can get to Makalawena Beach by vehicle from the north, but I do not recommend it. You would have to have a 4WD vehicle and it still is pretty tough from there.

Makalawena Beach

Makalawena Beach

Makalawena Beach

Makalawena Beach


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Marker B is the parking for Kekaha Kai State Park. To get to Makalawena Beach you will need to walk north. Makalawena Beach is the beach located on Puu Alii Bay.