Kona Coast State Park at a Glance
The Kona Coast State Park (also known as Kekaha Kai) on the Big Island's west coast comprises two of the best beaches in the area, Mahaiula Beach and Kua Bay (also known as Manini'owali). The entire shoreline in this area is beautiful. The dark lava rocks, white sandy coves, green vegetation and deep blue water make for a nice contrast in colors. Both beaches offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and other beach activities. In the winter, there are also some good waves for surfing and bodyboarding.
Mahaiula Beach is sandy and has a picnic area with tables. The ocean bottom drops off gently here and is composed of a mixture of sand and rocks. Besides swimming and snorkeling, many divers come here to explore the underwater arches, tunnels and caves, as well as a sunken ship. During times of high surf, many surfers come here as well. There is a good surf spot called Kawili Point at the northern end of the bay.
Also, many ancient archaeological sites are located near Mahaiula Beach, such as Pohaku o Lama, a stone fish goddess standing near the water's edge. In ancient Hawaii, fishermen brought their offerings to this rock and asked for their good luck at sea. In the spring time (May to June), the water around this rock sometimes turns red. The ancient Hawaiians believed that this meant that the stone goddess is menstruating. Nowadays, the scientific explanation is that the red water is caused by small organisms called dinoflagellates. The phenomenon can still be observed today.
From Mahaiula Beach, the coastal Ala Kahakai Trail leads north for 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Kua Bay. Along the way, there are sand dunes, ponds and mini forests. About midway, hikers can walk to the summit of Puu Kuili, a 342-foot (104 m) high cinder cone.
Kua Bay is a white-sand beach that also offers great conditions for a variety of water activities, such as swimming, snorkeling and diving. However, it can get quite hot here, especially in the summer months because there is no shade. If you don't plan to hike here from Mahaiula Beach, Kua Bay has a parking area as well. But you'll have to walk over rough lava rocks to get to the beach.
Kona Coast State Park is accessible via a rugged, semi-paved access road. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, but most sedans can handle it as well. The parking area is on an unpaved lot just a short walk from the beach.
Kona Coast State Park in Bullet Points
- Two beaches are located in this beach park, Mahaiula Beach and Kua Bay
- Good place for a variety of water activities
- Coastal hiking trail connects the two beaches
Kona Coast State Park Facilities
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- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- No lifeguards
Kona Coast State Park Water Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Bodyboarding
- Surfing
Kona Coast State Park Driving Directions / Location
From Kona, take Highway 19 north. Between Mile Marker #91 and 90, make a left turn at the semi-paved road. Drive straight ahead for 1.5 miles to the beach.
Address: Queen Kaahumanu Hwy 19, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
Kona Coast State Park Map (top)
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Kona Coast State Park Weather
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Now
74°F
Windchill:
74°F
Cloudy
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Location: Kailua Kona, HI, US
Wind: 9 mph SE
Humidity: 64%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 29.98 in rising
Sunrise: 6:29 am
Sunset: 6:35 pm
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Fri
Hi: 79°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy
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Sat
Hi: 80°F
Low: 70°F
Partly Cloudy
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Kona Coast State Park Photos (click to enlarge)
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Kona Coast State Park Reviews and Comments
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Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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