Mahai'ula Beach

Mahai'ula Beach is a white-sand Kekaha Kai shoreline with tree shade, a rugged road in, calm-water days and a coastal trail toward Makalawena.

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Mahai'ula Beach

Mahai'ula Beach, Big Island

Mahai'ula Beach is part of the Kekaha Kai State Park on the Big Island's west coast. It is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the Kona airport and is accessible via a rugged dirt road. This white-sand beach is backed by trees, which reach down almost to the water's edge, so there are some shady spots. The swimming conditions are usually good when the ocean is calm. From the beach, a coastal lava trail leads north to neighboring Makalawena Beach, about a 15 to 20-minute walk.

Key Features

White-sand beach in Kekaha Kai State Park north of Kona International Airport
The road in starts between Highway 19 mile markers 90 and 91
A rough 1.5-mile unpaved road leads toward the parking area
A short walk connects the parking area with the beach
Tree shade reaches parts of the sand near the back of the shoreline
No drinking water is available in this dry coastal park
Calm mornings can bring gentler swimming conditions close to shore
High surf can create dangerous shorebreak and rip currents
A coastal lava trail continues north toward Makalawena Beach
Mahai'ula feels quieter because reaching it takes a slower drive and a little walking

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Frequently Asked Questions

How rough is the road to Mahai'ula Beach?

The road is unpaved, rocky and slow. Visitors with low-clearance vehicles should think carefully before driving in, especially after rain.

Is there drinking water at Mahai'ula Beach?

No. The park is dry and hot, and drinking water is not available, so visitors should bring more water than they expect to need.

Can visitors walk from Mahai'ula Beach to Makalawena?

Yes. A coastal lava trail continues north from Mahai'ula toward Makalawena, but visitors should allow time, bring water and avoid the walk in strong midday heat.

What should visitors know about high surf at Mahai'ula?

High surf can bring pounding shorebreak and dangerous rip currents. When waves are reaching the beach hard, visitors should stay out of the water and back from the shoreline.

Why does Mahai'ula feel quieter than easier beach parks?

The rough road and short walk keep casual traffic lower than at paved beach parks, so the beach can feel quieter even when the parking area has cars.