MacKenzie State Park
MacKenzie State Park is a rugged coastal retreat on the Big Island's Puna coastline, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, lava formations, and ironwood trees. While unsafe for swimming, the park offers stunning ocean views, shaded picnic areas, historic lava tubes, and part of the ancient King's Highway trail. It's also steeped in Hawaiian folklore, with nightmarcher legends and a tranquil yet mysterious ambiance, especially after dark.
MacKenzie State Park, Big Island
This sprawling state park has one of the most dramatic oceanfronts, but people don't come here for the swimming. MacKenzie State Park is mostly popular among sunbathers, picnickers and fishing enthusiasts. Strong currents make it unsafe for swimmers and snorkelers, and many drownings and near-drownings have happened in this area. Most of them were fishermen who were swept off the rocky ledges. Nevertheless, the views at this 13-acre (52,609 sq. m) paradise certainly merit a full day of exploring. The park is surrounded by many ironwood trees, so there is plenty of shade. Picnic tables and pavilions are available.
The park is located on the east rift zone of Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Because of this, the park's landscape consists mostly of rocks and dried lava, with some lush greenery on the far sides. Low sea cliffs are located along the water's edge. Here, you'll find caves, sea arches and lava tube openings, most of them a result of decades of volcanic activity.
Be sure to check out King's Highway, an ancient Hawaiian trail that takes you through the park on a winding path. It was built back in the days when King Kamehameha the Great ruled the Hawaiian Islands. Along the way, there are several lookout points where you can enjoy great views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The peak offers a bird's eye view of the coast, clearly defined against the water, making for a truly magnificent picture.
MacKenzie State Park was named in 1939 after Albert J. W. MacKenzie, a forest ranger on the Big Island who passed away a year before. He was a dedicated forest ranger, replanting many burned areas in the Puna and Ka'u districts. He also planted the ironwood trees in this park.
Another interesting fact is that MacKenzie State Park is known as a spooky place, especially at night. It is the nightmarchers' territory and eerie sounds and sights have been witnessed (Nightmarchers are the spirits of deceased ancient Hawaiians. Their processions, which include torches and drumming, have been witnessed by quite a few people, especially on full moon nights).
Key Features of MacKenzie State Park
- Dramatic lava shoreline: Scenic cliffs, sea arches, and lava tube formations carved by volcanic activity.
- Part of King's Highway: Historic trail from the reign of King Kamehameha I winds through the park.
- Dangerous surf zone: Swimming is unsafe due to strong currents, crashing waves, and rocky ledges.
- Forest-shaded picnicking: Ironwood groves planted by ranger Albert MacKenzie offer a cool, shady atmosphere with pavilions and lava stone tables.
- Spiritual lore: Believed to be haunted by nightmarchers - spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors - especially during full moons.
- Location: Kalapana-Kapoho Rd, Pahoa, HI 96778
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is MacKenzie State Park located?
MacKenzie State Park is located on Kalapana-Kapoho Road (Highway 137) near Mile Marker 20, south of Pahoa on the Big Island's Puna coast.
Is it safe to swim at MacKenzie State Park?
No, swimming is extremely dangerous due to powerful currents, sharp lava rocks, and crashing waves along the cliffs.
What is the King's Highway trail?
King's Highway is a historic footpath built during King Kamehameha I's reign. A portion of it passes through the park and offers scenic viewpoints.
What facilities are available at the park?
MacKenzie Park has restrooms, a picnic pavilion, lava rock tables, parking, and grassy shaded areas beneath ironwood trees.
Is MacKenzie State Park haunted?
Many believe it is. Legends say the park is home to nightmarchers - spirits of ancient warriors said to appear at night. Visitors often report eerie sounds and feelings.