Mahai'ula Beach

Big Island Beach Guide

Mahai'ula Beach

Mahai'ula Beach is a secluded Big Island white-sand beach in Kekaha Kai State Park with shade, calm-condition swimming, rugged road access, restrooms and no lifeguards.

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.

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Ossiander

Wed Jun 25, 2025

To say the road is rugged is a disservice. We made it but at a snails pace. The bathrooms were clean but OMG the smell was scary. Like, by pass vomit and go strait to unconciousness!! There is shade and sandy beach with a lagoon look! The water is beautiful but murky and not good for snorkeling. There were volunteers that shooed us out of the water as a local monk seal was hanging out and for our safety they had us wait til she moved to the other end of the beach. Very uncrowded we brought our own food and chairs. Flat trail to the beach easy walk. Still worth the adventure getting there.

Location, Parking and Directions

Mahai'ula Beach is located off Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Route 19, on the Big Island's west coast. From Kailua-Kona, drive north on Highway 19. Between mile markers 91 and 90, turn makai onto the rugged dirt road and follow it for about 1.5 miles to the beach area. Four-wheel drive is recommended, and regular cars should proceed slowly and carefully. The parking area is an unpaved lot about a five-minute walk from the beach. The source notes that the gate is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm and closed on Wednesdays.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mahai'ula Beach located?

Mahai'ula Beach is located within Kekaha Kai State Park on the Big Island's west coast, reached from Highway 19 between mile markers 91 and 90.

Is Mahai'ula Beach good for swimming?

Swimming can be good when the ocean is calm, but there are no lifeguards and visitors should check surf and shorebreak before entering.

Do you need four-wheel drive to reach Mahai'ula Beach?

The source page recommends four-wheel drive for the rugged 1.5-mile dirt road, though it notes that many regular cars can usually handle it if driven carefully.

Can you walk from Mahai'ula Beach to Makalawena Beach?

Yes. The source page says a coastal lava trail leads north from Mahai'ula Beach to Makalawena Beach in about 15 to 20 minutes.

What facilities are available at Mahai'ula Beach?

The source page lists restrooms and no lifeguards at Mahai'ula Beach.