Edge of Blue: A Day Exploring Kekaha Kai State Park on the Kona Coast
Hike lava, swim electric-blue coves, and see the Kona Coast from sea level to sky in one unforgettable day.
The first sound is the crunch—lava meeting sandal with that brittle, glassy tick as you step from the parking lot toward a horizon that glows cobalt. The sun is already awake, sliding over Hualālai, warming the black rock that pours, frozen and forever, down to Kona’s shoreline. At Kekaha Kai State Park, the coast doesn’t just sit there; it beckons. Trade winds skim the dunes, palms rustle at Mahai‘ula Bay, and the Pacific exhales, timing its shorebreak like a metronome. This is one of the Big Island’s most elemental edges, a place where your day naturally divides into chapters: hike, swim, watch the light change, repeat.
Trail Wisdom
Start at first light
Beat heat and parking crunch by arriving before 9 a.m.; the lava radiates by mid-morning and shade is scarce.
Wear real footwear
Closed-toe hiking sandals or trail shoes protect your feet on sharp ʻaʻā and keep you stable on sandy inclines.
Read the ocean
If the shorebreak is slamming or visibility looks poor, skip snorkeling and enjoy the hike—conditions change quickly here.
Respect ʻŌpaeʻula Pond
Keep distance from the wetland and birds near Makalawena; it’s a protected habitat and sensitive to disturbance.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunrise or sunset climb up Puʻu Kuʻili for a 360-degree view of coast and cinder cones
- •Quiet birdwatching at a distance near ʻŌpaeʻula Pond along Makalawena’s backshore
Wildlife
Green sea turtles (honu), Hawaiian stilt (aeʻo)
Conservation Note
Use mineral, reef-safe sunscreen, give wildlife ample space, and stay on established paths to protect fragile dunes and historic sites.
The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail crosses the park, linking traditional coastal travel routes and remnants of ancient fishing settlements and ponds.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Shoulder-season serenity, Hiking lava trails
Challenges: Variable wind, Occasional spring swell
Mild temps and fewer crowds make spring ideal for early hikes and relaxed beach time; watch for wind picking up in afternoons.
summer
Best for: Calm snorkeling, Long beach days
Challenges: Intense sun, Afternoon heat over lava
Water is typically clearest and calmest; start early, hydrate, and bring ample sun protection for long stretches without shade.
fall
Best for: Warm water, Sunset photography
Challenges: Hurricane-season remnants, Hot, sticky afternoons
Late summer warmth lingers with good visibility; keep an eye on forecasts and plan golden-hour hikes or swims.
winter
Best for: Whale watching from shore, Cooler hiking temps
Challenges: Stronger shorebreak, Intermittent rain squalls
Humpbacks pass offshore and air temps are comfortable; waves can make swimming hazardous, so choose beaches and days carefully.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Mineral, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects skin and the coral reef; avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Closed-toe hiking sandals or trail shoesEssential
Sharp lava and loose sand demand sturdy, grippy footwear.
2-liter hydration system or water bottlesEssential
No potable water in the park and heavy sun make hydration critical.
Mask, snorkel, and compact towel
On calmer days, nearshore reefs are inviting; bring your own gear if not joining a snorkel sail.
Common Questions
Which beach in Kekaha Kai is best for families?
Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwali) offers a wide sandy beach, clear entry, and restrooms; it’s the most accessible option for families when surf is moderate.
How do I reach Makalawena Beach?
Park at Mahaiʻula and hike about 1 mile over lava to the first cove at Makalawena; there is no legal public vehicle access to the beach itself.
Are there lifeguards in the park?
No. There are no lifeguards at Kekaha Kai State Park—assess conditions carefully and swim only when the ocean is calm.
Can I camp at Kekaha Kai?
No. The park is day-use only; camping and overnight parking are not permitted.
Is snorkeling good here?
Yes, in calm summer conditions near the rocky points of Makalawena and at Kua Bay; visibility and safety vary with swell and wind.
Do I need a 4WD to access the park?
Kua Bay is paved and accessible by any car. The road to Mahaiʻula is rough lava; high clearance is recommended and driving slowly is essential.
What to Pack
2 liters of water—there is no potable water and the lava radiates heat; mineral reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the reef; sturdy closed-toe sandals or trail shoes for sharp lava; a hat and light sun shirt to fend off all-day UV.
Did You Know
Kekaha Kai State Park includes ʻŌpaeʻula Pond, a National Natural Landmark that provides critical habitat for endangered native waterbirds such as the Hawaiian stilt and coot.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive early for parking and softer light; gates can open later at Kua Bay than Mahaiʻula—check DLNR hours. Bring cash-free essentials; there are no rentals, concessions, or water. Watch surf forecasts; winter shorebreak can make swimming unsafe. Cell service is spotty—download maps and tell someone your plan.
Local Flavor
Post-beach, head to Kailua-Kona for poke bowls, plate lunches, and locally roasted Kona coffee. If time allows, tour an upland coffee farm to taste the mauka-to-makai relationship that shapes this coast.
Logistics Snapshot
Location: 20–30 minutes north of Kailua-Kona via Queen Kaʻahumanu Hwy (Hwy 19). Access: Paved road to Kua Bay (MM 88); rough lava road to Mahaiʻula (near MM 90). Hours: Day-use only; gate hours vary—check Hawaii DLNR. Facilities: Restrooms at Kua Bay, pit toilets at Mahaiʻula; no lifeguards, food, or water. Trails: Lava and sand paths to Makalawena; short, steep cinder climb to Puʻu Kuʻili. Fees: No entrance fee. Safety: Strong sun, hot lava, and variable shorebreak—plan accordingly.
Sustainability Note
Choose mineral sunscreen, keep off dunes and coral, pack out everything, and observe wildlife from a respectful distance to protect this fragile coastline.