Makalawena Beach ranks among the Big Island's most stunning and secluded white sand beaches, offering fine, soft sand as exceptional as any found on an island better known for its dramatic black volcanic shores. Located within Kekaha Kai State Park along the North Kona Coast between mile markers 88 and 91 on Highway 19, this remote paradise requires commitment to reach, filtering out casual beachgoers and preserving an uncrowded atmosphere even on sunny weekends when more accessible beaches overflow with visitors. The three-quarter-mile hike across ancient lava fields from the parking area takes approximately 20 minutes each way, rewarding those willing to make the trek with a pristine crescent of powder-white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the kind of untouched coastal beauty that makes the effort worthwhile. The beach serves as an important resting area for Hawaiian green sea turtles that haul out on the sand to bask, often resembling perfectly sculpted lava rocks until close observation reveals their living, breathing presence, creating magical wildlife viewing opportunities for respectful visitors who maintain proper legal distances from these protected creatures.
Swimming conditions at Makalawena prove excellent when ocean swells remain calm, with gentle surf providing safe, enjoyable water recreation for families and the sandy-bottom entry making wading into the waves effortless even for young children building ocean confidence. The shallows offer sufficient clarity to observe small fish darting through the nearshore waters, creating natural aquarium conditions that fascinate snorkelers and swimmers alike. However, visitors must carefully assess current conditions before entering the water, as surf can become rough during periods of larger swells, transforming the normally placid bay into challenging territory requiring strong swimming abilities. Snorkeling opportunities attract underwater enthusiasts who appreciate the vibrant marine life including colorful tropical fish, graceful sea turtles gliding through the water column, and occasionally elusive manta rays cruising the deeper sections beyond the protected cove. Patches of reef near the lava rock edges on either side of the beach host the most diverse fish populations, rewarding explorers who venture beyond the central sandy areas to investigate the rocky transition zones where multiple habitat types intersect.
Accessing Makalawena requires turning onto the dirt road at the large Kekaha Kai State Park sign between Highway 19 mile markers 88 and 91, then navigating 1.8 miles of extremely rough surface full of deep potholes and ruts that demand slow, careful driving even in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Standard two-wheel-drive vehicles should park just off the highway before the road deteriorates significantly, accepting a longer hike in exchange for avoiding potential vehicle damage on the punishing lava track. Four-wheel-drive vehicles can continue 1.6 miles to a gate and small parking area just north of Makalawena Beach, reducing the hiking distance substantially though the rough road still challenges even capable off-road vehicles. The park operates from 8 AM to 6:45 PM with gates closing at 7 PM, requiring visitors to plan their departure with adequate margin to avoid being locked inside overnight. Early arrival proves essential for securing parking spots that fill quickly on weekends and whenever favorable ocean conditions attract locals and informed tourists. The complete absence of facilities at Makalawena means visitors must arrive fully self-sufficient with adequate water, food, sun protection, and realistic assessments of their physical conditioning for the lava field hike while carrying beach equipment and supplies.
After hiking back from Makalawena's remote shores, visitors typically drive south toward Kailua-Kona to access dining options, with the same restaurants serving Kua Bay and other North Kona beaches providing post-beach refreshment. Da Poke Shack has earned island-wide recognition for exceptionally fresh poke bowls perfect for satisfying post-hiking hunger, while Magics Beach Grill offers creative dishes with feet-in-the-sand seating or sunset deck views. Pine Tree Cafe serves generous local plate lunches and island comfort foods in a family-friendly atmosphere, and Umeke's Fish Market Bar and Grill specializes in fresh seafood showcasing the day's catch. For upscale oceanfront dining, ULU at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai features fine dining with 75 percent of ingredients sourced from over 160 local farms, while Beach Tree at the same resort provides more casual cocktails, ceviche, mahi mahi tacos, and artisanal pizzas steps from the ocean. The cultural and ecological significance of Makalawena extends far beyond its recreational value, as this pristine coastline represents increasingly rare undeveloped habitat where native coastal ecosystems function largely free from human alteration. Modern visitors honor this special character by practicing rigorous Leave No Trace principles, packing out every item brought to the beach, maintaining minimum 20-foot distances from basking sea turtles on land and 50-yard distances in the water, staying on established trails to protect fragile vegetation, and recognizing that preserving places like Makalawena requires collective commitment from everyone privileged to experience them. Those willing to endure the challenging access and self-sufficient requirements will discover that Makalawena delivers one of Hawaii's most authentic and unspoiled beach experiences, combining exceptional white sand, excellent swimming conditions, abundant marine life, and the profound satisfaction that comes from reaching special places that refuse to surrender their beauty easily.
