Big Island · North Kona
Makalawena Beach
Makalawena
Makalawena Beach is a remote white-sand beach within Kekaha Kai State Park, accessible only by foot — ~30–45 minute hike across rough ʻaʻā lava from Mahaiʻula…
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The hike across rough ʻaʻā lava is sun-exposed and largely shadeless; bring at least two liters of water per person and closed-toe shoes. Reef-safe sunscreen only. The anchialine ponds behind the beach host endemic Hawaiian red shrimp — ʻōpaeʻula — and are extremely fragile. Do not enter the ponds. Do not bring soap, shampoo, or sunscreen near them. Do not introduce any organism to them. Do not throw anything into them. Sea turtles are common on the beach; stay ten feet back, do not touch, do not feed. Pack out everything; there are no facilities.