Kekaha Kai State Park stretches along the North Kona coastline just north of Kailua-Kona, offering some of the Big Island’s most stunning and uncrowded white sand beaches. Unlike the resort-lined shores to the south, this park feels wild and untouched — black lava fields give way to turquoise water and pristine sand, with hardly a building in sight.

The park’s two main beach areas each have their own character. Mahaiʻula Bay is the more accessible, with a sandy beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding when conditions are calm. A short coastal trail leads north to Makalawena Beach, consistently ranked among Hawaiʻi’s most beautiful — a wide crescent of powdery white sand backed by dunes and coconut palms. The 20-minute walk over rugged lava rock keeps crowds thin, making it feel like your own private stretch of paradise.

Snorkeling is excellent along the rocky edges of both bays, where green sea turtles and tropical reef fish are common. The exposed coastline also makes for dramatic winter wave watching, though swimming can become dangerous during large swells from November through March.

The access road is unpaved and bumpy but passable for most vehicles. There are basic restroom facilities at Mahaiʻula but no freshwater showers, so bring plenty of water and sun protection — shade is limited. The park is a day-use area with no overnight camping permitted.

Visit on a weekday morning for the best chance at solitude on two of Hawaiʻi’s finest beaches.

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