Makalawena Beach Tours

Photo by Aurélie Gonzalo
Photo by Aurélie Gonzalo
Photo by Xiaoqi Zhou
Photo by Xiaoqi Zhou

Popular places to visit

Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach. During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks. Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach! There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Kehaka Kai State Park

Enjoy a trip to Kehaka Kai State Park and popular activities like snorkeling in Kalaoa. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this walkable area.

Kehaka Kai State Park
We discovered this serene little beach last month. After turning off the highway there is a 2 mile drive over rocky unpaved terrain, but if you take it slow any kind of car should be able to traverse it. Our compact rental car did great. There is a parking area, and then a trail through the lava fields to the beach

Mahai'ula Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Mahai'ula Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Kalaoa. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.

Mahai'ula Beach
Beautiful spot to watch the dolphins play. #Adventure

Kekaha Kai State Park

Enjoy a trip to Kekaha Kai State Park and popular activities like snorkeling in Kalaoa. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Kekaha Kai State Park
Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach. During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks. Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach! There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Manini'owali Beach

4.5/5(5 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Manini'owali Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Kaupulehu. Take some time to visit the spas in this romantic area.

Manini'owali Beach
Kua Bay featuring a coastal town and a beach

Kua Bay

4.5/5(153 reviews)

Get off the beaten track to discover one of Hawaii’s most serene stretches of coast.

Kua Bay
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

4.5/5(286 reviews)

Discover ancient Hawaii at this historic settlement.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Best Lodging Options Near Makalawena Beach

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

5 out of 5
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

5 out of 5
72 300 Maheawalu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!

Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona
Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!
Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!

Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!
Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning

Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning

3 out of 5
72-1025 Pu?ukala St, Kailua-Kona, HI
Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning
Breezy Kailua-kona Bungalow w/ Lanai & Ocean View!

Breezy Kailua-kona Bungalow w/ Lanai & Ocean View!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona
Breezy Kailua-kona Bungalow w/ Lanai & Ocean View!
Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast

Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
73-4261 Hawaii Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI
Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast
Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Royal Kona Resort
Lovely Kailua-kona Home ~ 2 Mi to Town & Beach!

Lovely Kailua-kona Home ~ 2 Mi to Town & Beach!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona
Lovely Kailua-kona Home ~ 2 Mi to Town & Beach!
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