It’s a bit of an ordeal hiking at Makalawena Beach in Kailua-Kona. The access road from the highway to the parking lot is unpacked lava rock, and the first mile of the trail is a lava flow wasteland. But there’s a stark beauty in the desolation, and a white sand beach and tidal pools waiting at the end.
When I said desolate, I wasn’t kidding. The trail starts off in the middle of a lava field, with no vegetation – and therefore no shade, so pack fluids accordingly. While being mindful of your step as you cross the flow, you can still enjoy stunning views of the volcano to the east.
While the drive and hike might be a deterrent to some, that can work in the favor of the more adventurous looking for a nice beach with a small crowd. The shoreline is a mix of white sand and lava flows, with plenty of trees and shade for a break.
We went hoping for another snorkeling adventure during our trip, but unfortunately an incoming weather system had the water more whipped up than usual. However, we did see our first and only Hawaiian monk seal sunning itself on the beach. A park ranger is onsite to help mark off beach space to allow the animals peace and safety, and to tell visitors a little more about them.
You can read more about my trip to Kona, Hawaii, in my “Looking Back” blog series entry here.
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