Trip Planner: USA / Hawaii / Island of Hawaii / Kekaha Kai State Park

Kekaha Kai State Park, Island of Hawaii

4.6

#27 of 40 in Nature in Island of Hawaii

Kekaha Kai State Park, formerly known as Kona Coast State Park, is a beach park located along the north Kona coast on the island of Hawaii. The main beach areas are Maniniowali Bay (Kua Bay), Makalawena beach at Puu Alii Bay, and Mahaiula Bay. The park's name originates from the Hawaiian language words ke kaha kai which translate to "the shore line" in English.Park sectionsThe northern section of the park is on Maniniowali Bay located at coordinates. This beach area is popularly called Kua Bay since it is easier to pronounce. A paved road 2.6mi north of Kona International Airport leads to the beach.The wetland area behind Makalawena beach was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972. The marsh is known as Ōpaeula Pond (Hawaiian for "red shrimp") and was the site of a small fishing village that was wiped out in the 1946 tsunami. The 12acre of wetland provide one of the last remaining nesting grounds of the āeo (Hawaiian stilt, Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), the alae keokeo (Hawaiian coot, Fulica alai), and the only known breeding area for the aukuu (black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli) in Hawaii. The pond is located at coordinates in the privately owned area between the two sections of the state park.

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Kekaha Kai State Park Reviews

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92 reviews

Google

4.5

By FarFlungStarling On January 26, 2018

Drive through a bumpy moonscape and park amidst lava boulders, take you towels and lotion and picnic lunch and hike on down to the beach. Woa, wait...don't forget really sturdy foot ware and water sho... more »
By ｓｅｔｔｙａｎ On January 13, 2018

四駆の車高の高い車でないと、途中の道は凸凹がすごくです。でも行き着いたところにある公園というか、小さなビーチは、プライベートビーチの様で、とても空いていて、海が綺麗で、感激です。空港が近いので、時折上空を通る飛行機はなかなかの迫力です more »

And not a higher 4WD cars are on the way so bumpy it is. But Park located about where I think the small beach is a private beach in very crowed in the beautiful sea, is inspiring. It is power of the plane was so close the airport occasionally pass over.

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By letsgotochina On November 30, 2017

There are three separate roads to this stretch of beaches just north of the Kona Airport. The northern most road is well-paved, but the other two are not paved and are very rough. Last year we attempt... more »

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By Michael Hassur On December 7, 2017

Our first visit to this park was today. The road to the park is mostly gravel and bumpy. Once you get to the park, you will find palm trees, nice sand beaches and a couple of historic old beach houses. It was; a nice place to walk on the beach and watch the waves. It did not appear to be a good place for swimming because of the rough conditions.

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By Zilch Productions On December 13, 2017

Great beach. The road is is doable in a mini van. I had a great time reading and napping in my hammock.

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By Ruby Edwards On November 13, 2017

Worth the rough ride, although they are gradually improving the road conditions. Outhouse facilities with no running water or hand sanitizer. The beach access is expansive and offers sand, surf and snorkeling for all family members. There are some picnic tables near the parking area.

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By Surya Raghavendran On January 3, 2018

Loved the Environment, huge waves and lots of shade to chill. Although it is frequented from airplanes flying into Kona. I would recommend this for famililies.

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By Lei Pascual-Border On December 23, 2017

Beautiful surf break. Love the beaches! Hiking from Mahaiula to Makalawena is one of my favorites, mountain view is also gorgeous. I do photoshoots and go with the family too. I love it

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