Makalawena Beach - Public beach in Kailua-Kona - HI-19, USA

This is definitely Big Island's best beach. The hike under the sun is surely worth it, but be sure to bring shoes since you will be walking on rocks for about 15/20 minutes. Once there the beach is perfect and the water is so clear. The beach at the beginning of the hike is also worth it and we saw a turtle too!

“Welcome to paradise” as the only other couple that was in this beautiful beach told us! We didn’t expect the trail to be that long, it’s about 50’ walk per way, with almost no shadow. It’s pretty flat, so an easy one with a hat and water! The first 35-40’ are on a trail where (very) big 4x4 could also go, then you arrive at the beach on a rocky site and you have to keep going on the left for about 10’ until reaching a yellow barrier

I believe it's the most beautiful beach of the Big Island . But I didn't see every beach (close to it). Definitely walk around and explore all the beaches there. Usually it's not that crowded so you can find a spot in the shade or the sun. Don't forget sunscreen, water, hat and goggles. The hike to beaches will burn you if you're not used to the sun like us.

Parked at road and hiked to beach. Several hundred feet of elevation change. Only take high lifted vehicle to beach. Sand was very soft and water beautiful. Secluded beach with few people. Take your trash with you since there is not trash cans. Keep these pristine beach, pristine. Such a beautiful place.

Excellent beach with soft white sand and clear water. A bit of a hike (20 min from parking lot) on an unstable rocks trail but worth it if you’re able. Getting to the parking requires a 4WD but some cars can make it with pothole avoiding skills. The beach have no services and very little shade so bring everything you need. Love seeing the wild goats in the area too. Park closes at sunset so to see it walk back to Mahai’ula beach first else you’ll be walking back in the dark.

Beautiful secluded white sand beach. However, for us, it wasn't worth hiking total of 1 and 15 minutes one way (2.5 hours round trip). We attempted to drive into the unpaved road but road was in terrible condition with a lot of deep pockets on the road. There was no way driving sedan rent a car there. We ended up parking at the entrance area just off the highway. From there, walking under the sun where there was no shade for 35 minutes to the end of the road. Then, walking over the lava, under the sun without shade for another 30 minutes. Then, another 10 minutes on the beach to the shaded area. Beach itself was beautiful and water was clear, mild and warm. There was not much to see for snorkeling. Going back for another 1 hour and 15 minutes walking was deadly. I thought I was going to die with heatstroke. Even with plenty of water and a hat would not help much. My husband ended up being rescued by a kind family and they drove him back to our car. They told him that we were crazy walking from the entrance. We wouldn't go back there again. It was just not worth hiking that much. Definitely need jeep or high raised 4x4 and drive all the way to the end of the road. Or state of Hawaii, please fix that road so that normal car can drive to the end safely!!!

Definitely one of my favourite beach on the island. Drive there could a bit challenging without 4x4 but it’s worth it. Walk is about 20–30 min through beach and lava field.

One of the most absolutely beautiful beaches. We actually seen a mother still sitting on the sand when we got here. Incredible good surf spot my son is a surfer. It’s his birthday and that’s why we’re here. It’s beautiful never been before but I will pin it and save it plus you have a clear view of Maui straight across Aloha.