Kekaha Kai State Park: Where Lava Meets Beachfront Serenity

Kekaha Kai State Park is located just outside of Kona and offers some of the best natural features of the Big Island: lava fields and ocean fronts. A drive through this state park will take you through a lava field from 1801. The end of the road is the reward of a beachfront perfect for picnics.

What to see at Kekaha Kai State Park

Kekaha Kai State Park is a great location to visit if you are staying in Kona. Just only a short drive outside of the city, you can drive through lava fields to be rewarded with great views of the ocean on the other side. Ultimately, making this a great destination for those wanting to see some classic views of Hawaii: lava fields and the water!

Facilities at Kekaha Kai State Park

This park has great facilities that accommodate those who want to spend the day at the park. There are bathrooms, benches, picnic tables, and grills. Therefore making this location perfect for a family picnic at the beach with some hot dogs or burgers.

The facilities are right within walking distance to the parking area – making it easy to transport any goods from the car to the table area.

The area around Kekaha Kai State Park

Kekaha Kai is only a short drive outside of Kona. So you will be able to bring any supplies over easily from the town. The park is also off of 19 or Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. Along this route, you will find numerous historical, or state parks making it easy to start at the closest park to the city and migrating along the highway to check out each of the parks along the route.

Traffic at Kekaha Kai State Park

This park fills up quickly – but this is because of the limited parking space available at the state park. However, there is always room to park along the road for those wanting to visit.

The beach itself is not that occupied, as visitors are normally split between Maha’ula Beach and Makalawena Beach Park. A majority will head over to Makalawena Beach Park which is a bit more of a walk than to Maha’ula Beach.

Maha’ula Beach and Makalawena Beach Park

Maha’ula Beach

Maha’ula Beach is the closest beach to the parking area. This beach has great facilities for spending a day at the beach.

However, the ocean right off the beach is not particularly great for swimming. There are numerous rocks, and a rock shelf, that makes it difficult for anyone to enjoy in some water playtime.

The majority of people at Maha’ula Beach will be relaxing in some beach chairs reading or hanging out. I did observe this was a much quieter portion of the beach.

Makalawena Beach Park

Makalawena Beach is better for those looking for more water activities. This beach offers a protected lagoon which is great for families visiting. While it isn’t as close as Maha’ula beach, it is not too long of a walk from the parking area.

There are typically a bit more people at Makalawena beach. But overall, it is not as bad compared to other beaches on the Big Island.

The Road Through Kekaha Kai State Park

One of the reasons that Kekaha Kai may be less crowded than other beaches on the Big Island is due to the road to reach out to the beachfront. The road starts as a normal paved road and then turns into a road that was cut into the lava fields.

This means the road is unpaved and can be a rugged and bumpy at times. Some parts are narrow where if another car is driving the opposite direction – one person will have to wait for the other to pass.

I saw a large variety of vehicles going through the park though. So as long as you drive slowly, and carefully, it would seem that any rental car can make it out to the beach.

How to Get to Kekaha Kai State Park

As mentioned previously Kekaha Kai is just right off of 19 or Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. Just head out of Kona and you will find signs for a variety of parks along the 19. Kekaha Kai is just after the Kona Airport.

Time to reach the park

From Kona: 30 minutes – this park is just outside of Kona. Only a little bit past the Kona Airport.

From Hilo: 1-hour thirty-minute drive. Given the size of this beach – I wouldn’t recommend it as a trip from Hilo unless you intend to visit all the parks along the 19.

Other Places on the Big Island to Check Out

• Manta Ray Dive at Kona – The Big Island
• Waipi’o Valley Lookout
• Hiking to Green Beach on the Big Island