Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i, Kailua-Kona: Address, Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i Reviews: 4.5/5
Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
4.5
Full view
Tours and Tickets
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
6 within 3 miles

Beach Tree Restaurant Bar and Lounge
562
2 mi$$$$ • Italian • American • Seafood

Residents' Beach House
100
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge
789
2.1 mi$$$$ • Seafood • Sushi • Asian

Hualalai Grille
192
2 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Grill
Uncle Herb’s Malasadas
431 ft

Hula Palm
1.2 mi$$$$ • Hawaiian
Attractions
9 within 6 miles

Kona Coast State Park
55
0 ftState Parks • Beaches

West Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery
10
431 ftCemeteries

Sweet Spot Harbor Beach
3
431 ftBeaches

Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
1,398
0.9 miBeaches

The Vanillerie
264
Farms

Kikaua Point Park
44
1.3 miBeaches

Mahai'ula Beach
105
2.7 miBeaches

Kekaha Kai State Park
131
2.9 miState Parks

Hualalai
70
2.1 miVolcanos
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
391 reviews
Excellent
305
Very good
64
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Denae D
Missoula, MT6 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Great beach for light swimming. Water is a bit rough this time of year but nothing unmanageable. The hike out is about a mile and is more of a walk, would highly recommend wearing sneakers or some type of enclosed shoe. Yes, there is sand to walk through at certain points, but the lava rock and sandals can be very hazardous. It is well worth it to have close-toed shoes on.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tim L
Portland, OR9 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
We went on a Sunday and there was a decent number of people, but not over run. Many of the people were not tourists & clearly visit frequently given their day camp set ups.
We rented a Jeep Wrangler and went down the 4WD road. I would not recommend doing this unless you really want an adventure and/or you have some experience driving a serious rocky road.
We made it fine, and at the time of this review was totally doable, but it wasn’t without a few serious considerations about if this was a huge mistake.
The beach is terrific, the kids had a great time — but unless you enjoy a true 4WD experience I would not recommend going that route.
We rented a Jeep Wrangler and went down the 4WD road. I would not recommend doing this unless you really want an adventure and/or you have some experience driving a serious rocky road.
We made it fine, and at the time of this review was totally doable, but it wasn’t without a few serious considerations about if this was a huge mistake.
The beach is terrific, the kids had a great time — but unless you enjoy a true 4WD experience I would not recommend going that route.
Written February 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Need more vacations
16 contributions
Oct 2021
Not the easiest beach to get to but well worth the effort. Driving to the parking lot is a beast in itself, very few paved sections once you get off the highway.....basically driving over pitted out old lava fields. Not sure how some of the vehicles parked down there made it without damage. We were driving a Yukon and I still felt like I was going to break something. Once you park, the beach is about a mile long trek. It goes behind some trees and comes out at the first beach and a red building. If you are lucky, there may be some Hawaiian monk seals resting on the beach or playing around in the water. We were fortunate enough to see 5 or 6 around the area, two of which were wrestling/playing in the water. Once past that beach, it is a hike across a rocky lava field. It is flat and looks smooth, but flip flops definitely were not the best choice of walking shoe that day. In the end, the hike to the beach was well worth it. It is a large beach and kind of broken in half with a rock structure. There were some people down in the further half, but for a good half an hour, the four of us had the first half of the beach all to ourselves. The water is crystal clear and the white sand is extremely soft. There are some rocks out into the water, not a lot, but be careful when walking/swimming around. The undertow pushed me down and I nailed my shin on one of them. Outside of that, I would absolutely go back to this secluded beach again.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Heather E
Salt Lake City, UT39 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Beautiful beach! Soft sand, great snorkeling, shade, and great whale watching. The drive in is a little rough. I made it in with a small compact car but it was touchy. I recommend a truck or suv but it can be done with smaller vehicle if you go slow & drive carefully
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chesterjibowitz
Spokane, WA217 contributions
Jan 2021
After reading the Dec 29, 2018 post by nodoor, I’m guessing (based on distance/time they mention) they used the north road to access this beach. The south road is better, but you still need to know what you’re getting into. Using the south route, expect it to take about 20 min (one way) to cover the 1 mile from the highway to the parking lot. We made it there in a small sedan, but I would not try it again without a vehicle with more clearance. Once you’re there, you will walk past a small beach (interesting story of an old home built there many years ago) and through a lava field for about one mile. You’ll be on lava rock, so good shoes will make the walk more pleasant than sandals or slippers. The beach itself has several different sections, so don’t just stop at the first one. If you want shade, there are multiple spots where you can find it. If you like to snorkel, bring your gear!
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Russ Lacuata
Long Beach, CA8,486 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Be prepared for a hike over the lava flows to reach this beautiful beach. The drive is very bumpy so drive very slow. The hike keeps the crowds way, beautiful sand,swimming is safe as long as the water is calm. Make sure to pack your picnic basket with necessities.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kelly G
Half Moon Bay, CA48 contributions
Feb 2020
Can't believe we didn't make it out here until our very last day! Had we only known! The road is really rough, and takes 20 minutes or so from the highway, so pack a full picnic lunch. There are bathrooms and picnic tables and parking, clearly also a popular spot, as we saw a lot of people braving the road coming in as we were headed out mid-morning to catch our plane. We will definitely plan a day here if/when we return to Kona.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
trooper92
St. Gallen551 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Wonderful calm beach with golden sand and large snorkeling on both sides. Shady trees, a toilet, wildlife includes turtles and I even saw a big monk seal today. But beware - you have either walk 1.5 miles over the lava field of use the access road to the Mahai‘ula Beach which will do horrible things to your car.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KnB RTW
45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The drive down would be best in a 4x4 but 2wd can manage. From the car park the walk takes about 30minutes. It's an easy but hot walk through lava.
The beach is just beautiful and worth the walk.
I did not see any toilets there or anywhere to buy refreshments which to me is just perfect.
The beach is just beautiful and worth the walk.
I did not see any toilets there or anywhere to buy refreshments which to me is just perfect.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Caitlin B
Santa Barbara, CA55 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
It’s a bit of a rocky drive down to the beach. The worst part might be the speed bumps. It’s okay if you go slow and your car isn’t too low to the ground. Had a lovely time here. They have bathrooms, bbqs, and shaded picnic tables. Easy to spend the day here comfortably. Not too many people, not a lot of safe places to swim.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David S
Kailua-Kona, HI9 contributions
Are there a bathroom or a port-a-potty at Makalawena beach? There are bathrooms and Mobile Restrooms at the beach just to the south of Mahai’ula, but what about Makalawena?
Steve V
Pleasanton, CA233 contributions
There are no toilets at the beach. Closest being a 30 min. walk away.
I have heard that the beach or part of it is clothing optional similar to Little Beach on Maui. Is this true?
Gail C
Ellsworth, MI45 contributions
I saw only clothed visitors and several young families.
William C
Cinnaminson, NJ1,099 contributions
The last time we were on the Big Island, we were told there is a green sand beach. I am planning a trip to the Big Island in May and would like to visit this beach, this is the real reason I wanted to go back here. Can anyone help me?
Kim M
Bloomingdale, United States123 contributions
Aloha. The Green Sand Beach is located on the south tip of the Big Island. To access it, you take Hwy 11 South to South Point Road. About 10 miles down the road forks. The Green Sand Beach is to the LEFT at the fork, small sign points the way. Also, you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to the beach itself - would not recommend driving or walking yourselff!. There are usually a group of Hawaiians in the parking area take the ride from them it's well worth the money you won't spend time getting lost! The surf is a bit rough on the beach - you have to walk down a cliff and back up it too but they will pick up up and deliver you to the point to walk down. It's beautiful worth the trip.
poppettb
Kelowna, Canada7 contributions
Returned today from the Island, the rental policy states you can only drive on paved roads. Toss road is not paved so you do so at your own risk. A 4wd no problem! We have driven the road many times in a car, you do know how to maneuver rough roads. The beaches are fabulous but this one is not for a person with walking disabilities, it is all Lava and gravel wood chips paths.
Jim M
USA31 contributions
we have a family member with walking issues- how close to the beach can we get with a 4-wheel drive suburban?
minhnvu2014
Alexandria, VA432 contributions
Someone had told us it was a "hike" but I would really call this a 15-minute leisurely walk on an unpaved lava rock trail that is pretty flat. Then you get to the beach and you are walking on sand. The beach is a cove and the far side is better as it's less rocky, but if you just want to park on the side closest to the trail the view is still spectacular. I guess it depends on how far your family member can walk.
Corinne705
Atascadero, CA23 contributions
It seems kind of complicated to get to this beach. Do you suggest any easier access? I assume though that you have to park the car pretty much close to the road and walk in. How many miles?
Mszcj
Kailua-Kona, HI13 contributions
It's not as hard as you may think. It's just that it can get hot and that you have to get the proper shoes as you'll be walking on lava rocks. Forget about the chairs/ umbrella/ cooler etc. as it is a 30 minute walk, you want to take the essential :-)
You can drive down with a 4 wheel drive, but it is a very rocky and bumpy ride ( not possible with a rental car).
Just as a referene, I've done the walk several time, with my 3 kids. The first time we hiked there they were 8, 6 and 2. While the 2 year old was in the carrier, the other 2 walked. They did fine :-)
Hope this helps
:-)
fluteed
Brentwood, CA9 contributions
The official web site states that rental cars are not allowed down the Kekani Kai road. Is this the road leading to the beach?
Tracy A
Austin, TX171 contributions
We drive very slowly. It takes about 20 minutes depending on those around you. It was with it since we did it twice!
Fearless03676382874
philadelphia, pa65 contributions
How do you know how to get to this beach? Are there signs indicating where to go?
amac331
Allentown, PA38 contributions
No there are no signs, but there are directions on many blogs. We visited by parking at the South end at Kekaha Kai State Park. The road getting into the state park is smooth at first, but then gets rougher. I'd recommend a Jeep or similar vehicle so that you don't have to worry about your car making it or not. In addition, I recommend wearing Keens (or similar footwear), and packing plenty of water! Park at the bottom parking area by the outhouses. Walk towards the ocean. The first beach you will come to is Kekaha Kai beach. Once on the sand, head to your right. You will cross sand and a little lava and come to a beautiful crescent beach. THIS IS NOT MAKALAWENA. Yes, it is gorgeous, but do not be tempted to stop. The beach you are heading to will be more beautiful (white sand, and more secluded). Keep following around the crescent beach until you get to the far right side. Here you will see a grouping of palm trees and a path going over a'a lava. Follow the lava lined path towards the north towards the sand dunes in the distance. The hike will take you 15-20 minutes. Eventually, the lava field transitions into a field of huge white sand dunes covered with pōhuehue, beach morning glories. Hike through the dunes toward the back of Makalawena beach. When you reach the ocean, there are 3 inlets that make up the beach. The first one is nice, but not so good for swimming because of the lava rock. I like to skip that one and continue walking until I get to the second crescent inlet. There you will find the secluded, white sand beach, that is perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the sand. There are few trees here, so be warned that there is little shade.
Frequently Asked Questions about Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
- Hotels near Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i:
- (1.99 mi) Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- (8.36 mi) Honu Kai B&B
- (4.39 mi) OceanView Plumeria Suite, kitchenette,Sprechen Deutsch. Bears' Place Guest House
- (8.53 mi) Hawaiian Oasis B&B
- (5.28 mi) Spacious Retreat in Kona
- Restaurants near Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i:
- (0.08 mi) Uncle Herb’s Malasadas
- (2.11 mi) Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge
- (2.02 mi) Beach Tree Restaurant Bar and Lounge
- (1.95 mi) Hualalai Grille
- (1.92 mi) Residents' Beach House