Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
402 reviews
Excellent
315
Very good
64
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
2
chesterjibowitz
Spokane, WA288 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather E
Salt Lake City, UT54 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ Lacuata
Long Beach, CA9,834 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly G
Half Moon Bay, CA46 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trooper92
St. Gallen530 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KnB RTW
48 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara É
12 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The beach itself is wonderful and amazing!
The reason why I gave 3 is the poor conditions and rules. The road is extremly bumpy, we did it with a normal car there were no problem, but I don't understand why there's no pawed road.
But the worst, and totally ridiclous is the beach! (it is a public zone) is closing (nothing is there to be closed) at 6.30 and there is a fence at the begining of the road that they close at 7pm, without any reason!!!! so you cannot see the sunset, which would be super from this place!
So the beach is totally worth, but there are some inexplicable thing which makes it worse :(
The reason why I gave 3 is the poor conditions and rules. The road is extremly bumpy, we did it with a normal car there were no problem, but I don't understand why there's no pawed road.
But the worst, and totally ridiclous is the beach! (it is a public zone) is closing (nothing is there to be closed) at 6.30 and there is a fence at the begining of the road that they close at 7pm, without any reason!!!! so you cannot see the sunset, which would be super from this place!
So the beach is totally worth, but there are some inexplicable thing which makes it worse :(
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kentgwashburn
Santa Cruz, CA76 contributions
Dec 2022
The lava road from the state highway to the parking area is best navigated in a 4wd, but we did fine (and very slow!) in rental 2wd. Trail to the beach seemed easy to follow &. walk even though a little uneven. The tough road access and +/- 1 mi. walk from parking area no doubt keeps the crowds away, but we were there on a lovely Dec. Wednesday and saw +/- 40-50 others spread out along the fine white sand. Plenty of privacy, no jerks observed!
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike F
Antigo, WI595 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I’d vote this my favorite beach. It’s tough, but the variety of rocks, sand, snorkeling and fewer people give this one the win for me. No showers or bathroom and it’s either a 2 mile or 3.5 mile one way unless your vehicle can drive down.
Absolutely stunning all the way around! I’d love to camp down here sometime! The two mile trek from the highway isn’t bad and it’s so worth it if that’s your only option, which was us.
Saw our first monk seal here! Just a really cool, beautiful place!
Absolutely stunning all the way around! I’d love to camp down here sometime! The two mile trek from the highway isn’t bad and it’s so worth it if that’s your only option, which was us.
Saw our first monk seal here! Just a really cool, beautiful place!
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle S
Leavenworth, WA7 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
This is an absolute gorgeous beach. My husband and I come to the big island every year and be sure to rent a high clearance Jeep or pick up truck to make the journey down the roughest road you’ve ever been in your life. We do it several times while we are here and know the road well. Every time we come down the road at least one vehicle has lost their oil pan along with other parts of the vehicle. You can tell by the scratches on the speed bumps alone the entire underside of their vehicle is scratched up. Many vehicles give up partway, which is a very long hike to the beach and back, so if you don’t want to have an expensive charge from the rental car company, think twice before attempting this beach especially because there are so many beautiful beaches on the island without the hassle, and that are also much more kid friendly if you have not prepared ahead and gotten the proper vehicle.
Written April 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long of hike would this be? I will have a 7 year old. Thanks!
Written January 23, 2019
It's about a mile to mile and a half hike all flat..keep in mind there is a long stretch of lava rock path make sure to have a good pair of shoes.
Written January 23, 2019
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?
Written February 1, 2018
There are no toilets at the beach. Closest being a 30 min. walk away.
Written February 1, 2018
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?
Written January 26, 2016
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.
Written January 27, 2016
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.
Written December 28, 2015
we have a family member with walking issues- how close to the beach can we get with a 4-wheel drive suburban?
Written December 27, 2015
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.
Written December 28, 2015
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?
Written December 13, 2015
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
:-)
Written December 14, 2015
The official web site states that rental cars are not allowed down the Kekani Kai road. Is this the road leading to the beach?
Written December 10, 2015
We drive very slowly. It takes about 20 minutes depending on those around you. It was with it since we did it twice!
Written December 12, 2015
How do you know how to get to this beach? Are there signs indicating where to go?
Written September 15, 2015
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.
Written September 16, 2015
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