Mahai'ula BeachThe Big Island's Charming CoveMahai'ula Beach, nestled within a charming crested cove ....

Mahai'ula Beach

The Big Island's Charming Cove

Mahai'ula Beach, nestled within a charming crested cove, offers a splendid setting for a day of leisure, with opportunities for swimming and wading in its tranquil and protected bay. This beach showcases a delightful expanse of white sand on its northern end, providing a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation beneath the cooling shade of the trees. In contrast, the southern part of the beach features a rugged lava rock shoreline, where beachgoers can discover barbecue grills and picnic tables for seaside dining.

Like much of the Kona-Kohala coastline on the Big Island, Mahai'ula Beach boasts crystal-clear, inviting waters that glisten with shades of blue, offering superb swimming and exceptional snorkeling. Its spacious shores provide ample room for sunbathing and various water activities. Keep an eye out for hydrofoil surfers gracefully navigating the swells in the distant waters of Mahai'ula Bay.

While the bay's entry from the shore can be steep in some areas, exercise caution, particularly when swimming with young children, as the water depth can change abruptly, potentially taking swimmers off guard. Be mindful that the water can become choppy with rough swells when the wind picks up, so it's crucial to be aware of changing water conditions, especially as there is no lifeguard on duty.

Mahai'ula Bay has a captivating history dating back to the late 1800s, featuring a small fishing village accessible only by foot trails and canoes. The shores of Mahai'ula played a crucial role in the life of John Kaelemakule, who grew up here, learning the ways of fishing and canoeing. His success as a fisherman and businessman enabled him to build a plantation-style bungalow by the beach in 1880.

In 1936, the Magoon Family acquired the property for $1,000, further adding to their extensive land holdings in the Hawaiian Islands, given their Hawaiian ancestry. A kitchen extension connecting to the original structure was constructed in the 1960s. In 1993, the land transitioned into the ownership of the state of Hawaii. The historic bungalow found along the beach was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2014.

Access to Mahai'ula Bay is convenient, located just a couple of miles north of Kona Airport within the Kekaha Kai State Park. The entry point to the bay can be found between mile markers 90 and 91 on Highway 19. Please note that the access road to the shoreline can be rugged, so exercise caution, especially if you're driving a standard car rather than a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. A short 1.5-mile (2.4 km) journey from the highway brings you to the end of the road. From there, head on foot to the right (north) for about 5 minutes to reach the beach.

The same access road leads to Makalawena Beach, and if you arrive early in the morning, you can explore both Mahai'ula and Makalawena beaches on the same day, making your trip along the rough access road more worthwhile. Remember that the Kona-Kohala coastline can get quite hot, so it's essential to pack an ample supply of fresh water, reef-safe sunscreen, and sun protection such as a hat or umbrella for a sunburn-free and enjoyable day at the beach.