Plan a trip to see Makalawena Beach

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Kona Islander Vacation Club

Historic Kailua Village

per person

Oct 24 - Oct 30

found 8 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Honolulu (HNL) to Kailua-Kona (KOA)

7/10 Good! (324 reviews)

Great location. The place did have coffee, nor anything extra complimentary. place looked old, shower was dirty.

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hilton Pool Pass Luxurious Penthouse Oasis

per person

Oct 11 - Oct 15

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Kailua-Kona (KOA)

10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)

Outstanding home base for our Hawaiian vacation. Resort amenities with a comfortable, homey accommodation. We had everything we needed and more.

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

per person

Oct 25 - Oct 29

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Kailua-Kona (KOA)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)

I’m almost afraid to review this place because it was so nice and I don’t want others to know about it. The place was beautiful. The room was clean and well-equipped ed. They have self-serve laundry on site with four washing machines and dryers. The staff was wonderful. Only downside is all the food options close early (around 9) so be prepared for that. there is a grocery store down the street though so you can stock up there. The beach was nice. It was wonderful Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Makalawena Beach

Tours & day trips

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Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Free cancellation available

Water activities

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 13 activities

Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

See all 7 activities

Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona

Free cancellation available

Weddings & honeymoons

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Honeymoon Lei Greeting at Kona Airport

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach.

During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks.
Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach!

There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Kehaka Kai State Park

Enjoy a trip to Kehaka Kai State Park and popular activities like snorkeling in Kalaoa. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this walkable area.

We discovered this serene little beach last month. After turning off the highway there is a 2 mile drive over rocky unpaved terrain, but if you take it slow any kind of car should be able to traverse it. Our compact rental car did great. There is a parking area, and then a trail through the lava fields to the beach

Mahai'ula Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Mahai'ula Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Kalaoa. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.

Beautiful spot to watch the dolphins play. #Adventure

Kekaha Kai State Park

Enjoy a trip to Kekaha Kai State Park and popular activities like snorkeling in Kalaoa. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Manini'owali Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Manini'owali Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Kaupulehu. Take some time to visit the spas in this relaxing area.