Mahai'ula Beach

Set within Kekaha Kai State Park, Mahai’ula Beach is the most southerly of three beautiful white sand beaches. It is also usually the quietest, although part of the reason for this is that the road down to the beach is really bad.

The crescent of sand at Mahai’ula is backed with plenty of shade from the ironwood trees and clumps of coconut palms. Set among the trees at the southern end of the beach are a number of picnic tables - you’ll be bringing your own food.

It goes without saying that the water here is crystal clear and it is usually slightly calmer (in the summer) than the other two bays in the park. This makes for some good snorkeling and there are plenty of fish and even a few turtles to be seen among the rocks just offshore. It does get deep quite close to the shore so take care when swimming, particularly as there are no lifeguards.

The red plantation style bungalows on the beach date back to the 1880s when they were built by a local fisherman turned businessman. They are now owned by the state and have been placed on the National Register of Historic places.

XXXXXBeing on Big Island’s west coast means this is a good spot to watch the sun go down. If you do stick around for the sunset you may get to see the wild goats which come down to feed around this time.XXXXX