Kailua-Kona · Hawaii · USA
Makalawena Beach
The hike across jagged 'a'ā lava announces itself with each crunch underfoot, but once you round the final outcrop, your feet sink into flour-fine sand that stretches uninterrupted toward turquoise shallows. Shade trees dot the backshore, and you'll likely share this cove with fewer people than fingers on one hand.
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Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Makalawena Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
The hike across jagged 'a'ā lava announces itself with each crunch underfoot, but once you round the final outcrop, your feet sink into flour-fine sand that stretches uninterrupted toward turquoise shallows. Shade trees dot the backshore, and you'll likely share this cove with fewer people than fingers on one hand.
Photos
8 captures from Makalawena Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Makalawena Beach
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
19.8097°, -156.0180°
Top things to do
At Makalawena Beach
Wade Calm Mornings
Glassy water before trade winds
Western Tide Pools
Turtles graze on shallow reef
Anchialine Pond
Brackish pool with native shrimp
Kiawe Shade
Dune trees for midday refuge
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Makalawena Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Makalawena Beach.
Is Makalawena Beach safe for swimming?
Swimming conditions at Makalawena Beach vary significantly by season and location along the shore. Winter months (November-March) often bring larger swells and stronger currents, making swimming more challenging. Summer typically offers calmer waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach has no lifeguards, so always assess conditions before entering. Look for calmer pockets near the southern end. Strong currents and occasional sharp lava rocks exist, so water shoes are recommended. Never swim alone and be cautious during high surf.
What is the best time to visit Makalawena Beach?
Makalawena Beach is beautiful year-round, but timing affects your experience. Summer months (May-September) offer the calmest ocean conditions and best swimming weather. Mornings provide cooler temperatures and often lighter winds. Winter (November-March) brings higher surf, which appeals to experienced swimmers but may limit swimming areas. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Arrive early in the day to secure easier parking and enjoy the beach before afternoon winds pick up, which is common along the Kona coast.
