Makolea Beach

Located on the North Kona Coast of the Big Island, Makolea Beach - also known as Makolea Black Sand Beach -  is a small black sand beach with many sharp lava rocks.  Makolea Beach is situated north of Makolea Point and near the shores of Mahai'ula Bay.  Makolea Beach is considered a geological oddity an area that mostly has white sand beaches.  This black sand beach was formed by the lava flow from the last volcanic eruption of the Hualālai volcano in 1801. 

Makolea Beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly.  Dogs are not allowed here, and the beach is open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. 

Makolea Beach offers many fun activities including sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and hiking.  Swimming is not recommended here as it can be difficult due to the rocky ocean bottoms and unpredictable rip currents.  Snorkelers can see a large variety of colorful tropical fish, as well as Hawaiian marine life.   It is important to note that you should only enter the water when the ocean is calm, as if you get in trouble out here you may not be able to get any help.  In addition, hikers can explore nearby hiking trails.  Makolea Beach is perfect for visitors seeking a quiet experience as this beach sees fewer visitors than other nearby beaches.  Getting to Makolea Beach is difficult - the beach has a free and small parking lot that is located between Mile Markers 90 and 91 on Kaahumanu Highway 19 in Kailua-Kona.  After parking, you will need to hike half a mile southwest for around 15 minutes along a rugged lava trail to access the beach.  It is important to note that Makolea Beach is not inside Kekaha Kai State Park, but the trail leading to the beach is part of it.  Also, there are restrooms and picnic tables at this trailhead.

There are many attractions near Makolea Beach.  Kikaua Point Park - also known as Kikaua Point Beach Park - has a small white sand man-made beach and many lava rock formations, including a sea arch.  The park offers many fun activities including snorkeling, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and sunbathing, and also offers several amenities including restrooms, showers, and drinking water.  Hulihee Palace was a former summer house for Hawaiian royalty where they came to unwind and was originally built out of lava rocks.  The palace has been turned into a museum that features a gallery displaying Victorian artifacts including koa wood furniture, portraits, sculptures, Kapa, feather work, Hawaiian quilts, and artifacts from Hawaii's royal heritage - it also offers an interesting guided tour and self-led tours.  If you are looking for another attraction near Makolea Beach, Puakō Petroglyph Park is an archaeological preserve with over 3,000 ancient petroglyphs (carvings in rocks), lava rock carvings etched into stones, dating back to 1200 A.D.  It features carvings of humans, canoes, and turtles, which are thought to be records of births and other significant events in the lives of the people who once lived on the island of Hawaii.  It is important to note that the site is unpaved and goes through a kiawe forest with thorns on the ground, and we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Makolea Beach.  Beach Tree Bar is an upscale restaurant that serves amazing dinner and lunch dishes including salads, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, pasta, steaks, and desserts - also serves gluten-free and vegetarian options.  Big Island Pizza Napoletana serves incredible salads, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, pizzas, and calzones.  Harbor House is a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant that serves salads, soups, shrimp, hamburgers, sandwiches, seafood, poultry dishes, and desserts.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Makolea Beach, the modestly priced Pine Tree Cafe serves amazing dishes for lunch and breakfast including eggs, omelettes, sandwiches, burgers, loco moco, pancakes, French toast, and steaks.

If you are looking for a hotel near Makolea Beach, there are many great nearby options.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the  5-Star beachfront Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is 25 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including seven pools, several hot tubs, an 18-hole oceanfront golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a fitness center, a spa, tennis courts, and three restaurants.  Another upscale option is the beachfront 4-Star Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa which offers many amenities including two outdoor pools, a hot tub, a spa, a fitness center, a golf course, and a restaurant.  A more affordable hotel is the oceanfront 3-Star Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel which offers many amenities including an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, a spa, and a Hawaiian restaurant.  If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Makolea Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Kona Seaside Hotel offers a few amenities including an outdoor pool and a restaurant.