Mahaiula Beach (Red House Beach)

Mahai’ula Beach in Kekaha Kai State Park is better known as Red House Beach by locals. Behind the beach there’s a red house with white trim that is impossible not to notice so that name has stuck (and Mahai’ula is harder to remember).

Red House Beach is on Mahaiula Bay which is a picturesque spot to say the least. Trees behind the beach provide shade so you can stay all day without packing a beach umbrella. The abandoned red house and the two outbuildings are part of the state park property, but they are blocked off to avoid entry. At the far north end of Red House Beach there’s a cluster of tall palm trees and another tiny pocket of sand. A trail goes north from those trees and takes folks to the next beach, Makalawena.

It’s about a one-third mile walk to Red House along a gated road that serves as an access trail. It’s also possible to walk to Red House Beach on the sand (and through a little bit of lava) from Kaelehuluhulu Beach which is also in Kekaha Kai State Park. Kaelehuluhulu Beach is the closest beach to the parking lot at the end of the road. Red House Beach is a pretty easy walk no matter which way you choose to go, but Makalawena Beach is over a mile from the parking area. All three of the beaches are excellent sandy beaches, but the latter two (Red House and Makalawena) are better for swimming and snorkeling and definitely worth the hiking.

To find the parking area for Red House Beach (signed Mahai’ula), turn onto the road signed for Kekaha Kai State Park between mile markers 90 and 91 on Highway 19. This rugged road is usually ok for two wheel drive cars, but pick your lines correctly to avoid scraping on sharp rocks. Park in the parking area near where an old road with locked gates crosses the main road (see our map below). Walk north on the old road for a short distance to Mahaiula Bay. Be sure to note the time when the park’s main gate closes as you don’t want to get locked in for the night.

There is no drinking water at Mahai’ula Beach so pack all the food and drinks you’ll need for the day. Picnic tables and portable toilets are provided.

Address

HI-19
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone

808-961-9540

Park Name

Kekaha Kai State Park

Other Names

Mahai'ula Bay Beach

Owner

State

Pet Details

No dogs allowed in the park

Fees

Free parking, no entrance fees

Activities

Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Hiking

Amenities

Toilets, Picnic Tables, Dunes