Makolea Beach

Makolea Beach is a hidden beach south of well-known Kahalu’u Beach Park that is worth trying to find. It has two heiaus and shallow wading areas that are protected from the waves and good for kids. And it’s a great place to watch sunsets.

The property behind the beach is large and used to have several buildings including a huge hotel from the 1980s. The buildings, most of the paved areas, and several tennis courts were demolished and removed to get the site back to a more natural state. Going forward the property will be managed for the benefit of local schools so that the children can learn about the natural world and the history of the Hawaiian Islands.

Ke’eku Heiau and Hapaialii Heiau are right on the water and are visible from the north end of the beach. Shallow pools and tidepools are in the lava rock shoreline. Green sea turtles (honu) are frequently spotted on this beach or in the shallows.

Makolea Beach is rarely busy as it’s hidden from view and hardly known except to locals, however it is easy for folks staying at Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club to get to the beach so they might be there (this private club is adjacent to the south).

The parking lot for Mokolea Beach is on the property but easy to miss. Look for the white and blue Shoreline Public Access sign along Ali’i Drive at the address 78-6780 Alii Dr. Then follow the conspicuous “beach access” signs which lead you to the parking spaces and the beach path. The path is paved most of the way making it ADA accessible.

Address

78-6780 Ali‘i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Other Names

Makole'a Beach

Owner

Public

Pet Details

No signs prohibiting dogs

Fees

Free parking on site

Activities

Beach Exploration, Tidepooling

Amenities

Heiau, Petroglyphs, Tide Pools, Turtles, ADA Access, No Facilities