MAKALAWENA BEACH

On Highway 19, two trails lead to this very secret beach, the favorite of the locals. An unpaved road that leads to a large parking lot with toilets and picnic tables at Mahai'ula beach in the south, to be taken only with a 4x4 or a high car; or a rocky and very rough trail that leaves between the 88 and 89 mile markers. Do not take it by car, it is too risky. Go by 4x4 (driving very slowly) or on foot, this is still the easiest solution and the one we recommend. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the parking lot. At the fork in the road, turn left towards the south. Very preserved, it is a magnificent beach bordered of sand dunes! Its turquoise and shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A footpath allows you to walk between the two beaches and the two roads, bring good shoes because the lava is sharp. Mahai'ula beach is less suitable for swimming but is visited by five monk seals that regularly come to bask in the sun during the hot hours, which is well worth a visit. Bring plenty of water and sun protection because this postcard landscape is arid. Note that on weekends the beach is very popular with locals who come with their families to camp and fish, in oversized pick-up trucks. The atmosphere is 100% local, but during the week you will probably be alone or very few people, so take advantage of it. It is easy to spend half a day there.