Mahai'ula Beach

We discovered this serene little beach last month. After turning off the highway there is a 2 mile drive over rocky unpaved terrain, but if you take it slow any kind of car should be able to traverse it. Our compact rental car did great. There is a parking area, and then a trail through the lava fields to the beach (less than a ten minute walk). There’s plenty of tree cover providing natural shade if you don’t feel like taking an umbrella. We saw dozens of turtles bobbing around in the water and the rocky bay provides great snorkeling opportunities. In our 4 days on the big island this was by far my favorite beach #lifeatexpedia #beachtips
We discovered this serene little beach last month. After turning off the highway there is a 2 mile drive over rocky unpaved terrain, but if you take it slow any kind of car should be able to traverse it. Our compact rental car did great. There is a parking area, and then a trail through the lava fields to the beach (less than a ten minute walk). There’s plenty of tree cover providing natural shade if you don’t feel like taking an umbrella. We saw dozens of turtles bobbing around in the water and the rocky bay provides great snorkeling opportunities. In our 4 days on the big island this was by far my favorite beach #lifeatexpedia #beachtips
Beach time

Popular places to visit

#blue 50 Shades of Blue - Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach. During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks. Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach! There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Kekaha Kai State Park

Enjoy a trip to Kekaha Kai State Park and popular activities such as snorkelling in Kailua-Kona. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Kekaha Kai State Park
After a very bad road of 2 miles in between lava fields, you get tovthid amazing black sand beach, with nearly no-one, just a few turtles 🐢

Makalawena Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Makalawena Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Makalawena. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.

Makalawena Beach
#blue 50 Shades of Blue - Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach. During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks. Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach! There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Manini'owali Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Manini'owali Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Kailua-Kona. Take some time to visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Manini'owali Beach
Kua Bay featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach

Kua Bay

Leave the crowds behind and head to this hidden beach paradise, one of Hawaii Island’s best-kept secrets.

Kua Bay
A weathered statue of the Hawaii god Ku. Ku is the god of war and prosperity.

Kailua-Kona Beaches

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kailua-Kona Beaches during your trip to Kaupulehu? Stroll along the beaches or visit the spas in this romantic area.

Kailua-Kona Beaches

Mahaiula Bay

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mahaiula Bay during your travels in Kailua-Kona. Discover the area's shops or seek out its snorkelling spots.

Mahaiula Bay

Top Hotel Deals

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

5 out of 5
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive Kailua-Kona HI
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

5 out of 5
72 300 Maheawalu Drive Kailua-Kona HI
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!

Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona HI
Charming Kailua-kona Apartment Near Hiking & Golf!
Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning

Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning

3 out of 5
72-1025 Pu?ukala St Kailua-Kona HI
Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning
Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!

Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona HI
Kailua-kona House w/ Balcony & Ocean Views!
Breezy Kailua-kona Bungalow w/ Lanai & Ocean View!

Breezy Kailua-kona Bungalow w/ Lanai & Ocean View!

3 out of 5
Kailua-Kona HI
Breezy Kailua-kona Bungalow w/ Lanai & Ocean View!
Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast

Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
73-4261 Hawaii Belt Rd Kailua-Kona HI
Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast
PACIFIC 19 Kona

PACIFIC 19 Kona

3.5 out of 5
75-5646 Palani Rd Kailua-Kona HI
PACIFIC 19 Kona
See all 1,866 properties in Mahai'ula Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia