Mahaiula Bay
Kailua-Kona, HI
Mahaiula Bay anchors the southern half of Kekaha Kai State Park, a golden sand beach reached by a rough but passable road that keeps the crowds thinner than a beach this good usually gets. Kiawe trees offer patchy shade behind the sand, and the water stays calm enough on most days for an easy swim.
Wide sand and generally calm water make it one of the more reliable state park beaches on this coast, though the drive in still keeps out anyone unwilling to risk their rental car.
How we score beachesA standard sedan can usually make the drive in now that the road's been graded, but go slow. Locals still call it the washboard road for a reason.
A gravel lot at the end of the access road off Highway 19, between mile markers 90 and 91, is free and fills by mid morning.
A short, flat sandy path connects the lot to the beach, an easy walk though soft underfoot for strollers.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach within Kekaha Kai State Park.
Summer brings the calmest water for swimming, while winter's bigger north and west swells can build a stronger shorebreak.
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