Featuring more than 750 miles of stunning coastline spread across eight main islands, Hawaii is home to some of the world’s best beaches — both man-made and natural. While we love visiting the Aloha State’s most famous beaches — think Waikiki, Poipu, and Ka’anapali — there’s something about visiting a secluded stretch of sand that makes an ordinary beach day extraordinary. And that’s exactly what we have in store for you today. Keep reading to discover the Hawaii beach with fine, white sand that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the shores of your very own private island.
Welcome to Makalawena Beach — or as the locals call it, “Maks” — a string of white-sand coves lapped by sparkling, turquoise water nestled on Hawaii Island’s North Kona coast.
Jon Holt/Flickr
Scenic, serene, and secluded are three words often used to describe Makalawena Beach, but “private beach” is almost as accurate (there aren’t any actual private beaches in Hawaii, but because this beach requires some effort to reach, you’re sure to feel as though you’re on a private beach).
Marcos Ojeda/Flickr
Makalawena is easily one of Hawaii’s prettiest beaches, and you’ll love swimming, boogie boarding, and snorkeling at this postcard-worthy oasis all day.
Duane Newman/Flickr
Not convinced of Makalawena’s ethereal beauty quite yet? It’s almost always deserted, there are plenty of shady trees to lounge under, and a striking coral reef just a few feet offshore is perfect for snorkeling.
Sawyer/Flickr
Visiting this slice of paradise requires a one or two-mile hike over lava rock, but it’s totally worth the trek.
Sawyer/Flickr
From the north trailhead, accessed by a dirt road located just south of the paved road to Kua Bay, between mile markers 88 and 89, and is a four-mile hike round trip. You can also go off-roading from the north, but the “road” is nasty.
veganstraightedge/Flickr
The southern trailhead, off the road to Mahai’ula Bay between mile markers 90 and 91, requires only two miles of hiking round trip. Both are beautiful, so it just depends on how much hiking you want to do.
Eli Duke/Flickr
Due to its remote location, there are no facilities of any kind at Makalawena, so you’ll want to pack everything you may need, including sunscreen and plenty of water. You’ll also want sturdy shoes for the hike.
Caitlin Marr/Flickr
This scenic and secluded stretch of fine, white sand is so perfect, you may never want to leave — and we certainly wouldn’t blame you.
Marcos Ojeda/Flickr
So, what are you waiting for? Makalawena is calling your name, and there is truly no better destination for a relaxing day at your very own private oasis.
Nicole Yeager/Flickr
Makalawena Beach is located at Hwy. 19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, and you can find exact directions here.
Jon Holt/Flickr
Marcos Ojeda/Flickr
Duane Newman/Flickr
Sawyer/Flickr
veganstraightedge/Flickr
Eli Duke/Flickr
Caitlin Marr/Flickr
Nicole Yeager/Flickr
Looking for more incredible beaches to visit across the Hawaiian Islands? These 15 beaches are absolutely jaw-dropping, to say the least.
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