Things to do in Makalawena

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Kua Bay featuring a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Kua Bay featuring a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Kua Bay which includes a sandy beach, swimming and landscape views
Kua Bay featuring a coastal town and a beach
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 🐢
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Most popular activities in Makalawena

Tours & day trips

See all 53 activities
Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner

Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner

Activity duration is 11 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 55 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $324 per adult
Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant DinnerOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 18 activities
Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner

Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner

Activity duration is 11 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 55 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $324 per adult
Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant DinnerOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 14 activities
Private Kona Coast Helicopter Tour: All Window Seats

Private Kona Coast Helicopter Tour: All Window Seats

Activity duration is 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $241 per adult
Private Kona Coast Helicopter Tour: All Window SeatsOpens in new tab

What to do in Makalawena

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Makalawena? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Makalawena

Kailua Pier featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a bay or harbor

Kailua Pier

After visiting Kailua Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kailua-Kona. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Kailua Pier
Magic Sands Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes

Magic Sands Beach

4.5/5(436 reviews)

One of the closest beaches to Kona, this stretch of sand on the Big Island earned its name for an unusual shoreline occurrence.

Magic Sands Beach
Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring rugged coastline, a coastal town and tropical scenes

Kahalu'u Beach Park

4.5/5(572 reviews)

Snorkel with tropical fish and swim with sea turtles at this great dive location.

Kahalu'u Beach Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

4.5/5(286 reviews)

Discover ancient Hawaii at this historic settlement.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
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
Ancient Hawaiian Ruins, Big Island #adventure #hawaii #bigisland #beaches #beachlover #volcanoes

Keauhou Shopping Center

4/5(143 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Keauhou Shopping Center during your visit to Kailua-Kona. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Keauhou Shopping Center
Kamakahonu Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes

Kamakahonu Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kamakahonu Beach during your trip to Kailua-Kona? Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Kamakahonu Beach
Kua Bay featuring a coastal town and a beach

Kua Bay

4.5/5(153 reviews)

Get off the beaten track to discover one of Hawaii’s most serene stretches of coast.

Kua Bay
#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

4.5/5(5 reviews)

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

Manini'owali Beach

 

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Popular day trips from Makalawena

Kailua-Kona showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sunset

Kailua-Kona

Frequently asked questions

Is Makalawena worth visiting?
Famous for its coastal beaches and hiking, finding awesome things to do in Makalawena is simple. Remember to add Kohanaiki Beach Park to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Makalawena?
Start your adventures with a visit to Kohanaiki Beach Park and Kiholo Bay. Then, tour other areas of Makalawena for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Makalawena?
Kohanaiki Beach Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Makalawena and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Makalawena?
Three days is plenty for a quick escape to Makalawena — you'll hit the main attractions and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you truly want to soak it all in, book for at least a week or more to discover some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Makalawena with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Makalawena with kids.

What to do in Makalawena for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Makalawena. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor adventures or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Makalawena?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Makalawena is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Kikaua Point Beach Park is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.