Based on
7 reviews
About Makolea Beach
Makolea Beach is a small, sheltered cove in Kahaluu-Keauhou known for its exceptionally calm, clear waters that make it ideal for snorkeling and swimming year-round, with reliable visibility into the vibrant coral gardens below. The beach's black sand and lava rock shoreline, combined with nearby sea cliffs and native kiawe trees, creates a dramatic volcanic landscape that feels more secluded than the busier neighboring beaches. The protected bay and lack of heavy tourist infrastructure give it a quiet, local feel while still offering excellent marine life viewing opportunities including green sea turtles and tropical fish.
Visitor Reviews
A beautiful coarse sand beach tucked behind a sacred Hawaiian cultural site. I was there on a weekday and the surf was very high so it did not seem safe for swimming. There is an area protected by rocks that would make for nice tide pools at other times. Very few people and no lifeguards or amenities-just stunning nature. A parking lot with a long walkway provides easy access.
Amazing tide pooling during low tide. Great calm pools for kids to swim. Trees for shade. Does have limited fine sand, more course pebbles. No running water or bathrooms. Definitely a great local spot for a chill day. Highly suggest just watching the tide to see if it'll be a tide pool day or a swimming day.
As far as we are concerned, this is a #5 beach! Been coming for 10 years, and improvements with old hotel taken down, and the hope brought with the restoration of the native Hawaiian heilau certainly is a bright spot for conservancy. Wonderful place to view small Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles rest and eat algae as soon as the tide is high enough. We love it! You can snorkel here, too, when tide is high enough. Lovely "Salt & Pepper Sand" beach. Good Job, Conservancy Groups of the Big Island!
Jus respect signage posted on the surroundings areas! Calming waves Not much swimming to be done here! Nice black ñ white sand beach with ponds with sea life. Good parking- short paved walkway but no wheelchair accessible the last 100ft or more. Opens Sunrise to Sunset!
The old hotel is now demolished and the lot is a construction area. A parking area and beach access is provided at the construction office trailer. The heiau blocks travel N on the beach.
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