Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i Bay - Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii - Hidden White Sand Beach on the Kona Coast

Anyone who has ever dreamed of walking along a perfectly deserted beach of white sands beside crystal blue waters on a tropical afternoon has dreamt of Makalawena Beach. Located on the Big Island's Kona Coast, the beach faces Pu'u Ali'i Bay, and it is so remote from towns and roads that even the local Hawaiians rarely frequent it.

Perhaps because it is so unspoiled and uncrowded, many claim that Makalawena should rank among Hawaii's best beaches - or at least its prettiest. Its primary feature is the fine white sand that forms a narrow crescent along the volcanic shoreline. However, it can be very hard to find.

To get to Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i Bay from Kailua-Kona, take State Route 19, the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, north to the Kona Coast State Park. The trailhead to the beach is not marked, but it can be found between mile markers 89 and 90 on the ocean side of the highway.

Vehicles are not permitted off road here, so visitors should be prepared to leave their cars on the shoulder of the road or at the Park's north parking lot and hike in. It is advisable to bring good shoes, plenty of drinking water and sunscreen for the trek.

The walk from the highway to the shore takes a good 15-25 minutes. The rough, crunchy lava trail passes through undeveloped volcanic terrain, marked only by wild trees and shrubs. It eventually emerges through a series of low, rolling sand dunes at the beach.

Visitors are immediately stuck by the beauty of the pure white sand and the incredible solitude. The wind, waves and calling birds are the only sounds audible, and the only footprints you will see in the sand may quite likely be your own. Bordering the beach, the random combination of black lava and white, dead coral rocks may appear almost Zen-like in its starkness.

The waters here do not have high surf, but they can be good for boogie boarding. A more common pastime is snorkeling. The shallows about six feet from the shore are teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles.

Surrounding the sand dunes that frame the beach are numerous shade trees. A bit farther inland, on the other side of the trees, you may come across a natural freshwater pool where it is possible to rinse off the salt and sea from the bay. There are no bathrooms or shower stalls, no life guards or toilets, so come prepared for any eventuality.

When asked why more people do not visit this hidden gem, locals note the abundance of more easily accessible beaches in the area, such as Kekaha Kai Beach with its picnic facilities, restrooms and granular white sand and the crescent cove of Mahaiula Beach, which also boasts powdery white sand, turtles and good snorkeling.

Nevertheless, the seclusion of Makalawena Beach is one of its greatest attractions. There is also an archaeological site in the Pu'u Ali'i area, which is being excavated by researchers from the Bishop Museum. It might someday prove to be a tourist draw, too.