Kona Coast State Park

Not easy to get to… which locals prize. Not many tourists. Aloha.
If you do trek it over the semi-​rough terrain, enjoy the surf breaks, warm water and soft sand.
Bring your Ohana and have a picnic/​bbq. There are plenty of Ohana that chill in tents and fish around this spot.
I heart these Kama’aina beaches, far far far away from resort mainlanders.
Mahalo

This area is also known as Kekaha Kai State Park.
This is one of the best beach parks in Kona, if not on the entire island or in the whole state. I have to disagree with another reviewer, who said that «locals (not kama’aina) haven’t been to this beach». First, technically speaking, locals are kama’aina. Second, plenty kama’aina know where this place is, and in fact venture to it on the weekends. If you visit on the weekend, you will find local campers, local boogie boarders (depending on surf conditions) and local families setting up for bbq and family reunions and such. But even then, none of the beaches really get crowded.
I would be willing to bet that the people who say that these beaches are pretty much deserted are the ones who usually venture to Oahu. If you are a tourist who has spent all your time on Oahu, then yes, the beaches will seem deserted. But understanding that the entire Big Island has less than 180,000 people living on it and it’s larger than the rest of the islands combined, then you will have some understanding that this is a local beach, where locals frequent, and locals appreciate it.
The water is superbly clear, the sand is soft but not too powdery like the beaches that tourist flock to on Oahu (Lanikai and Kailua beaches… you can’t get that sand off for nothin!), and it is a popular spot for our local Honu, who bathe in the sun and use this as nesting grounds. Be respectful as you enter and exit this beach park, as there are cultural sights in the lava fields that surround it. Also, make sure that you take what you need (no water, no snacks, and a long drive for either), and don’t leave anything on the beach.
Be respectful at all times, and respect will be shown to you. Make a mess of the beach and you will probably get confronted kindly. Get confronted kindly and act like a jerk, and you will find yourself on the wrong end of a local-​style education. Fair warning… be kind to the land and to the people and they will be kind to you.
This is a popular fishing spot for locals, so be mindful of that as you enter the water. It is also an excellent snorkel spot, which you should also be mindful of. Usually, the water is fairly swimmable (at the first beach that is… the other 2 can get a little rough), even in heavy surf, because there is a bit of a natural breaker that the reef creates just about 20 or 30 yards from the shore. But always be cautious of rip currents, no matter how calm the water looks.
It’s a perfect place for families because of the abundant shade trees and picnic tables, lots of area to stretch out and throw a blanket down. The best way to enjoy this beach is to bring a cooler, a couple of blankets to throw down, and some snacks and spend the entire day. Also, be sure that you understand that the road into this beach park is just a shade under being categorized as a 4wd only path. It’s very rough in places, and cars with low clearances will have a rough time traversing some of the hills, cracks, and crevices. That being said, if you drive slow, use your head, and take your time, you can navigate it just fine. My 4door, 2wd, 6cyl sedan has no trouble on the entire path.
The first beach that you come to is probably the best for families with small children, since it is close to the bathrooms and the parking lot. You can walk another 10 – 15 minutes and get to the next beach up, which is incredibly beautiful, but out of the way. Then there’s still one more beach to the north which is another 15 minute hike… it’s a long and hot hike and probably not the best for children. The first beach is just fine for anything that visitors would want to accomplish there. I would recommend sticking to that one.
I am from Hawaii, and I’ve been to almost all the major islands, and have lived on Oahu and currently live on Big Island, and I’m here to tell you that you won’t find a better beach park anywhere! Enjoy!

i’ve actually met locals (not kama’aina) that haven’t been to this beach. a bit of a trek over jagged, broken aa to get to this secluded spot. if you get your motivation on during a week day morning you can have the beach to yourself for a good part of the day.
home to two mackin surf breaks, mahai’ula and makalawena. paddle across the bay to get to the line up.
my gf called this place ‘shake n bake beach’ because the coarse sand looks a whole lot like the seasoning mix.
no facilities so if you need it, bring it.
PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOURSELVES