Go to Kekaha Kai State Park 

Kekaha Kai State Park Information

Kekaha Kai or Kona Coast State Park includes 5 miles of beach pockets, Mahaiula Bay, and coves.

According to legend, a village once existed around the bay, but was destroyed by a volcano when its chief refused to feed a hungry old woman who was actually the goddess Pele in disguise. Only one home was spared by the volcano - that of a kind villager who fed the old woman when the chief wouldn't - and the park is full of archaeological and historical sites related to volcanoes and old villages.

A rugged road leads through old lava fields to reach the salt and pepper beach, where freshwater springs bubble up through the sand to sometimes form small pools.

Swimming and snorkeling are terrific in the protected coves (although the water can be a bit cloudy near the bubbling springs), the offshore diving is great, and surfers frequent the beach when winter waves kick up.

There are portable toilets, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities. No lifeguards are on duty so look out for occasional strong currents.

Turn left off Hwy. 19 north onto a semi-paved road between mile markers 91 and 90. Drive slowly down that bumpy road for about a mile and a half to the shore.