Kekaha Kai State Park (Kua Bay)
Kekaha Kai, Kona
A Sandy Kona Coast Bay With Calm-Day Swimming and Serious Shore Break
Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park has a Mahaiʻula section and, at its north end, Maniniʻōwali (Kua Bay), a sandy bay for swimming in calm seas and bodysurfing when the shore break is up. The state lists hours of 8 AM to 6:30 PM, with gates closing at 7 PM. Since January 2026 non-residents pay $5 per person entry (credit card only) and $10 per vehicle parking; children 3 and under and Hawaiʻi residents with ID are free.
The state warns of dangerous rip currents and pounding shore breaks during high surf, says waves over 3 feet are for experts, and notes there are no lifeguards. Mahaiʻula is dry and hot with no drinking water. A 4.5-mile hike on the Ala Kahakai coastal trail connects the two sections, passing the 342-foot Puʻu Kuʻili cinder cone. The park closes for the Kona Ironman (it was closed October 10, 2026), so check DLNR's notices on race weekends.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A beautiful beach for confident swimmers on calm days, and a long coastal hike for others.
Best for: calm-day swimming, bodysurfing for experienced swimmers, sunset beach time north of Kona.
Insider tip: look at the surf before getting in; if waves are over about 3 feet, enjoy it from the sand. Bring water and shade.
- Hazards / conditions:
- Dangerous rip currents and pounding shore break during high surf; no lifeguards.
- Safety notes:
- The state warns that waves over 3 feet are for experts. DLNR closed the park on Oct 10, 2026 for the Kona Ironman, so check its notices on event days.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Surf-dependent: swim only in calm seas.
- Best arrival time:
- Morning, before the sun and wind build
- Cost:
- Non-residents: $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, by card. Hawaiʻi residents are free. (checked October 2026)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Non-residents $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, by card
- •residents free with ID.
- •Open 8 AM–6:30 PM
- •gates close at 7 PM.
- •No lifeguards
- •waves over 3 feet are for experts.
- •Bring water, sun protection and shade
- •Mahaiʻula has no drinking water.
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