Kekaha Kai State Park protects a wild stretch of the Kona Coast north of the airport, where black lava fields drop into bright blue water and several excellent beaches sit beyond rough access roads. Maniniowali, Mahaiula, and Makalawena each have a different feel, from easy beach time to a more remote walk-in shoreline.
The park rewards preparation. Shade and services are limited, road conditions can be rough, and surf can be serious, but the payoff is a less polished side of Kona's beach life than the resort coves farther south.