Kekaha Kai State Park protects a rugged stretch of the Kona Coast north of Kailua-Kona, where black lava fields give way to pale sand, turquoise water, and dry coastal scrub. Beaches such as Manini'owali and Mahai'ula are the draw, but the setting is just as important: raw lava, bright sea, and very little shade.
The park is beautiful and exposed. Bring water, sun protection, and check ocean conditions before swimming, as surf and currents can change quickly. Access roads and parking can be rough or crowded, but the reward is one of the coast's most memorable beach landscapes.