Escape To Kekaha Kai State Park For A Beautiful Hawaii Nature Scene

From cascading waterfalls and the inviting turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean to lush rainforests and mountain peaks, breathtaking natural beauty abounds on the Hawaiian Islands. And nowhere will you find more incredible scenery than within Hawaii’s state and national parks. With more than 50 state parks, waysides, recreation areas, monuments, and historic sites, there are countless Hawaiian state parks to choose from, but today, we’re sharing one of our favorites.

Formerly known as the Kona Coast State Park and nestled along the western shores of Hawaii Island, this coastal park is home to stunning beaches and bays, including Maniniʻowali Bay, Makalawena Beach at Puʻu Aliʻi Bay, and Mahaiʻula Bay…

...as well as rugged, volcanic landscapes that will transport you to another world.

Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and fishing are popular activities here, but we’re partial to the state park’s epic coastal hiking trail.

Stretching for 4.5 miles along the coast, adventurers will love embarking on the Ala Kahakao Trail, which connects Mahaiʻula and Kua Bay, and even features a short offshoot trail that leads to the summit of the 342-foot-tall Puʻu Kuʻili cinder cone.

You can also experience a 12-acre wetland area that was once the site of a small fishing village wiped out in Hawaii’s historic 1946 tsunami and is now a National Natural Landmark.

From dunes and wetlands to volcanic rock formations and sandy shores, you’ll find it all at Kekaha Kai State Park.

Planning a day of fun under the Hawaiian sun at Kekaha Kai State Park? You won’t find any water fountains here and the park provides little shade, so make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat!

Have you ever been to Kekaha Kai State Park? What was your favorite part? Tell us about your experience in the comments, then click here to discover one of Hawaii’s most remote parks.