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MacKenzie State Park Information, Photos, & More

MacKenzie State Park | Big Island Hawaii

John C. Derrick

& Tori C. Derrick 03-23-2026· Updated 09-28-2026

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MacKenzie State Park

Located within the Puna Region on Big Island

People don't come to MacKenzie State Park for the swimming, it's mostly the scenery and fishing visitors are after. This portion of Puna's coast is jagged lava fingers and leaning palms. The ocean often punishes these low cliffs, so steer clear of the edge. There is a picnic area perfect for a nice lunch. However there is no potable water. This area does not have the best reputation, so be wary of shady types.

Check current access: DLNR’s September 28 notice says Hawaiʻi Island state parks reopened after Nolo and does not list MacKenzie among its remaining exceptions. The notice does not discuss this park individually. Confirm access before driving and follow posted restrictions.

In the parking lot, a sign marks a portion of the King's Highway. Just north of the parking area are some old lava tubes which might be worth exploring. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. Use current navigation and check the official park notice before driving.

Live Ocean Report Check surf, tides, water temperature, and beach comfort before you commit to the shoreline. Check ocean Matcher Beach Finder Match beaches by island, swim style, scenery, group fit, walk distance, and access needs. Timing Jellyfish Calendar See the south-shore warning window so beach and snorkel days are easier to time. Browser Snorkel Spots Browse curated snorkel spots by island, access, difficulty, lifeguards, fees, and marine life. Free HawaiiGuide Passport Stamp the landmarks, beaches, waterfalls, and local grinds you experience — a free trip keepsake that lives on your phone, no account needed.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.

Tori C. Derrick

Published by: Tori C. Derrick

President & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.

MacKenzie State Park Reviews

Guidereview:

A (based on 22 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 19.4389
Longitude: -154.8642

Hawaii Safety Information

Hawaii Safety Tips & Information →
Hawaii Ocean Safety Tips →

MacKenzie State Park Photo Gallery

Recommended Tours Nearby

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Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible parkingWheelchair-accessible entrance

Parking

Free parking lot

Accessibility & parking data from Google. Confirm on the ground before your visit.

What's Nearby

Beaches

The New Kaimu Beach

The New Kaimu Beach

Attractions

Lava Tree State Park

Lava Tree State Park

Kumukahi Lighthouse

Kumukahi Lighthouse

TouristAttraction

TouristAttraction

Hawaiʻi Weather Forecast

Today’s Weather Brief · Audio · ~45s

Updated 2026-11-07T14:03:05.391Z

0:00 0:50

Read the transcript

Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.

A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.

South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.

0:00 0:54

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Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.

North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.

If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.

0:00 0:53

Read the transcript

Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.

North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.

Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.

0:00 0:49

Read the transcript

Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.

Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.

Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.

Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out

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Oahu microclimate guide → All-island forecast hub →

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com