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MacKenzie State Park Information, Photos, & More

MacKenzie State Park | Big Island Hawaii

John C. Derrick 03-23-2026

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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. Camping is allowed with permit, but not advisable.

In the parking lot is a sign indicating a portion of the King's Highway. It was built by order of King Kamehameha and later repaired by convicts in 1850. Just north of the parking area are some old lava tubes which might be worth exploring. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. To get to Mackenzie take Highway 130 south from Pahoa. When it dead ends at Highway 137, turn right. Highway 137 meets and turns into Pahoiki Road for 2 miles. Then Highway 137 turns off to the left. Follow the highway. The park will be on the left after mile marker 14.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.

MacKenzie State Park Reviews

Guidereview:

A (based on 22 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 19.43729239
Longitude: -154.8651867

Hawaii Safety Information

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MacKenzie State Park Photo Gallery

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Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible parkingWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible restroom

Parking

Free parking lotPaid parking lot

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

Live tools for your trip

Ocean Report Surf, tides & water temps Jellyfish Calendar South-shore warning dates Whale Season Are humpbacks here right now?

What's Nearby

Beaches

Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki)

Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki)

Kehena Black Sand Beach

Kehena Black Sand Beach

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 · AI-voiced · ~45s

Updated 2026-05-26T21:02:34.009Z

0:00 0:45

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Partly cloudy on the windward side, mostly sunny on the leeward side. Trade winds are strong and will stay that way through Wednesday, bringing passing showers to windward slopes.

Surf builds this weekend—a south swell is coming in and could reach warning levels on south-facing beaches by Saturday and Sunday. Winds ease late Thursday, and you'll see more organized showers Friday through Saturday as a system moves nearby. Small Craft Advisory is up through Wednesday evening, so water's rough if you're thinking about boats.

Stick to leeward beaches and the sunny side through Wednesday. Save your snorkeling for after the weekend swell passes.

0:00 0:46

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Partly cloudy on the windward side, mostly sunny on the leeward side. Strong trade winds are pushing through, so it won't feel humid today.

Breezy conditions hold through Wednesday with scattered showers on the windward slopes. A bigger south swell starts building Friday and reaches warning levels by Saturday and Sunday on south-facing beaches. Winds ease late Thursday, and more organized showers are possible Friday through Saturday. North and west shores peak today before dropping off. Small Craft Advisory stays in effect through Wednesday evening.

Stick to leeward beaches and the sunny side through Wednesday. Save snorkeling and water activities for after the weekend swell passes.

0:00 0:51

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Partly cloudy on the windward side, mostly sunny on the leeward side. Strong trade winds are pushing through, bringing scattered showers to the mountains and some afternoon showers to leeward areas. Low to mid 80s today, dropping to the low to mid 70s tonight.

Winds stay breezy through Wednesday. A south swell is building from a distant storm and will reach warning levels by Saturday and Sunday on south-facing beaches. North and west shores peak Wednesday then ease off. Expect more organized showers late Thursday through Saturday as a weather system moves nearby.

Get to the leeward beaches and sunny spots through Wednesday while conditions are stable. Save snorkeling and water activities for after the weekend swell passes.

0:00 0:55

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Partly cloudy skies on the windward side, mostly sunny on the leeward side. Strong trade winds dominate through Wednesday, keeping the air less humid than usual and pushing temps to the low to mid 80s during the day, dropping to the low to mid 70s at night.

A south swell builds this weekend and reaches warning levels by Saturday and Sunday on south-facing beaches. North and west shores peak at moderate levels Wednesday before easing. Winds ease late Thursday as conditions become more unsettled, with organized showers possible Friday through Saturday. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Wednesday evening—boat conditions will be rough.

The leeward beaches and sunny spots stay your best bet through Wednesday. Plan snorkeling and calm-water activities after the weekend swell passes.

AI summary · verify with NWS before heading out

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Oahu microclimate guide → All-island forecast hub →

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com