Crescent white sand beach

I swear there are more activities on this island than beach-going, but there are so many amazing beaches that shouldn't be ignored. Jon's visit became an unnecessary excuse to visit one I'd not yet visited: Makalawena Beach (http://www.best-big-island-hawaii.com/makalawena-beach.html). Makalawena is a remote beach that tends to get rated pretty highly as a beautiful place to see. It's crescent shape, white sand, gorgeous blue waters and shady trees make it an amazing place to spend a day (or more). As an added bonus, I'm told it's not typically crowded. How, you may ask, is a place as "amazing" as this which is also close to one of the most touristic towns on the island not crowded? Well, I'll tell you.

There is a "road" that leads from the highway to the beach. It is a road so far as it is wide enough for a vehicle, provides direction to the beach and is smoother than the surrounding lava fields. Yet to drive it you need a serious 4-wheel drive vehicles with plenty of clearance. It's gnarly. At times my feet had trouble maintaining. If you don't have this vehicle you can walk. In 20-30 minutes your feets will get you across the shade-free lava field at which point the blue water looks enticing as hell. Unless the ocean is as rowdy as it was when we visited, then a dip would be more life ending than life sustaining. Unfortunately, we also carried out snorkel gear for three. Alas.

As advertised, the beach was mostly empty and we plopped down immediately. The only other lifes on the beach included a small family that soon left and a couple, the pregnant half of which showed oodles more bravery in her ocean adventures than any of the rest of us. But that's not all! Several jungle fowl (feral chicken-types) caroused around as did a she-goat and her kid.

The crashing waves seduced me into a trance as I lay there, my book forgotten. There is something about the sound of waves that is soothing and somewhat magical (assuming you are not being tossed/carried away in them). I could sit and watch the waves and listen to their crashing for hours, maybe even days.

Which I did, until my skin began to feel hot and red. All of us reached the point of incipient sunburn at the same time, allowing a conflict-free exodus. Our gear gathered in hand we made it a couple hundred yards to a shaded cove. Once there a break was called to enjoy sun-free time and a shallow and very protected little pool. A cool breeze sifted through the palms while the ocean sparkled and danced. All gazes turned ocean-ward and unfocused.

Finally tearing ourselves away, our plod back to the car commenced. Unused snorkel gear in bag in hand. Towels over shoulders and hats pulled down low. Amazingly, we all escaped sun burn-free!