MacKenzie State Park

What a beautiful treasure along Puna’s Red Road! I loved the coastline here and wish I could’ve spent more time exploring it. I got some great photos and loved watching the rough waters of Puna (kai ko’o Puna) splashing violently against the coast as it heaved it’s way through the ‘aina (earth). Awesome and humbling.
I agree that this place would be great for a party/​picnic. There is what looks to be a smaller size pavillion that would be perfect for such an event.
Be careful if you go at night (I wouldn’t recommend it) because the cliffs are sheer and if there is a misstep or very rough waters, I can see how someone could easily get sucked in.
Remember, as we were raised in Hawai’i — respect the ocean and never turn your back to it.
Aloha and enjoy!

Without a doubt one of the prettiest places in East Hawaii. Reminded me of Big Sur in CA. It has the most gorgeous landscape I have seen on the island, the land is lush, and you just feel like you are in another world. I went here after snorkeling in the pools nearby.
–1 because I did feel stink eye. I didn’t spend much time here, got lost in the area, and was happy when I finally hit the main road. No one said anything to me, but I did feel like I shouldn’t have been there.
I would not go here alone or at night if you are a haole like me. Again I went alone during the day, walked around NEAR my car, watched the waves crash against the rocks, and took off. Pretty place to picnic, but go with a friend who is either a native or looks like they can pass.
Puna is like another world and definitely breathtaking, but I just got bad vibes here.

BEAUTIFUL! Hidden away down a wonderfully tropical road. Quiet. Stunning views.
We’re thinking of camping here one night.

We discovered this area 6 years ago when we were married on the Big Island and spent our honeymoon staying at various places around the island. When we went back for our 6^th anniversary (Sept, 2011,) we made sure that we came back here because we loved the area.
This isn’t a place for swimming. It is part of the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano and the surf is rough. It was named for a park ranger who loved the area and planted most of the ironwood trees. From what I understand, people (mostly fisherman) have died here because they were swept off the rocks. Still, it is a beautiful place to visit. We like to walk well away from the parking lot, taking pictures of the beautiful coastline. We also like to find a protected tidal pool that allows one to cool off and relax. Still, our most favorite thing about the place, besides its beauty, is the fact that there are so few people here. It makes you feel like you have discovered a treasure and that you are able to drink in the sites and sounds without the distractions of numerous other people.