The northern section of the park is on Maniniowali Bay located at coordinates . This beach area is popularly called Kua Bay since it is easier to pronounce. A paved road north of
Kona International Airport leads to the beach. The
wetland area behind Makalawena beach was designated a
National Natural Landmark in 1972. The
marsh is known as Ōpaeula Pond (Hawaiian for "
red shrimp") and was the site of a small fishing village that was wiped out in the
1946 tsunami. The of wetland provide one of the last remaining nesting grounds of the
āeo (
Hawaiian stilt,
Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), the
alae keokeo (
Hawaiian coot,
Fulica alai), and the only known breeding area for the
aukuu (
black-crowned night heron,
Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli) in Hawaii. The pond is located at coordinates in the privately owned area between the two sections of the state park. Mahaiula Bay is accessed by an unpaved lava road which heads west off the main highway a short distance north of the airport. The Mahaiula section is located at coordinates and has a sandy beach with a picnic area. A section of the historic
Ala Kahakai coastal trail connects Mahaiula and Kua Bay. A hike up Puu Kuili offers a wide view of the coastline from the summit of the
cinder cone. The park is open daily from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm. ==External links==