Makalawena Beach is stunning, one of the most naturally pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches. Hidden off the beaten path along the Kohala coast, Makalawena is remote and quiet. You can't drive to it, which makes it all the more rewarding. They say: The sand is as soft and fine as you will find on any Big Island beach. During humpback season (November - March) this is often a perfect place to watch humpback whales breaching offshore.