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MacKenzie State Recreation Area Review

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MacKenzie State Recreation Area

  • Address: Hwy. 137, Puna District, HI | Map It

Fodor's Review:

This is a coastal park located on rocky shoreline cliffs in a breezy, cool ironwood grove. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and a tent-camping area; bring your own drinking water. The park is significant for the restored section of the old "King's Highway" trail system, which circled the coast in the era before Hawaii was discovered by the Western world. In those days, tribal kings and chiefs used these trails to connect the coastal villages, allowing them to collect taxes and maintain control over the people. Short hikes of an hour or less are possible along the existing sections of the rough rocky trail. There are views of rugged coast, rocky beach, and coastal dry forest.

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