While there is plenty of beach to sit on and explore, currents in the area are too strong for swimming at this oceanside park so don’t even try to get into the water here. The park, sitting on the east rift zone of Kilauea volcano, is mostly made up of volcanic rock and lava. Low sea cliffs surround the water making it an interesting place to hike and explore. There are several caves, shelves and arches in the rocks that line the shore which make for interesting exploration with a flashlight. Climbing on the cliffs themselves is not recommended due to the fragile nature and easy collapsibility of the rock structures which have been severely eroded due to the pounding surf hitting the shoreline in this area. Lava cave and arch structures under the cliffs may be very unstable and could cave in under the right conditions. Tent camping with a permit is allowed here but be careful as the locals talk about UFO sightings and spooky happenings in the middle of the night in this park – or was it maybe just too many beers in a very dark place? Although we have never experienced this ourselves, we have also heard about renegades going through the park beating drums. If you happen to be at MacKenzie Park when this happens, my sources advice getting on your knees and looking at the ground to avoid any trouble with these folks. It may just be a tale of locals to scare off visitors to this area but in any case, forewarned is forearmed.