It's about a mile to mile and a half hike all flat..keep in mind there is a long stretch of lava rock path make sure to have a good pair of shoes.

There are no toilets at the beach. Closest being a 30 min. walk away.

I saw only clothed visitors and several young families.

Aloha. The Green Sand Beach is located on the south tip of the Big Island. To access it, you take Hwy 11 South to South Point Road. About 10 miles down the road forks. The Green Sand Beach is to the LEFT at the fork, small sign points the way. Also, you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to the beach itself - would not recommend driving or walking yourselff!. There are usually a group of Hawaiians in the parking area take the ride from them it's well worth the money you won't spend time getting lost! The surf is a bit rough on the beach - you have to walk down a cliff and back up it too but they will pick up up and deliver you to the point to walk down. It's beautiful worth the trip.

Someone had told us it was a "hike" but I would really call this a 15-minute leisurely walk on an unpaved lava rock trail that is pretty flat. Then you get to the beach and you are walking on sand. The beach is a cove and the far side is better as it's less rocky, but if you just want to park on the side closest to the trail the view is still spectacular. I guess it depends on how far your family member can walk.

It's not as hard as you may think. It's just that it can get hot and that you have to get the proper shoes as you'll be walking on lava rocks. Forget about the chairs/ umbrella/ cooler etc. as it is a 30 minute walk, you want to take the essential :-) You can drive down with a 4 wheel drive, but it is a very rocky and bumpy ride ( not possible with a rental car). Just as a referene, I've done the walk several time, with my 3 kids. The first time we hiked there they were 8, 6 and 2. While the 2 year old was in the carrier, the other 2 walked. They did fine :-) Hope this helps :-)

We drive very slowly. It takes about 20 minutes depending on those around you. It was with it since we did it twice!

No there are no signs, but there are directions on many blogs. We visited by parking at the South end at Kekaha Kai State Park. The road getting into the state park is smooth at first, but then gets rougher. I'd recommend a Jeep or similar vehicle so that you don't have to worry about your car making it or not. In addition, I recommend wearing Keens (or similar footwear), and packing plenty of water! Park at the bottom parking area by the outhouses. Walk towards the ocean. The first beach you will come to is Kekaha Kai beach. Once on the sand, head to your right. You will cross sand and a little lava and come to a beautiful crescent beach. THIS IS NOT MAKALAWENA. Yes, it is gorgeous, but do not be tempted to stop. The beach you are heading to will be more beautiful (white sand, and more secluded). Keep following around the crescent beach until you get to the far right side. Here you will see a grouping of palm trees and a path going over a'a lava. Follow the lava lined path towards the north towards the sand dunes in the distance. The hike will take you 15-20 minutes. Eventually, the lava field transitions into a field of huge white sand dunes covered with pōhuehue, beach morning glories. Hike through the dunes toward the back of Makalawena beach. When you reach the ocean, there are 3 inlets that make up the beach. The first one is nice, but not so good for swimming because of the lava rock. I like to skip that one and continue walking until I get to the second crescent inlet. There you will find the secluded, white sand beach, that is perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the sand. There are few trees here, so be warned that there is little shade.