Makena Beach, Maui: A Picture Perfect, Resort-Free Beach
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Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, comprises two different beaches (Little and Big Beach) that create a massive area of sand that is ⅔ of a mile long! It is unique for South Maui beaches in that no resorts are in sight.
Stroll along the golden sand beach with ocean views of Molokini and Kahoolawe in the distance or swim along its pristine shores. This is one of the most extensive undeveloped beaches on the entire island of Maui!
Makena Beach Overview
| Makena Beach Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Yes: porta potties |
| Showers | No |
| Parking | Paid Parking Lot |
| Lifeguards | Yes, sometimes |
| BBQ Grills | No |
| Picnic Tables | Yes |
| Playground | No |
Who is Makena Beach Best For?
This is an excellent place for anyone looking for a chill beach day. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or walk along the sandy shores, this place is fantastic. It is a gorgeous beach, so bring a picnic and take in the postcard-worthy view.
Know before you go: Little Beach, separated from Big Beach by volcanic rock, is known as Maui’s nude beach. Consider this if you plan to visit to avoid a potential surprise.
This beach is #4 in our video below of the best beaches on Maui.
Is Makena Beach Good for Swimming?
Yes, Makena Beach is good, not great, for swimming. Please pay attention to lifeguard flags and heed their warnings, as it is known for a dangerous shore break that creates rip tides.
Is Makena Beach Good for Snorkeling?
Many internet articles list this as a snorkeling beach, and while it does have crystal clear waters, it doesn’t make any of our lists for great snorkeling. There is no large reef, and the ocean conditions make snorkeling challenging.
We have you covered if you’re looking for the best snorkeling spots on Maui, or a great snorkel tour!
How To Get to Makena Beach
It’s located at the south of Wailea, in the Makena area, inside the Makena Beach State Park. You’ll know you’re headed in the right direction when you hit a not-so-well-paved bit of Makena Road.
If you’re coming from the Wailea resort area, you’ll need about a 15-minute drive, and if you’re coming from West Maui, you’ll need about an hour.
Makena Beach Parking
There is a lot of paid parking available here—in fact, there are two large paid parking lots! It can be easy to miss the entrance, so keep your eyes peeled as you get close. If the first lot is full, drive further south on Makena Road to find the next lot.
Things to Do at Makena Beach
While you may find a bodyboarder or snorkeler, this beach is best for relaxing. Have a picnic, walk along the 2/3 mile stretch of sand, take in the view, swim, or bathe in the sun. It’s not a secret beach, but it doesn’t tend to get very crowded.
You can also hike to the volcanic cinder cone at the north end of the beach. Click for the hike details on AllTrails.
Makena Beach Safety
Beware of rip tides, as Big Beach is known for them due to its dangerous shore break, and stay alert for any flags or warning signs. It can also get high surf and rough waves, so it’s not always the best for inexperienced swimmers or small children.
Although lifeguards are typically on duty, staying alert is always a good idea. And as always, when in doubt, don’t go out.
Check conditions at Hawaii Beach Safety: Makena Beach.
Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety
Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.
Places to Eat Near Makena Beach
Because this stretch of Maui is largely undeveloped, you’ll have to leave the beach to find any restaurants. This is a great place to pack a picnic since there are plenty of tables to eat at, but the closest restaurants are in Wailea, 4 miles up the road.
Some food trucks post up near the beach, on Makena Road in front of the parking lots. These are super convenient, but we prefer these Maui food trucks instead.
Visit Makena Beach and More
- Molokini Crater Snorkeling: While most leave from Ma’alaea Harbor, our favorite Molokini Crater snorkel tour leaves from Maluaka Beach, just 2 miles north (click here for directions).
- Whale Watching (Dec-Mar): The same company we love for Molokini has a whale watching tour that also leaves from Maluaka Beach during whale season!
- Just south of Big Beach on the other side of the lava rock is Makena Cove, which is an incredible spot for a beach photoshoot.
- Once you venture back up to the livelier areas of South Maui, check out our favorite things to do in Wailea and the best activities in Kihei. (Or watch the video below!)
