Makena State Park

Makena State Park, often called Big Beach, is located about 15 minutes south of Wailea along Makena Alanui Road. It’s one of Maui’s largest undeveloped beaches, stretching 2/3 of a mile with wide, golden sand and turquoise waters.

The beach is divided into Big Beach and the adjacent Little Beach, separated by the Puʻu Olai cinder cone. Little Beach is known for its more secluded atmosphere and unofficial clothing-optional status.

This area offers stunning views of Molokini Crater and Kahoʻolawe. The park is protected from trade winds by lava outcroppings, making it a serene spot for beachgoers when the waves are calm.

Hawaii's climate is tropical, and the water temperature is consistently warm, making it possible to swim all year round.

Makena State Park offers ample parking, though it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

There are two paid parking lots available, each costing $10 per vehicle for non-residents.

If the main lot is full, head to the second entrance further south along Makena Alanui Road.

Makena offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

• Swimming: Enjoy the pristine waters, but exercise caution due to the strong shorebreak.
• Snorkeling: Nearby Turtle Town is a haven for marine life, including Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
• Bodyboarding and bodysurfing: Experienced wave riders will find thrilling conditions during high surf.
• Fishing: Shore fishing is allowed in designated areas within the park.

Makena is a fantastic spot for spotting Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, especially in the nearby Turtle Town snorkeling area.

The waters around Makena occasionally host manta rays and tropical fish, making it a great spot for snorkeling when conditions allow.

During the winter months, this is also an excellent location for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate through Maui’s waters.

You won’t find restaurants directly at the beach, but a few convenient options are nearby.

1. Food trucks: Located near the parking lot, these trucks serve quick bites like tacos and shave ice. They’re perfect for a casual beach day snack.
2. Wailea restaurants: Just a 15-minute drive north, Wailea boasts several upscale dining options, including Monkeypod Kitchen and The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea.
3. Pack a picnic: Makena has picnic tables available, making it an ideal spot to bring your own food and enjoy a meal with ocean views.

Makena offers several nearby landmarks worth visiting.

• Molokini Crater: Visible from the beach, this crescent-shaped islet is a popular snorkeling and diving destination.
• Puʻu Olai: The cinder cone separating Big Beach from Little Beach offers a short hike with panoramic views of the coastline.
• Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve: Located just south of Makena, this protected marine area is excellent for snorkeling and admiring Maui’s volcanic landscape.

Makena State Park is ideal for a variety of visitors.

Families will appreciate the spacious sandy shoreline, though caution should be exercised with children near the water due to the strong shorebreak.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the undeveloped beauty of the beach and the surrounding volcanic features.

Adventurous swimmers and bodyboarders can take on the powerful waves, but only if they have experience with shorebreak conditions.

Makena State Park is easily accessible by car.

From Wailea, drive south on Makena Alanui Road for about 15 minutes. Look for signs pointing to Makena State Park.

The park has two main entrances with parking lots. If the first lot is full, continue south to the second entrance.

Parking costs $10 per vehicle for non-residents. Pay at the kiosks before heading to the beach.

While Makena is beautiful, it’s essential to stay safe.

The shorebreak at Big Beach can be powerful and dangerous, especially during high surf. Always check with the lifeguards about current conditions.

Keep an eye on children and weaker swimmers, as the waves can knock people off their feet.

Protect your feet by wearing slippahs (flip-flops) when walking near the Keawe trees, as their thorns can be sharp.

Makena has a rich history, deeply tied to its natural beauty and cultural significance.

The park was established in part due to grassroots efforts to preserve the area from overdevelopment, ensuring it remained accessible to the public.

Nearby Wailea was once part of a vast cattle ranch owned by the Seibu Group of Japan, which later developed the nearby golf courses and resorts.

Puʻu Olai, the cinder cone at the north end of Big Beach, was formed during volcanic activity thousands of years ago and remains a prominent geological feature.