Makena Beach State Park is a wilderness area with three beaches that are excellent for bodyboarding: Makena Beach, Puʻu Olai Beach and Naupaka Beach. Each has its own personality and attracts different types of visitors. Presiding over all three beaches is the volcanic Pu’u Ola’i (Earthquake Hill). This is a dormant cinder cone which stands 360 feet (110 meters) high.
Makena Beach, more often called “Big Beach,” is one of Maui’s largest beaches and has a steep foreshore. It is about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long. Its name means “abundance” and it’s true that its waters have plenty of marine life to see when snorkeling. Lifeguards are usually present. The kiawe trees offer pleasant shady spots while you enjoy the views of the Molokini atoll, a partially submerged volcanic crater that you can tour by boat.
Stroll north and climb over the lava rocks to reach Puʻu Olai Beach, nicknamed “Little Beach” because it is just 660 feet (200 meters) long. This cove is famous for being a nudist beach. As this is one of the few beaches in Hawaii that permits naked sunbathing, it can get crowded. This is especially so on Sunday afternoons, when traditional Hawaiian drumming goes on from mid-afternoon until sunset.
Naupaka Beach, also known as One’uli, is a black-sand beach formed by ground lava. It’s located on the Wailea side of the volcanic cone. Naupaka is less suitable for sunbathing or walking, but snorkeling and scuba diving conditions are excellent due to the nice coral reef nearby. Be careful to avoid the hard, sharp lava which starts abruptly at the water’s edge.
From Naupaka Beach, follow a trail that leads to the top of the Pu'u Ola'i cone. It’s best to attempt this quite strenuous hike in the cooler part of the day and remember to take plenty of water. From the top, you can enjoy views of the stunning Makena coastline.
Makena Beach State Park is south of Wailea. The car park is open during daylight hours, and admission is free. Watch out for the shore break, as the waves can be powerful.
Makena State Park Beach Tours
Visit Makena State Park Beach
Browse tours and tickets to explore Makena State Park Beach
Tours & day trips
See all 51 activitiesOpens in new tabWaterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure
Activity duration is 5 hours
4.9 out of 5 with 197 reviews
Free cancellation available
Wildlife & nature
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabSnorkeling Cruise to Molokini Crater & Turtle Town
Activity duration is 5 hours
4.8 out of 5 with 190 reviews
Free cancellation available
History & culture
See all 12 activitiesOpens in new tabTe Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort
Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
4.6 out of 5 with 328 reviews
Free cancellation available
Classes & workshops
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabGroup Surf Lesson: Two Hours of Beginners Instruction in Kihei
Activity duration is 2 hours
4.8 out of 5 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Adventure & outdoor
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabWaterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure
Activity duration is 5 hours
4.9 out of 5 with 197 reviews
Free cancellation available
Reviews of Makena State Park Beach
4.5
Top Destination
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Oct 25, 2019waves were breaking on shore and rip tides the day we were there
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Apr 12, 2019Main road is windy and slightly narrow getting to beach access roads, which there are two of. Get there early as spots fill up quickly. Port a potty in lots. Beautiful beaches if you get in early. We drove but did not get photos.
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Apr 1, 2019Strong shore break, not a great swimming beach for children.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Feb 11, 2019Beautiful beach with friendly ocean safety officers. This beach has a dangerous shore break. Ask lifeguards before venturing out into the water
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Feb 4, 2019We saw green sea turtles by googling "Turtle City" which was right near Makena Beach Park
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Feb 2, 2019always see turtles here!
Best Lodging Options Near Makena State Park Beach
Check availability on hotels close to Makena State Park Beach
Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui
3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI
Makena Surf - CoralTree Residence Collection
4850 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux - Adults Only
555 Kaukahi Street, Kihei, HI
Polo Beach - CoralTree Residence Collection
4400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa Experience
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr-Building A, Kihei, HI
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort - a concept by Hyatt
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
- Vacations and getaways similar to Makena State Park Beach
- Other Hotels near Makena State Park Beach, Wailea
- Hotels near popular Kihei Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
Hotels
Adults Only Resorts & Hotels in TokyoBanyan Tree Kuala LumpurParadise CityHOTEL R9 The Yard TaketoyoDa Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resorts & SpaHoshino Resorts Iriomote HotelFuji Marriott Hotel Lake YamanakaSotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul MyeongdongNaha Condominium Maejima HouseHotels in ErcişAtami Morino Onsen Hotel
Flights
Flights from Düsseldorf (DUS) to Tokyo (HND)Flights from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Naha (OKA)Flights to ColombiaFlights from Tokyo (HND) to Jacksonville (JAX)Flights from Osaka (KIX) to Krabi (KBV)Flights from Tokyo (HND) to Honolulu (HNL)Flights from Osaka (KIX) to Medan (KNO)Flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Narita (NRT)Flights from Narita (NRT) to Indore (IDR)Flights from Osaka (KIX) to Colorado Springs (COS)Flights from Vancouver (YVR) to Winnipeg (YWG)Flights from Naha (OKA) to Taketomi (HTR)Flights from Kirishima (KOJ) to Kobe (ITM)
Activities
Packages