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
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Tours & day trips
See all 51 activitiesOpens in new tabWaterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure
Wildlife & nature
See all 20 activitiesOpens in new tabSnorkeling Cruise to Molokini Crater & Turtle Town
Classes & workshops
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabGroup Surf Lesson: Two Hours of Beginners Instruction in Kihei
Adventure & outdoor
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabWaterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure
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See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabTe Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort
Reviews of Makena State Park Beach
3/5 - Okay
waves were breaking on shore and rip tides the day we were there
4/5 - Good
Main 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
Strong shore break, not a great swimming beach for children.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful beach with friendly ocean safety officers. This beach has a dangerous shore break. Ask lifeguards before venturing out into the water
5/5 - Excellent
We saw green sea turtles by googling "Turtle City" which was right near Makena Beach Park
5/5 - Excellent
always see turtles here!
Popular places to visit
Big Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Big Beach during your trip to Makena? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this romantic area.
Makena State Park
During your trip to Makena, enjoy the surf and sand at Makena State Park along with the snorkeling. Discover the beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants in this romantic area.
Little Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Little Beach during your travels in Makena? Wander the seaside or discover the beautiful sunsets in this romantic area.
Oneuli Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Oneuli Beach during your trip to Makena? Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Maluaka Beach
This is part of Maui’s so-called “Turtle Town,” a prime spot for sighting the inquisitive Hawaiian green turtles that are very common here.
Makena Landing Park
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Makena Landing Park during your trip to Makena? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this romantic area.
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