One of Maui's most beautiful beaches is Makena Beach (sometimes called Big Beach) at the very south end of Wailea-Makena.

The beach is adjacent to a pleasant grove of trees that extend down to the beach, providing nice shade and cooling. Makena Beach is spacious and a bit off the beaten track of the larger resorts, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet here.

The sea is calm and shallow ideal for swimming and the rugged edges of the beach also great for snorkelling. There are views of the island of Lanai and great opportunities to watch the sunsets.

View hotels near the beach

Swimming and beach facilities

Makena Beach is one of Maui's best beaches for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. It's large enough and out of the city so you won't be disturbed by anything but the sound of the sea.

The water here is crystal clear and the sea is shallow even a few dozen yards from shore. The beach is protected by a rocky cliff and the waves are only gentle.

The surface of the beach - fine light sand
Entrance to the water - gradual and without rocks, the sea is shallow up to 150 meters from the beach
Length of the beach - 500 metres + 50 metres of the neighbouring secluded Little Beach
Width of the beach - 20-50 metres
Sunbed rental - no
Toilets and showers - yes
Catering - yes, small refreshment stands at the car parks

Snorkelling

Especially in the western part of the beach by the rocky outcrop, but also in the open sea about 150 meters from the shore, there are excellent conditions for snorkeling suitable for beginners.

Although the underwater world here is not as rich as on the neighbouring Maluaka Beach, you will certainly not be bored here either.

Puu Olai Crater

Right next to the beach, the volcanic crater Puu Olai rises about 110 metres above the coastline and can be climbed on a 3.5 km long trail. It starts at the Makena Beach car park and ends on the other side at the black sand Oneuli Beach.

Around one hour long, the circuit takes you to the top of the crater, which offers nice views of the sea and beaches.

Accommodation

There is no hotel directly on the beach, but you can stay about 2 km away in the popular resort of Wailea-Makena, full of hotel resorts. However, prices here often exceed 733 eur per night for 2, so look further north in the village of Kihei, where you can also get amounts around 183 eur.

Find out where to find the cheapest hotels on the island in the Maui Accommodation chapter.

How to get there

Makena Beach is almost at the end of Makena Road. You have to drive completely through the entire Kihei and Wailea-Makena resorts until you reach the marked free parking lots about 50 yards from the beach.

. There are no buses to Makena Beach.