Makena Beach
Makena Beach
4.5
About
One of the largest undeveloped beaches in southern Maui located away from the resorts. This white sandy beach is sandwiched between black lava outcroppings.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Makena Beach
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
72 within 5 kms
Attractions
64 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,041 reviews
Excellent
696
Very good
263
Average
48
Poor
15
Terrible
19
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Trisha
Fair Lawn, NJ675 contributions
May 2022
Makena Beach is the most untouched shorelines of Maui Consist of Big beach and little beach. You can travel from one to another. We visited the big beach early in the mornings and it felt like a private beach that we had to our disposal.
It was such a gorgeous beach with soft gold sand, blue and emerald crystal water. One of the most beautiful beach in Hawaii that we experienced with great sand, lava rocks and amazing waves.
There were some food trucks to eat across the road to the parking lot. Admission fee is $10 for car and $5 for each person
Would highly recommend visiting Makena Beach while in Maui.
It was such a gorgeous beach with soft gold sand, blue and emerald crystal water. One of the most beautiful beach in Hawaii that we experienced with great sand, lava rocks and amazing waves.
There were some food trucks to eat across the road to the parking lot. Admission fee is $10 for car and $5 for each person
Would highly recommend visiting Makena Beach while in Maui.
Written 1 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brazililli
Napa, CA178 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Blue waters, beautiful sand, beautiful views, bathrooms, parking, free coral safe sunscreen, lifeguards and gorgeous sunsets.
Dangerous waves and currents, pricey entry.
More pros than cons. Worth going even if you never go in the water.
We met a local family very familiar with Makena and they told us to be very very careful because it is really that dangerous. A sign posted says that this is the number 1 spine cord injury beach in Hawaii. This family told us 1 of their friends died there and 1 had a spine cord injury so it's no joke! The slogan on the sign and often repeated by the lifeguards is "If in doubt don't go out".
About the parking...$10 for the car and $5 per person. The payment machine is temperamental and it will take you about 5 or 6 tries to get it to accept your card. Don't give up because the barcode payment option does not work. It says you are in Lahaina when you put the zone number. Many other people had the same experiences so that's why I feel like I should mention.
I did see people parking on the main road to avoid paying for parking. I guess if you are not staying long it's an option. The second entrance of the park is closer to the beach if you are going ro park on the street.
Dangerous waves and currents, pricey entry.
More pros than cons. Worth going even if you never go in the water.
We met a local family very familiar with Makena and they told us to be very very careful because it is really that dangerous. A sign posted says that this is the number 1 spine cord injury beach in Hawaii. This family told us 1 of their friends died there and 1 had a spine cord injury so it's no joke! The slogan on the sign and often repeated by the lifeguards is "If in doubt don't go out".
About the parking...$10 for the car and $5 per person. The payment machine is temperamental and it will take you about 5 or 6 tries to get it to accept your card. Don't give up because the barcode payment option does not work. It says you are in Lahaina when you put the zone number. Many other people had the same experiences so that's why I feel like I should mention.
I did see people parking on the main road to avoid paying for parking. I guess if you are not staying long it's an option. The second entrance of the park is closer to the beach if you are going ro park on the street.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jane2001
Columbus, OH197 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Depends on the day but during our visit the waves were manageable. Once we swam beyond the break there was plenty to see while snorkeling. I won't list them all but pretty common species and very beautiful. The beach was nice and there were lifeguards (3 stations) watching over the place. I would probably avoid this place if I had little kids because it does seem like the break was rough both times we stopped here. We arrived early and stayed most of the day - we left for lunch and returned to watch the sunset.
Now, about the admission fee: $10 per car and $5 a person is silly when you can 1) park outside the entrance and walk in or 2) drive further down the road and find free parking towards the end of the park. You have exit and return privileges during the time you purchased which is nice. That said, the money does go to the parks department which overall helps keep this area clean and lifeguards on duty.
Now, about the admission fee: $10 per car and $5 a person is silly when you can 1) park outside the entrance and walk in or 2) drive further down the road and find free parking towards the end of the park. You have exit and return privileges during the time you purchased which is nice. That said, the money does go to the parks department which overall helps keep this area clean and lifeguards on duty.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
77Rlee
Eatonville, WA37 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Pros: beautiful beach that was not as busy as others. Intense waves that crash in to the shore; my teens loved it but probably no good for little ones. Lifeguards on duty.
Cons: they charge tourists $10 a car to park, plus $5 for each person. We paid $40 for 6 of us to visit the beach for a few hours. No bathrooms or showers on the second lot side (not sure about 1st lot area)-if you’re going to make people pay those fees you should at least have a bathroom. Lots of other beautiful beaches in Maui that are free. The waves and currents are intense; we had planned on snorkeling and boogie boarding but we’re unable to with our kids. The waves just drove the boogie board right in to the sand and with the heavy currents I did not want my kids swimming out over their head.
Cons: they charge tourists $10 a car to park, plus $5 for each person. We paid $40 for 6 of us to visit the beach for a few hours. No bathrooms or showers on the second lot side (not sure about 1st lot area)-if you’re going to make people pay those fees you should at least have a bathroom. Lots of other beautiful beaches in Maui that are free. The waves and currents are intense; we had planned on snorkeling and boogie boarding but we’re unable to with our kids. The waves just drove the boogie board right in to the sand and with the heavy currents I did not want my kids swimming out over their head.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FukuBonsaiPlant
Toronto, Canada39 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Hawaii is beautiful, but they charge tourists huge taxes and user fees ( Here is another new user fee) Makena beach at the south end of Maui is a lovely huge beach ( not the best for casual swimming ) For 15 years we have gone to this beach at least once , but now they have implemented for tourists a $10.00 vehicle parking fee and a $5:00 per person entry fee to the actual beach . This beach has no extra services and is not worth this extra tourist fee.
A family of 4 would have cost $30.00 and we probably only were staying a couple of hours. Just stick to the free beaches in Kihei, easier to get to and much better swimming beaches .
I purposely do not take my wallet ( cash , credit cards to the beach ) so I wonder how many people just leave because they are unaware of this extra cost or like us are just so insulted by yet another Hawaii tourist fee,
A public beach should be free for all, plus there is a witch of a woman who works the parking lot and just looks for tourists and uses language that might shock a sailor .
If your a Tourist I’m sure your shocked about how many user fees that Hawaii ( Maui) has, no need to give them any more
Bye Makena beach, your not worth that extra fee
A family of 4 would have cost $30.00 and we probably only were staying a couple of hours. Just stick to the free beaches in Kihei, easier to get to and much better swimming beaches .
I purposely do not take my wallet ( cash , credit cards to the beach ) so I wonder how many people just leave because they are unaware of this extra cost or like us are just so insulted by yet another Hawaii tourist fee,
A public beach should be free for all, plus there is a witch of a woman who works the parking lot and just looks for tourists and uses language that might shock a sailor .
If your a Tourist I’m sure your shocked about how many user fees that Hawaii ( Maui) has, no need to give them any more
Bye Makena beach, your not worth that extra fee
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
getaways
Lahaina, HI5,848 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Makena State Park updated Hours April 2023
Black Sand Beach and Big Beach are open every day 5am to 7,pm.
The gates are unlocked at 7am and relocked 7 pm.
Little Beach is open Monday thru Friday 5am to 7om.
Weekends for Little Beach hours are 5am to 4pm. There is an extra gate that is locked at 4pm.
Park rules are posted and apply.
Enforcement can be a warning or be a criminal offence that requires a court appearance.
More info available on DLNR. Hawaii. Gov or the DLNR Facebook page
Black Sand Beach and Big Beach are open every day 5am to 7,pm.
The gates are unlocked at 7am and relocked 7 pm.
Little Beach is open Monday thru Friday 5am to 7om.
Weekends for Little Beach hours are 5am to 4pm. There is an extra gate that is locked at 4pm.
Park rules are posted and apply.
Enforcement can be a warning or be a criminal offence that requires a court appearance.
More info available on DLNR. Hawaii. Gov or the DLNR Facebook page
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa S
Valencia, Spain5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Incredible to see good waves and enjoy the fine sand. If the sea is too rough, it is better not to swim because of the danger of the waves, otherwise it is a lot of fun. One drawback, you have to pay $5 per person and $10 per car, and there is no service of any kind, so take things prepared and there are no showers either. They have 3/4 chemical bathrooms.

Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor Morris
Boise, ID120 contributions
Feb 2023
This is a really good beach to come to for swimming, snorkeling and watching the sunset. We came here first thing in the morning one day and we were one of the only ones out there. The waves aren't that great for boogie boarding or surfing, but once you pass the break then the snorkeling is good. We loved this beach so much that we came back the next day later in the afternoon to swim and watch the sunset. There weren't too many people there at that time either.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grizeagle
Terrace, Canada342 contributions
May 2022
The longest stretch of sandy beach in Makena State Park is Makena Beach also known as Big Beach. The 3,000 feet of soft, golden -white sand stretches between two lava rock outcropping. The 100 ft wide beach has shade trees along the backend of the beach. The sloping beach sees large rollers crashing and pounding the sand hard along the beachfront. This is a great place to swim, boogie board and snorkel when the waters are not too rough. The scenic beauty is top notch on this laid back, rural, non-developed and rustic beach in south Maui. The cinder cone of Pu'u Olai is at the north. end and Secret Cove is at the south end of this gorgeous beach. There are three parking lot entrances , two life guard stations and plenty of space at this usually uncrowded gem of a beach. A lot of locals come here to relax and the atmosphere here is not touristy.This area is on the drier, rain shadow side of Maui where even cactus plants flourish, The trail to Little Beach is on the northend over the side of Pu;u Olai. A great place to see the coastal beauty and eco-systems in a natural setting with turquoise seas, golden sand and bluebird skies over distant islands to the west. A must see beach environment for the naturalist in you 6 miles south of Kihei.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
umestagramm2
Lake Forest, CA96 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This beach has great sand and is interesting to look at. Visually stunning with great shades of blue and turquoise out to about 20 feet. Not very busy either when we went mid morning until almost sunset. This is a great beach to goto. Also...don't pay to get in and park...drive all the way down to where there is no sign for the beach and park for free near where all of the rage monster chickens are running around. Go see this beach...it is worth it!
Written 25 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Definitely not a place for kids surfing.
Written 4 June 2018
Sorry for my late response, but I didn't see this until now. Makena Beach is a nice spot but there are several spots more appropriate for a wedding. My favorite would be Secret Beach, which is just a bit south of Makena State Park (better known as Big Beach). If you Google "Secret Beach, Maui Weddings" you will be able to see some pictures and get more info on how to plan a wedding at any beach on Maui. If you have elderly of people who aren't able to negotiate some rough rocks to get down to the beach (no handrail), don't have it here, but the views are spectacular and it is very intimate and private. I took two of my nieces here recently who are thinking of planning a wedding soon and they were really impressed. Also not good if you have a large group as the beach is small and parking is limited. I have seen multiple weddings going on here at the same time.
Written 4 August 2016
Is it true that you pay penalties for not giving correct payout percentage?
Written 6 November 2015
Where is a good place for active seniors to stay near a snorkeling beach?
Written 27 May 2015
What are the directions from Kihei to find the parking lot?
Written 16 December 2014
Showing results 1-7 of 7
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing