Makena State Park Maui Hawaii
Makena State Park boasts Maui's largest undeveloped beach, Big Beach, with powerful waves, and the unique, vibrant Little Beach known for its Sunday d...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience Little Beach drum circle
Makena State Park Maui Hawaii
Best Time
Experience Little Beach drum circle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Makena State Park boasts Maui's largest undeveloped beach, Big Beach, with powerful waves, and the unique, vibrant Little Beach known for its Sunday drum circles.
"Big Beach is huge with lots of space, but the waves and wind can be intense!"
🌊 Respect Big Beach Waves
Powerful shore breaks can be dangerous. Lifeguards are present, but always be aware of conditions.
💨 Brace for Wind & Sand
Big Beach can get very windy. Stay near the hedge line to avoid being pelted by sand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Beach
Makena State Park
Vast, undeveloped shoreline with powerful waves perfect for bodyboarding and watching skilled surfers.
Little Beach
Makena State Park
Secluded beach known for its Sunday drum circles, sunset celebrations, and clothing-optional atmosphere.
Makena Landing
North of Big Beach
A top snorkeling spot with clear waters, coral gardens, and abundant marine life, including turtles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Waves & Wind: Be Prepared
Parking & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Respect Big Beach Waves
Powerful shore breaks can be dangerous. Lifeguards are present, but always be aware of conditions.
💨 Brace for Wind & Sand
Big Beach can get very windy. Stay near the hedge line to avoid being pelted by sand.
🥁 Little Beach Sunday Vibes
Join the drum circle and sunset celebration at Little Beach on Sundays for a unique experience.
🤿 Snorkel at Makena Landing
Gear up for excellent snorkeling with clear waters and diverse marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Respect Big Beach Waves
Powerful shore breaks can be dangerous. Lifeguards are present, but always be aware of conditions.
💨 Brace for Wind & Sand
Big Beach can get very windy. Stay near the hedge line to avoid being pelted by sand.
🥁 Little Beach Sunday Vibes
Join the drum circle and sunset celebration at Little Beach on Sundays for a unique experience.
🤿 Snorkel at Makena Landing
Gear up for excellent snorkeling with clear waters and diverse marine life.
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Expect to pay for parking at Makena State Park ($10/car + $5/person).
🚽 Limited Facilities
Restrooms are port-a-potties only; no showers available. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Makena State Park offers stunning, undeveloped natural beauty with powerful waves at Big Beach and a unique cultural scene at Little Beach. Visitors praise the vastness of Big Beach and the vibrant Sunday drum circles at Little Beach. However, the strong waves and wind at Big Beach can be challenging, and facilities are very basic.
"This is from Big Beach, the park is huge and includes a couple other options if you go a little further down the road.
Quick notes for Big Beach:
- The water here is no joke, the waves can be quite abusive and the danger signs are not kidding.
- The wind was also extremely hard to handle. We learned to stay closer to the hedge line. If you are out on the sand, you are going to be pelted with sand. It's like a human sand blasting zone.
- The beach is huge, plenty of space to enjoy and spread out. The back ground and side facing mountains give it a unique landscape.
- Not really anything to see snorkeling. Just come for the sunbathing, giant waves and open space."
Justin Craft
"BIG BEACH:
The sand is soft and white, with lots of square footage so it never feels crowded. The waves are generally big which is great for body/boogie boarding but not for anything else. If you haven't gotten slammed by a wave here, you've never experienced Big Beach lol! It's fun to watch the bodyboarders do tricks and catch waves. There are lifeguards on duty now, thankfully. Shade on the sand is non-existent though there are a few tables under the thorny kiawe trees but it's a bit far from the water.
LITTLE BEACH:
This is more than just a clothing optional beach. It's also home to a growing number of bongo drummers, dancers, and their audience, especially on Sundays when it can get very crowded come the afternoon. Sunset brings cheers and applause. It's very secluded due to difficult access. It's a short, steep hike up a rocky gravel trail with a gorgeous view of Big Beach at the top. The white sand beach is well protected from winds due to the volcanic cone it abuts to. The water is super clear, the sea floor has soft sand and clear of loose rocks. The view is killer! Kahoolawe, Molokini, and Lanai are in plain view. There are 2 reefs on both ends of the beach but snorkeling is not recommended. Waves are normally medium sized but can get pretty big and choppy depending on conditions. It's good for swimming and great for body/boogie boarding. There are no lifeguards here.
TIP:
The only restrooms are the port-a-potties near the parking lot and there are no showers.
OVERALL:
Great for boogie/bodyboarding and people-watching."
Maui World Travelers
"Aka-Big Beach. Nice beach with lots of room to spread out. When it's windy though, the sand striking your body doesn't feel pleasant. $10 per car + $5 per person to hangout here, it was worth it (there is a pay station that accepts cc's). The surf can be a little rough but certainly manageable for water activity. Bring your snorkel gear, there is coral reef you may want to explore."
Jeff A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Makena State Park is located south of Kihei. You can drive there via Makena Road (Honoiki Road). Be aware of a potentially tricky roundabout on the way.
If you enjoy sunbathing and playing on the shores, it can be worth it, but make it a full day trip. The drive is about 1.5 hours.
Public transportation options to Makena State Park are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park.
There is a parking lot with a fee of $10 per car plus $5 per person. Payment can be made via a parking app or kiosk.
Big Beach has a short walk from the parking lot. Little Beach requires a short, steep hike up a rocky trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Makena State Park charges a fee of $10 per car and $5 per person for entry and parking.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the standard fee applies to most visitors.
Makena State Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check local advisories.
Advance booking is not typically required for Makena State Park. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Crowds can vary. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, especially Sundays at Little Beach.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include sunbathing, swimming (with caution), bodyboarding, surfing, and people-watching. Little Beach is known for its drum circles.
Snorkeling is best at Makena Landing, north of Big Beach, with clear waters and marine life. Snorkeling is not recommended at Big Beach or Little Beach due to wave conditions.
Lifeguards are present at Big Beach, but not at Little Beach. Always be aware of your surroundings and the ocean conditions.
Facilities are basic, with only port-a-potties available for restrooms. There are no showers.
Wear swimwear and comfortable beach attire. Consider bringing a rash guard for sun protection and wave protection.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning aerial shots of Big Beach, the dramatic coastline, and vibrant sunsets at Little Beach. 
Yes, sunsets at Little Beach are particularly spectacular and often accompanied by cheers from the crowd.
Drone photography offers breathtaking views of the park's expanse. Landscape and wildlife photography are also popular.
General photography is allowed, but be mindful of privacy, especially at Little Beach. Drone usage may have specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of Big Beach. A drone can provide unique perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Little Beach is generally calmer and more protected, making it a better option for swimming with children, but it lacks lifeguards. The hike to Little Beach might also be challenging for very young children. Consider visiting Makena Landing for a safer snorkeling experience for older kids who can swim.
Remember that facilities are limited to port-a-potties, so plan accordingly for diaper changes and bathroom breaks.🏄♀️ Surfers & Bodyboarders
While Big Beach is the main draw for wave sports, Little Beach can also offer rideable waves depending on conditions, though it's generally more suited for swimming. Always assess the ocean conditions carefully before paddling out, and be aware of the strong currents and potential for powerful wave impacts.
🧘♀️ Those Seeking Tranquility
While Little Beach is known for its lively Sunday drum circles, visiting on other days can offer a more serene beach experience. The secluded nature of Little Beach, coupled with its beautiful scenery, can be very calming.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Big Beach vs. Little Beach
Little Beach, located just over a rocky rise from Big Beach, offers a different vibe. It's a more secluded cove, famous for its Sunday afternoon drum circles and sunset celebrations, often with a clothing-optional atmosphere. The water here is generally calmer, making it better for swimming, but there are no lifeguards. The hike to Little Beach is short but steep and rocky, rewarding visitors with stunning views.
When planning your visit, consider which beach's atmosphere and activities best suit your preferences. Big Beach is for those seeking dramatic ocean action and open space, while Little Beach offers a more communal and relaxed experience, especially on Sundays.
Ocean Safety at Makena
While lifeguards are present at Big Beach, they cannot be everywhere at once. It's crucial to assess the waves and your own swimming abilities before entering the water. The strong currents and unpredictable nature of the waves mean that even strong swimmers should exercise caution.
Little Beach, while often calmer, does not have lifeguards. Visitors here should be particularly mindful of the conditions and their limitations. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to enjoy the beach from the shore if the ocean seems too rough.
The Makena Landing Snorkel Experience
Divers and snorkelers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish and, if you're lucky, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). The relatively calm and protected waters make it an ideal location for both beginners and experienced snorkelers to explore the underwater world.
To make the most of your snorkeling trip to Makena Landing, it's recommended to go in the morning when the water is typically clearest and the crowds are smaller. Renting snorkel gear from a local shop can enhance your experience and ensure you have the right equipment for exploring Maui's underwater beauty.
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