How do I get to Makena Beach and is there parking?

Makena Beach is located at the end of Wailea Alanui Drive in South Maui, about 20 minutes south of Wailea. From the main highway (Pi'ilani Highway/31), turn onto Wailea Alanui and follow signs toward Makena. There are two paved parking lots with limited spaces that fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Parking is free but extremely competitive during peak hours. Arrive before 9am or after 3pm for better availability. The north lot provides easier beach access. No public transportation serves this area directly.

Are there food options and amenities at Makena Beach?

Makena Beach has minimal amenities. Portable restrooms are available in the parking lots, but there are no showers, food vendors, or equipment rentals on-site. Bring your own food, water, beach gear, and shade (umbrellas or tents), as there's limited natural shade. The nearest restaurants and shops are in Wailea, about 10 minutes north. Several luxury resorts in Wailea offer dining options. Stock up on supplies before arriving, as there's nothing within walking distance of the beach itself.

Why is Makena Beach called Big Beach?

Makena Beach earned the nickname 'Big Beach' due to its impressive size—it's one of Maui's longest undeveloped beaches, stretching about two-thirds of a mile with a wide, golden-white sand shore. The beach is also known for its expansive feel, backed by native kiawe trees rather than hotels or buildings, giving it a wild, natural character. This contrasts with its neighbor 'Little Beach' (Pu'u Ola'i Beach), a smaller, clothing-optional cove accessible via a short rocky trail over the southern point.

Wailea · Hawaii · USA

Makena Beach (Big Beach)

You'll feel the grit of Makena's coarse coral sand between your toes the moment you step from asphalt onto the longest undeveloped shoreline on Maui's south coast. The shore break slams with enough force to rattle your ribs, and the trade winds carry salt spray that dries on your skin within minutes.

1 / 8

Conditions right now

Reading live conditions…

Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Makena Beach (Big Beach). Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.

Waves

—

01m2m3m+

Wind

—

kmh

Water

—

Air

—

OnlyBeaches IndexUpdated just now

OBI

—

Live-scored for Makena Beach (Big Beach)

Tuned for

Purity: 0%
Conditions: 0%
Crowd: 0%
Vibe: 0%

The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.

Wailea·Hawaii·USA

No reviews yet

scenic

Trending This Week

Photos

8 captures from Makena Beach (Big Beach)

About this beach

Makena Beach unfurls in a mile-long crescent between two black lava headlands, and when you first see it from the parking lot, the scale surprises you—this isn't some pocket cove but a legitimate expanse of coastline that mirrors the open Pacific. The sand crunches underfoot, each grain a fragment of coral and shell ground down by centuries of wave action, a…

Where it is

Makena Beach (Big Beach)

Wailea, Hawaii, USA

20.6338°, -156.4482°

Open in Google Maps

Top things to do

At Makena Beach (Big Beach)

Ride Shore Break

Time the sets, tuck tight

Claim Your Patch

Bring shade, stakes hold umbrellas

Walk to Little Beach

Trail over north lava point

Shoot Golden Hour

Pink sand glows at dusk

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Makena Beach (Big Beach).

Loading nearby eat & drink…

Loading nightlife…

Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Makena Beach (Big Beach).

Is it safe to swim at Makena Beach (Big Beach)?

Makena Beach has powerful shore breaks and strong currents, especially during high surf conditions. The ocean floor drops off quickly, making it dangerous for weak swimmers. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Winter months (November-March) typically bring larger waves and stronger currents. If you see large waves, stick to wading in shallow water. The adjacent Little Beach (over the rocky point) has calmer conditions. Always check ocean conditions before entering and never turn your back on the waves.

What is the best time to visit Makena Beach?

Makena Beach is beautiful year-round with consistently warm weather. Summer months (May-September) offer calmer ocean conditions and gentler waves, ideal for swimming. Winter (November-March) brings bigger surf but spectacular sunsets. Mornings provide the best conditions before afternoon trade winds pick up. The beach is less crowded on weekdays compared to weekends. Arrive early (before 9am) to secure parking and enjoy cooler temperatures. Sunset is particularly stunning here, as Big Beach faces west with unobstructed ocean views toward Kaho'olawe and Molokini islands.