Discover the Best of Makena beach, Maui: Big Beach, State Park, and More!

Discover the Beauty of Maui's Big Beach at Makena State Park | Travel Guide

Makena Beach

Makena Beach information

Nestled along the southwestern coast of Maui, Hawaii, Makena Beach, affectionately known as Big Beach, beckons with its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere. With its soft golden sands and inviting turquoise waters, Makena Beach offers a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and outdoor adventures. Whether you're lounging under the sun, playing beach volleyball with friends, or exploring the vibrant marine life through snorkeling, this iconic beach provides endless opportunities for memorable experiences. As the day transitions into evening, Makena Beach becomes a captivating backdrop for witnessing stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. With its natural splendor and tranquil vibes, Makena Beach invites visitors to unwind, recharge, and connect with the beauty of Maui's coastline.

Read Also: 12 best beaches in maui (map & photos)

Makena Beach map:

How to get to Makena Beach:

Getting to Makena Beach on Maui is relatively straightforward, and there are a few options depending on your starting point and preferences:

Makena Beach

1. Driving: If you have access to a car, driving to Makena Beach is the most convenient option. From Kahului Airport or most areas on Maui, take Highway 31 (also known as Piilani Highway) south towards Makena. Follow the signs for Makena State Park and Big Beach. There is a parking lot near the beach where you can park your car. Please note that parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak times, so it's advisable to arrive early.

2. Public Transportation: While there isn't direct public transportation to Makena Beach, you can take a bus to the nearest town, Kihei, and then use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the beach. Alternatively, some tour companies offer shuttle services to Makena Beach as part of their excursions.

3. Guided Tours: Another option is to join a guided tour that includes transportation to Makena Beach. Many tour operators on Maui offer sightseeing tours that visit popular attractions, including Makena Beach. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive yourself or want to learn more about the area from a knowledgeable guide.

Regardless of how you choose to get there, visiting Makena Beach is well worth the effort. Its stunning scenery, soft sands, and clear waters make it a must-see destination on Maui's beautiful coastline.

Read also: 10 best beaches in mallorca (map & photos)

way to makena beach:

To reach Makena Beach on Maui, follow these directions:

Makena Beach

1. From Kahului Airport or Central Maui: Head south on Highway 311 (also known as Mokulele Highway) towards Kihei. Continue on Highway 311 until it intersects with Highway 31 (also known as Piilani Highway). Turn left onto Highway 31 and follow it south for approximately 9 miles. Look for signs indicating Makena State Park or Big Beach. Turn right onto Makena Alanui Road and follow it to the parking area for Makena Beach.

2. From Lahaina or West Maui: Take Highway 30 (also known as Honoapiilani Highway) south towards Maalaea. Continue on Highway 30 until it intersects with Highway 31. Turn left onto Highway 31 and follow it south for approximately 20 miles. Look for signs indicating Makena State Park or Big Beach. Turn right onto Makena Alanui Road and follow it to the parking area for Makena Beach.

3. From Wailea or South Maui: Take Wailea Alanui Drive south towards Makena. Continue on Wailea Alanui Drive until it intersects with Makena Alanui Road. Turn left onto Makena Alanui Road and follow it until you reach the parking area for Makena Beach.

Once you arrive at Makena Beach, you'll find a parking lot where you can park your car. From there, follow the pathways to access the beach and enjoy its stunning scenery, soft sands, and inviting waters. Please note that parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak times, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

Best time to visit makena beach:

The best time to visit Makena Beach on Maui depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Here are some factors to consider:

Makena Beach

1. Weather: Makena Beach enjoys warm and sunny weather year-round, but the dry season, which typically runs from April to October, offers the most consistent and predictable weather conditions. During these months, you can expect plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

2. Crowds: Makena Beach can get crowded, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons. To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these times, you'll still enjoy pleasant weather, but with fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful and relaxed beach experience.

3. Whale Watching: If you're interested in whale watching, plan your visit to Makena Beach during the winter months from December to March. During this time, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Maui to give birth and nurse their calves. You may be able to spot these magnificent creatures breaching and playing offshore.

4. Sunsets: Makena Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Consider timing your visit to coincide with sunset for a truly memorable experience. Arrive early to secure a prime spot on the beach and watch as the sky lights up in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple.

5. Water Activities: If you're planning to engage in water activities like snorkeling or diving, the ocean conditions at Makena Beach can vary throughout the year. Generally, the waters are calmer during the summer months, making it easier to explore the underwater world. However, be aware of strong currents and high surf conditions, especially during the winter months.

Overall, the best time to visit Makena Beach depends on your personal preferences and interests. Whether you're seeking sunshine, solitude, or exciting water adventures, Makena Beach offers something for every traveler to enjoy on Maui's beautiful coastline.

Things to do in makena beach

Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy amidst its stunning natural surroundings. Here are some popular things to do at Makena Beach:

makena beach

1. Swimming: The calm and clear waters of Makena Beach make it ideal for swimming. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely dip or enjoy some playful splashing with family and friends, the beach provides a refreshing escape from the heat.

2. Sunbathing: With its wide expanse of soft golden sand, Makena Beach invites visitors to relax and soak up the sun. Settle in with a beach towel or lounge chair, lather on some sunscreen, and enjoy the warm Hawaiian sunshine.

3. Beach Games: Makena Beach features plenty of space for beach games and activities. Bring along a volleyball or frisbee and challenge your companions to a friendly match on the sand. Or simply enjoy a game of catch or paddleball.

4. Bodyboarding and Bodysurfing: The waves at Makena Beach can be quite impressive, especially during the winter months. Grab a bodyboard or simply ride the waves with your body for an exhilarating experience in the surf.

5. Picnicking: Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and beverages and enjoy a meal al fresco at Makena Beach. There are picnic tables and grassy areas where you can set up a picnic and savor the ocean views.

6. Beach Walks: Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and explore the beauty of Makena Beach. The long stretch of sand provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic sunset walk or a peaceful morning stroll.

7. Snorkeling: While the waters off Makena Beach may not have extensive coral reefs, there are still opportunities for snorkeling and marine life viewing. Bring along your snorkel gear and explore the underwater world near the rocky outcrops and lava formations.

8. Sunset Watching: Makena Beach is beautiful beach, and renowned for its stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Grab a beach blanket or find a comfortable spot in the sand and watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.

9. Beach Photography: With its dramatic coastline, crystal-clear waters, and golden sands, Makena Beach provides endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts. Capture the beauty of the beach and its surroundings, from sunrise to sunset.

10. Hiking: For those looking to explore beyond the beach, Makena Beach is surrounded by rugged coastline and scenic trails. Take a hike along the lava formations and rocky cliffs for panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a day of fun in the sun, Makena Beach offers something for everyone to enjoy on Maui's picturesque coastline.

What are the activities in makena beach, maui:

At Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities to make the most of their time by the sea. Here's a list of things to do at Makena Beach:

makena beach

1. Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Makena Beach. The gentle slope of the ocean floor makes it suitable for swimmers of all levels.

2. Sunbathing: Relax on the soft, golden sands of the beach and soak up the warm Hawaiian sun. Bring along a beach towel, umbrella, and sunscreen for a comfortable beach day.

3. Bodyboarding and Bodysurfing: Take advantage of the consistent waves at Makena Beach by trying your hand at bodyboarding or bodysurfing. Rent or bring your own board and ride the waves for an exhilarating experience.

4. Beach Volleyball: Gather some friends and set up a game of beach volleyball on the expansive sand. Many visitors bring their own volleyball, but some courts may be available for use.

5. Picnicking: Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and beverages and enjoy a leisurely meal with ocean views. Makena Beach offers picnic tables and grassy areas perfect for picnicking.

6. Beachcombing: Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and search for seashells, sand dollars, and other treasures washed up by the waves.

7. Snorkeling: Explore the underwater world off Makena Beach by snorkeling around the rocky outcrops and lava formations. Keep an eye out for colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life.

8. Sunset Watching: Experience the beauty of a Hawaiian sunset at Makena Beach. Find a comfortable spot on the sand and watch as the sky transforms into a palette of vibrant colors.

9. Hiking: If you're feeling adventurous, explore the surrounding area with a hike along the rugged coastline. Makena Beach is close to several scenic trails that offer panoramic views of the ocean and landscape.

10. Beach Photography: Capture the natural beauty of Makena Beach with your camera or smartphone. From sunrise to sunset, the beach provides endless opportunities for stunning beach photography.

With its inviting waters, picturesque scenery, and abundance of activities, Makena Beach offers something for everyone to enjoy on Maui's southwest coast.

makena golf and beach club

The Makena Golf & Beach Club is an exclusive luxury residential community situated on the picturesque southwest coast of Maui, Hawaii. Here's an overview of what you can expect at the Makena Golf & Beach Club:

makena beach

1. Oceanfront Living: The Makena Golf & Beach Club offers stunning oceanfront residences with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands. Residents enjoy direct access to pristine beaches and a serene coastal environment.

2. Private Golf Course: The club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and panoramic ocean views, the golf course offers a challenging yet scenic playing experience for golf enthusiasts.

3. Luxurious Amenities: Residents of the Makena Golf & Beach Club have access to a range of luxurious amenities, including a clubhouse with fine dining options, fitness center, spa facilities, tennis courts, and swimming pools. The club's attentive staff ensures that residents enjoy a comfortable and pampered lifestyle.

4. Exclusive Beach Access: The club provides exclusive access to some of Maui's most pristine beaches, where residents can relax, swim, snorkel, and indulge in various water activities amidst the island's natural beauty.

5. Community Events and Activities: The Makena Golf & Beach Club organizes a variety of community events and activities for residents to socialize, network, and enjoy the island lifestyle. From golf tournaments to beachside barbecues, there's always something exciting happening at the club.

6. Environmental Stewardship: The club is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, preserving the natural beauty and ecosystem of Makena while offering residents an eco-friendly and luxurious living experience.

Overall, the Makena Golf & Beach Club provides an exclusive retreat for discerning individuals seeking luxury living, breathtaking ocean views, and access to world-class amenities on the island of Maui.