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    Makena State Park

    4.6 (111 reviews)

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    Beach
    Evangelene G.

    Absolutely beautiful! The waves are a little bigger here and we watched a few snorkelers get taken down by them when trying to exit. There is a paid parking lot as well as off street parking with pretty trails to walk in (like the locals do).

    Beautiful, expansive beach with a view of Molokini and a small nude beach (signs posted saying it's not allowed, but we saw several nudists there) beyond the lava outcropping. You can pay for parking using a mobile app. We saw a lot of people park along the main road to avoid paying for parking, so that's an option as well.

    Curt T.

    The beach here is nice. Go a little farther up and climb up the rocks to the smaller beach and it's very nice and cozy. On Sunday nights the small beach has some people that perform with fire and plays music. (also it's more secluded so nudity here is ok)

    big beach
    Melissa M.

    Awesome Beach!! The sand is perfect, the waves can be quite large so be wary. There is tons of room for everyone! You won't be sitting on top of each other. It's a very short walk from the parking to the beautiful sandy beach. There is a port-o-potty right at the parking lot. There is also a taco truck in the parking lot. The parking is TOUGH. Get there early or get dropped off. The parking lot is very small compared to the capacity of the beach. You can also watch the sun set from this beautiful beach. The sun will set over Lanai and Molokini. A great romantic spot. Free parking and no fee to get into the park or beach.

    Big beach side
    Jennifer B.

    Huge beach and perfect sand. Decent parking lots but if you come during peak time you may have to park along the road and walk a ways. The only downside is there's no shade unless you want to sit a ways from the water by the tree line. If you face the water, the far right of the beach is where you half walk/climb up and over rocks to get to the small beach area. It's short and a little steep but I made it up easily with flip flops and a bag over my shoulder. We didn't stay in this area long however, due to being surprised by several groups of men sans clothing.. and I thought this was the calmer kiddie part of the beach! The big beach area was perfect for sun bathing and swimming in the waves. There's a few food trucks around the parking lots if you didn't bring your own food. I got some fish tacos and a smoothie which were ok but tasted great after being out in the water. If you like a little bit of shade I highly recommend bringing your beach umbrella!

    The afternoon Makena cloud @ Big Beach - VN
    Vince N.

    I love Big Beach because its spacious compared to every other beach on Maui. PROS: - Wide open and you never feel cramped - Woft white sand - Afternoon is a mix of sun & shade with the infamous dark gray Makena cloud that just sits there - Great for body, skim and boogie boarders - Food trucks park nearby - 2 lifeguard stations CONS: - Parking can be a problem - Not a great swimming beach with big shore breaks - Touristy - No showers or restrooms (unless there's a port-a-potty I don't know about) ------------------------------------ Small Beach is for all too, including nude sunbathers but you need to climb over a small lava cliff to get there. PROS: - Want zero tan lines? - A little better as a swimming area but the waves still can be big - Drumming at sunset on Sundays draws a lot of people CONS: - Sand area is a lot smaller and feels crowded

    Ilene M.

    If there is one place I had to pick to swim in Maui, it would here. There is Big Beach, but if you go over the mountain at the end of Big Beach - there is another smaller beach called Nude beach (yes Nude) You don't have to be nude, there are people with clothing that swim there too. The sand on this beach is like walking on powder, its so soft and packed when you are in the water it's heaven, the temperature is perfect there is barely any waves. You can get a floaty and just chill all day in the water! I come here everytime I'm in Maui and will keep coming. Oh and Sunday they do a drum session and there were a bunch of hippies jamming out, pretty cool - I didn't stay because it was closer to sunset. I love you Maui, I'll see you next year!

    Sunset on Makena beach.
    Antonio D.

    I really like Makena Beach. The sand is soft. Plenty of beach to share, and the three times we went it was not crowded. Makena facilities are lacking. No showers and only porta potties. The beach is guarded and there was a food truck there when we went but that is it. The water is amazing for swimming. The waves are strong but not what I consider dangerous and the water is super clear. We spent our last afternoon on Maui at Makena Beach during a rain squall. It was too windy in Kihei to stay on the beach and as we arrived at Makena, the rain started and people left. I have had some of my best beach days at the beach in the rain. You are already wet, so who cares if it is raining. Tip: drive past the first entrance and go in and park at the second entrance. Shorter walk to the sand and the parking lot is less full. We thought this was the best swimming beach in South Maui.

    Lindsey G.

    Very nice and spacious. Parking wasn't too crazy. Waves were fun. Great views of the ocean and surroundings!

    James B.

    Been here few times over the years. First time to review. We stay on West side, so Mekena is a trip. Went yesterday with a beach buddy from Maui Humane Society. Beautiful stretch of sandy beach. Strong wave and riptides. Has two lifeguard stations. Kid and dog friendly.

    Big Beach, Makena State Park

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    Everything! It's Makena!! Most beautiful spot on Maui!! Swimming is great and it's wonderful to have an accessible bathroom that's clean!

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    Before settling in at big beach in makena State Park, we stopped in at a ritzy beach near a bunch of resorts.

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