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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).
This was a great beach my kids and I had a fabulous time. It's very clean and safe. The water is perfect and the sunset was amazing.
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)
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
Very nice and spacious. Parking wasn't too crazy. Waves were fun. Great views of the ocean and surroundings!
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.
Makena State Park was beautiful. We had heard about the beauty of that beach so I wanted to make sure we checked it out. The sand is soft and beautiful, and the water was super clear. The day we visited there were very small waves, but even then, you could feel the oceans power - be aware and cautious! There is a $10 feet to park in the state park - we paid it, I noticed alot of people skipping it.. I cannot say if they ticket or not. At the North end of the beach there is a cove with nude sunbathers - we didnt go that far... but maybe next time...! LOL read more
5 years ago
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). read more
2 years ago
This was a great beach my kids and I had a fabulous time. It's very clean and safe. The water is perfect and the sunset was amazing. read more
3 years ago
1 year ago
5 years ago
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) read more
3 years ago
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. read more
4 years ago
17 years ago
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. read more
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 read more
9 years ago
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! read more
5 years ago
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! read more
9 years ago
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. read more
6 years ago
Very nice and spacious. Parking wasn't too crazy. Waves were fun. Great views of the ocean and surroundings! read more
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. read more
8 years ago
Beautiful big beach! The drive to Makena Beach (Big Beach) from Kaanapali was gorgeous, just one hour away. On the way before you arrive, you must stop and get fresh coconut! There is plenty of parking just no bathrooms only porta potties that's the only downside. There is life guards. The water is blue and clear. The waves are a bit rough, but just be careful when trying to get out of the water go with the wave! I definitely recommend this beach to anyone in Maui. read more
13 years ago
5 years ago
18 years ago
My favorite beach in South Maui. It's a great stretch of sand, with beautiful views and good swimming. However, the locals call this place, "Break Neck Beach" for a reason. The surf can be unpredictable, especially, on this part of the island, in the summer. Just don't turn your back to oncoming waves here, or anywhere else on Maui. The parking lot can get crowded, but people come and go. If you arrive with a companion, just drop them off with your chairs or beach bags up by the path to the beach, and then find a spot to park the car. It often clouds up here in the afternoon, but if you drive up to Kamaole Beach in Kihea, more often than not, the sun will still be shining there. read more
The state park is beautiful and free. There are lifeguards and plenty of parking. It was not crowded at all. I am an experienced surfer and swimmer and have never felt an undertow like this. Be careful! The waves get very big here and break right on the shoreline. You can get seriously injured or killed here, it is not a joke. If you are experienced, then you will be fine. It is not a place for kids to be playing in the water though. Maybe I was just there on a rough day, don't know. I recommend going but use common sense! Glad we went, it was a good time. read more
13 years ago
12 years ago
This is a nice beach but you don't have the mountains in the background and there aren't that many palms trees here. It's easy to spread out here and it's a nice place to stop at if the Wailea parking lot is full or if you want to do some beach hopping and need a change of scenery. The free parking lot is big so we had no issues finding a spot. read more
10 years ago
Maui is known for its beautiful beaches. I tried to visit as much and as many. This one I really like because it's very lay back, and there were not many people when I visited. This is a really nice beach. It's very clean, well maintained but oh, big waves!!! I'm not a strong swimmer, so I mostly go in and the water would be just below my heart. I keep my balance on my feet and I welcome the waves to give me a playful nudge. Like I said, not too many people but there are little visitors that flutter around in search for food or perhaps were curious from my open arms and warm energy. Teehee... read more
15 years ago
Turquoise water, silky sands, and molokili in the distance. Perfect with dark storm clouds overhead. This state park leads to the infamous "Big Beach" and it's awesome. The woods you walk thorugh to get to the beach completely cut off the beach from the main road, so you feel like you are cut off and in total paradise. To get here, keep driving further than you or your GPS thinks is ok. It's on a dirt road, and you walk through a rainforest to get to the beach, but it is SOOO worth it. read more
12 years ago
Love Makena Beach!! The food Trucks Stop here and they have great food!' They always have really good specials. Today they had Beef Empanadas .. So good. Also tried the Soup of the day , Pork Ramen spicy.. Very good. Prices really reasonable. read more
When you hear the lifeguard announcing the type of injuries that have occurred due to the hard breaking waves (broken backs, collarbones, arms, legs, dislocated shoulders), you've arrived on Big Beach. The waves sound like thunder when they crash on the shoreline. The beach is well....big, so there's plenty of space to find a spot. Getting into the water is all about timing, wait for a thunderous wave to crash on the shore and head in with the undertoe. If you mistime your entry, you will get absolutely destroyed! Once you are in the water, never give your back to oncoming waves (7-10 foot) or you will get absolutely destroyed. I witnessed young and old people getting wheel barrowed into the surf for some serious beach rash. Try to control your laughter when you ask someone the most hurtful question in the world: "are you OK?" Keep in mind that there is no way to safely exit - if you exit with a wave, the undertoe will hold you in place (along with the sinking sand), for another wave to finish the job. All the laughter you did at everyone else, will be returned (damn karma!). There's a nude beach on the other side of the rock formation (called Little Beach), but you will see enough nudity on Big Beach via the bathing suit hungry waves. read more
8 years ago
Big Beach is a fantastic beach. We were staying just down the street at the Grand Wailea and were amazed at how vastly different the two beaches are. The beach here was so much more clear that just up the stream. There were some pretty crazy waves that were fun to just kind of ride in on (body surfing???).. we did this for hours I think. Snorkeling was decent at Little Beach... (we tried it at Big Beach but the cliffy edge--where it was presumably the best snorkeling--seemed a bit dangerous with the rapid waves). Little Beach is a gay / straight nude beach that you get to by going to Big Beach and hiking up a little trail. It's certainly interesting!! You haven't experienced Maui until you've seen a 40 year old leather skinned local naked and surfing. read more
18 years ago
There are two divisions of beach in Makena State Park. Big Beach, which really lives up to its name, is massive. Its beautiful and gives the illusion is could stretch on forever. We were lucky there weren't a lot of people there when we visited. I imagine this place is pretty crowded on a summer weekend. Just over the wall, which I'm told was caused by a lava flow and earthquake in the 1700's is Little Beach. I heard that Jay Leno has deemed this beach the best place to swim naked. While that may be the case, please God don't let me run into Jay Leno doing that in this pristine little area! If you bring little ones with you to Big Beach, keep a watchful eye and keep them close. Everything is big at Big Beach, including the waves! Other things to keep in mind-- bring plenty of sunscreen, water and food. The sun is strong here and there is a walk into the beach from the parking area. Be sure to stay hydrated! read more
3 years ago
Officially named Makena Beach, this lovely sandy beach is almost 2/3 of a mile long and over 100 yards wide. It's often referred to as THE beach to go check out on Maui as it's quintessential of what you would imagine Hawaii to look like...palms, sand, lush greenery, land off in the distance, magnificent sunsets. It's often crowded on the weekends (I recommend going on either a weekday or around sunset to just see the beauty of the sun over the water. There's also a smaller beach off to the right...this beach area is referred to as "Little Beach" and is primarily known for it's "clothing optional" mantra!! And apparently, the division between Big Beach and Little Beach was caused by a lava flow and earthquake in 1790. There's ample parking and picnic tables if you want to bring some grub and it's a great beach to check out for swimming! read more
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