Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Beach · Wailea, Hawaii
Mākena State Park
A park at the southern tip of the Wailea coast with Big Beach (Oneloa), one of Maui’s longest and widest beaches, with golden sand and no buildings, at the base of the volcanic cone Puʻu Ōlaʻi.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mākena State Park
Mākena State Park protects an undeveloped stretch of coast south of Wailea. The main beach, Oneloa—known as Big Beach—has over 1 km of wide golden sand, facing Kahoʻolawe and Molokini. The north end is marked by Puʻu Ōlaʻi, a reddish ash cone at the shoreline.
On the far side of the cone, a short rocky trail leads to the small Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach, called Little Beach. The climb to the cone, about 110 meters, offers views of the south coast and the islands, but the path is steep and exposed.
The surf at Big Beach breaks very close to the sand and can be powerful, especially in summer when south swells arrive. Lifeguards sit in towers along the beach and indicate safe swimming days. On calm days the water is clear and deep right near shore.
Further south the road continues to the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve and La Perouse Bay, across the lava fields from Haleakalā’s most recent eruption.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Three to four hours on the sand; add one hour to climb the Puʻu Ōlaʻi cone.
Best time
In the morning, before the wind and with fewer people. Sunset behind Kahoʻolawe is popular. In summer waves tend to be larger; follow the lifeguards’ flags.
How to get there
By Mākena Alanui, about 10 km south of Wailea. There are two parking lots along the beach. Out-of-state visitors pay park entry and parking; check the state parks website.
Tip
Do not turn your back on the ocean at the water’s edge: the strong shore break often knocks swimmers down. Swim only near the lifeguard towers.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mākena State Park
Where is Big Beach in Maui?
In Mākena State Park, about 10 km south of Wailea on Maui’s south coast.
Does Big Beach have lifeguards?
Yes, in towers along the beach. The shore break is strong near the sand; swim near them and obey the flags.
Do you have to pay to enter Mākena State Park?
Non‑Hawaii visitors pay an entry fee and for parking. Check the state parks website for current rates.