Makena is where Maui starts to feel different.  It's like traveling back in time to an undiscovered Maui.

As you head south past Wailea, the resorts thin out, the coastline opens up, and the experience shifts from polished to natural. The beaches here are bigger, wilder, and less developed—offering a more raw connection to the island.

This is where you go for space.
For bigger scenery.
For beaches that feel more secluded.

Makena isn’t about convenience.
It’s about experience.

What Makes Makena Beaches Unique

Makena beaches are known for:

• Wide, open stretches of sand
• Less development and fewer crowds (especially early)
• Stronger, more powerful ocean conditions
• Some of Maui’s best snorkeling and ocean access points
• A more rugged, natural landscape

It’s a place to explore—but also a place to respect the ocean.

Palauea Beach (White Rock)

Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock, is a quieter alternative to the nearby Wailea beaches. With soft sand and clear water, it offers a more tucked-away feel while still being easily accessible.

What It’s Good For

Swimming
Snorkeling
Quiet beach time
Sunset

Local Tips

Less crowded than Wailea beaches
Great early morning or sunset spot
Good snorkeling near reef edges
Arrive early in the evening to claim your spot and beat the crowd of sunset photographers

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Outhouse
Showers: No
Parking: Street (limited)
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Good
Surf / Ocean Activity: Occasional boogie boarding
Best Time of Day: Morning / Sunset
Crowds: Light

Poʻolenalena Beach

Poʻolenalena Beach offers a wide, open stretch of sand with fewer crowds than the beaches to the north. It has a more natural feel and easy access to quieter sections if you’re willing to walk.

What It’s Good For

Beach walks
Swimming
Sunset
Quieter beach days

Local Tips

Explore north or south for more secluded areas
Pop over the hill to the right for a more "natural" beach experience.
Great sunset beach
Arrive by 10:00 am and you can usually snag a premium spot in the shade

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Outhouse
Showers: No
Parking: Lot (easy)
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Moderately 
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Occasional
Surf / Ocean Activity: Boogie boarding
Best Time of Day: Morning / Sunset
Crowds: Light

Chang’s Beach

Chang’s Beach is a small, tucked-away spot with a quiet, local feel. With limited access and minimal signage, it stays off the radar for most visitors.

What It’s Good For

Seclusion
Quick beach visits
Quiet ocean access

Local Tips

Limited space—best for short visits
Respect nearby residential areas
Come prepared—no amenities

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: No
Showers: No
Parking: Street (very limited)
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Depends
Swimming Conditions: Variable
Snorkeling: Occasional
Surf / Ocean Activity: Minimal
Best Time of Day: Morning / Sunset
Crowds: Light

Makena Landing

Makena Landing is one of the best ocean access points on Maui. Known for snorkeling, kayaking, and frequent turtle sightings, it’s a go-to for getting in the water.

What It’s Good For

Snorkeling
Kayaking
Turtle sightings
Ocean entry

Local Tips

Not a sandy beach day spot
Go early for best conditions
Popular launch point for ocean tours
Tuck under the trees on the north side of the lot to catch some sea turtles on the shore.  Maintain your distance!

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Parking: Lot (limited)
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Excellent
Surf / Ocean Activity: Kayak / snorkel
Best Time of Day: Morning
Crowds: Moderate

Maluaka Beach

Maluaka Beach is one of the best all-around beaches in Makena, offering a wide sandy shoreline and some of the most consistent turtle snorkeling on the island.

What It’s Good For

Swimming
Snorkeling
Family beach days
Turtle sightings

Local Tips

Snorkel near rocky areas for best chances of turtles
Great for both beginners and experienced swimmers
Easy access and parking

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Parking: Lot (easy)
ADA Accessibility: Yes
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Excellent
Surf / Ocean Activity: Boogie boarding
Best Time of Day: Morning / Afternoon
Crowds: Moderate

Little Beach

Little Beach is a small cove next to Big Beach, known for its free-spirited, clothing-optional atmosphere and unique local culture.

What It’s Good For

Unique experience
Music jams and drum circles
Swimming
Sunset

Local Tips

Clothing-optional—know before you go
Popular for sunset gatherings
Use caution accessing from Big Beach

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: No
Showers: No
Parking: Use Big Beach lot
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Not ideal
Swimming Conditions: Variable
Snorkeling: Occasional
Surf / Ocean Activity: Boogie boarding
Best Time of Day: Sunset
Crowds: Moderate

Big Beach (Makena State Park)

Big Beach is one of the most iconic beaches on Maui, known for its massive stretch of sand and powerful shore break.

What It’s Good For

Beach days
Sunset
Scenic views
Experienced Boogie Boarding

Local Tips

Nicknamed Break Neck Beach
Strong shore break—use caution
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Limited shade—come prepared

Beach Details

Lifeguards: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Parking: Paid parking lot - Free to residents.  Street parking is free
ADA Accessibility: Yes
Family-Friendly: Generally for older kids
Swimming Conditions: Rough
Snorkeling: Not ideal
Surf / Ocean Activity: Advanced boogie boarding / skim boarding
Best Time of Day: Morning / Sunset
Crowds: Busy

Secret Cove (Paʻako Beach)

Secret Cove is a small, tucked-away beach known for its intimate setting and lava rock backdrop. It’s popular for photos and quick visits rather than full beach days.

What It’s Good For

Photography
Sunset
Quick visits

Local Tips

Very small—space is limited
Not ideal for extended beach days
Respect nearby homes and access points

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: No
Showers: No
Parking: Street (very limited)
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Not ideal
Swimming Conditions: Variable
Snorkeling: Not ideal
Surf / Ocean Activity: Minimal
Best Time of Day: Sunrise / Sunset
Crowds: Light to moderate

La Perouse Bay

La Perouse Bay sits at the southernmost end of Maui, where the road ends and the landscape turns into rugged lava fields. It’s one of the most untouched areas on the island.

What It’s Good For

Snorkeling
Hiking
Exploration
Remote experience

Local Tips

Bring water and proper footwear (hiking shoes)
Rough terrain—be prepared
Start early to avoid heat
Occasional monk seal sightings - maintain distance

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Outhouse at parking lot
Showers: No
Parking: Lot - rough terrain 
ADA Accessibility: No 
Family-Friendly: Moderately
Swimming Conditions: Good on a calm morning for intermediate to advanced swimmers
Snorkeling: Good to excellent
Surf / Ocean Activity: Snorkel
Best Time of Day: Morning
Crowds: Light

The Makena Experience

Makena is where Maui feels magical.

The beaches are wider.
The coastline is more open.
The experience is less curated.
And the waters are pristine.

It’s not about convenience—it’s about connection.

And for those who spend time here, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the island.