Also known as Oneloa Beach, Big Beach is one of Maui's largest and most beautiful undeveloped beaches — a sweeping half-mile arc of golden sand in Makena State Park. Little Beach nearby is a clothing-optional area.
Makena (Big Beach), officially named Oneloa Beach, is a sweeping half-mile arc of golden sand within Makena State Park on the southwestern coast of Maui, Hawaii, approximately 12 kilometres south of Kihei. One of the largest natural beaches on Maui, Big Beach remains largely undeveloped — no permanent structures, no hotel towers, and no commercial vendors occupy the beachfront — a condition that distinguishes it from the resort-lined beaches of Ka'anapali and Wailea to the north and reflects its history as a locally protected space.
The sand is a warm golden colour, coarser than resort beach sand but consistently wide, stretching 50 to 80 metres from the water's edge to the coastal vegetation. The beach faces west-southwest, receiving full afternoon and evening sun and creating spectacular sunset viewing conditions over the open Pacific. At the north end of Big Beach, a red cinder hill called Pu'u Ola'i separates the main beach from Little Beach in the adjacent cove. Little Beach is clothing-optional and reached by a short five-minute scramble over lava rocks from the north end of Big Beach. A long-running Sunday afternoon drum circle at Little Beach has become one of Maui's most distinctive recurring social events.
Water conditions at Big Beach are the defining consideration for visitors. The shore break — waves that break directly on the steep beach incline rather than gradually on a reef — is consistently strong and has been responsible for a disproportionate number of beach injuries on Maui. Warning signs are posted at all access points, and county lifeguards are on duty during park operating hours. The beach is not suitable for weak or non-swimmers. In calmer summer conditions, bodysurfing the smaller shore break is popular with experienced swimmers and is a signature activity at Big Beach.
Access is via a marked turnoff from South Kihei Road or Pi'ilani Highway. A free parking lot fills by mid-morning on peak summer days. Portable restrooms are available; no showers or permanent structures are provided. The nearest restaurants and shops are in Wailea, approximately 6 kilometres north.
Good to know
- Best for
- Sunbathing, Beach walking, Sunset, Body surfing
- Facilities
- Portable restrooms, No permanent facilities
Highlights
- One of Maui's largest undeveloped natural beaches, preserved without hotel towers or commercial structures within Makena State Park — a rarity on Maui's heavily developed southwest coast
- A half-mile arc of golden sand faces west-southwest, delivering spectacular late afternoon and sunset light conditions over the open Pacific horizon
- Pu'u Ola'i cinder cone at the north end divides Big Beach from the clothing-optional Little Beach cove, accessible via a short five-minute lava rock scramble
- Strong shore break on a steep beach incline creates exhilarating bodysurfing conditions for experienced swimmers — one of Maui's most popular spots for this activity in moderate swells
- The informal Sunday afternoon drum circle at adjacent Little Beach has become one of Maui's most distinctive recurring cultural events, drawing locals and visitors each week
Tips for visiting
- Strong shore break — watch for waves crashing on the beach. Cliff jump at Little Beach is popular but has caused injuries.
When to visit
April through September brings the calmest shore break and warmest water temperatures. Late afternoon visits provide the best light conditions for photography and the most active bodysurfing in moderate swells. The parking lot fills by mid-morning on summer weekends; arriving before 8:30 AM or visiting on a weekday is the practical approach.
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming safe at Makena Big Beach?
Caution is essential. The shore break at Big Beach is powerful and steep, having caused numerous documented injuries. Warning signs are posted at all access points. Confident swimmers comfortable with shore break can safely bodysurf in smaller conditions, but the beach is not recommended for children or weak swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty during park hours.
What is Little Beach, and how do visitors reach it?
Little Beach is a small clothing-optional cove immediately north of Big Beach, separated by the Pu'u Ola'i cinder cone. Access is via a short five-minute scramble over a lava rock path at the north end of Big Beach; sturdy footwear is needed. Little Beach has no facilities. The Sunday afternoon drum circle is the primary draw for many visitors.
Is there a parking fee at Makena Big Beach?
No. Parking at the main lot is free. The lot fills quickly, often by 9 to 10 AM on summer weekends. Arriving before 8:30 AM is advisable on busy days. Overflow parking along the access road is common but unofficial.
Are there food or drink options at Big Beach?
No permanent vendors or facilities operate at Big Beach itself. The nearest restaurants and shops are in Wailea, approximately 6 kilometres north. Visitors should bring water and food for the day, particularly important given the heat in summer months.
What time of year is best for visiting Big Beach?
April through September brings calmer shore break and warmer water temperatures. The shore break is strongest and most potentially hazardous in winter (November through March) when north and northwest swells build. Late afternoon visits year-round offer the best light conditions and typically somewhat reduced crowds compared to midday.