Makena State Park Beach Tours

Makena Beach State Park showing a beach
Makena Beach State Park which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a beach
Makena Beach State Park featuring a beach
Makena Beach State Park showing a sandy beach
Makena Beach State Park featuring general coastal views, a beach and a sunset


Three distinct, undeveloped beaches and a dormant volcano crater form this scenic southern region of Maui.

Makena Beach State Park is a wilderness area with three beaches that are excellent for bodyboarding: Makena Beach, Puʻu Olai Beach and Naupaka Beach. Each has its own personality and attracts different types of visitors. Presiding over all three beaches is the volcanic Pu’u Ola’i (Earthquake Hill). This is a dormant cinder cone which stands 360 feet (110 meters) high.Makena Beach, more often called “Big Beach,” is one of Maui’s largest beaches and has a steep foreshore. It is about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long. Its name means “abundance” and it’s true that its waters have plenty of marine life to see when snorkeling. Lifeguards are usually present. The kiawe trees offer pleasant shady spots while you enjoy the views of the Molokini atoll, a partially submerged volcanic crater that you can tour by boat.Stroll north and climb over the lava rocks to reach Puʻu Olai Beach, nicknamed “Little Beach” because it is just 660 feet (200 meters) long. This cove is famous for being a nudist beach. As this is one of the few beaches in Hawaii that permits naked sunbathing, it can get crowded. This is especially so on Sunday afternoons, when traditional Hawaiian drumming goes on from mid-afternoon until sunset.Naupaka Beach, also known as One’uli, is a black-sand beach formed by ground lava. It’s located on the Wailea side of the volcanic cone. Naupaka is less suitable for sunbathing or walking, but snorkeling and scuba diving conditions are excellent due to the nice coral reef nearby. Be careful to avoid the hard, sharp lava which starts abruptly at the water’s edge.From Naupaka Beach, follow a trail that leads to the top of the Pu'u Ola'i cone. It’s best to attempt this quite strenuous hike in the cooler part of the day and remember to take plenty of water. From the top, you can enjoy views of the stunning Makena coastline.Makena Beach State Park is south of Wailea. The car park is open during daylight hours, and admission is free. Watch out for the shore break, as the waves can be powerful.

Plan a trip to see Makena State Park Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Kahana Beach Vacation Club
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Napili Kai Beach Resort

Browse tours and tickets to explore Makena State Park Beach

Water activities

See all 43 activities

Tours & day trips

See all 42 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 11 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 7 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Makena State Park Beach

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

5 out of 5
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui
Makena Surf - CoralTree Residence Collection

Makena Surf - CoralTree Residence Collection

4 out of 5
4850 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI
Makena Surf - CoralTree Residence Collection
Whales, Beaches and Sunsets! Come enjoy Maui's most exclusive resorts.

Whales, Beaches and Sunsets! Come enjoy Maui's most exclusive resorts.

Kihei
Whales, Beaches and Sunsets! Come enjoy Maui's most exclusive resorts.
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

5 out of 5
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

5 out of 5
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui

Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui

4.5 out of 5
3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI
Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui
DISCOUNTED AUGUST SPECIAL Oceanfront Private Home

DISCOUNTED AUGUST SPECIAL Oceanfront Private Home

Kihei
DISCOUNTED AUGUST SPECIAL Oceanfront Private Home
Polo Beach - CoralTree Residence Collection

Polo Beach - CoralTree Residence Collection

3.5 out of 5
4400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI
Polo Beach - CoralTree Residence Collection
Modern and Luxurious Beachfront Property at Polo Beach

Modern and Luxurious Beachfront Property at Polo Beach

Wailea
Modern and Luxurious Beachfront Property at Polo Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Makena State Park Beach

At Makena State Park Beach, enjoy thrilling activities like surfing and stunning sunsets. Don't miss out on whale watching, a sunset luau, and exciting boat tours. For underwater adventures, explore some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui, perfect for discovering vibrant marine life. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Makena offers a memorable Hawaiian experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Makena State Park Beach, visit the Shops at Wailea, just 4 miles away, offering a mix of family and entertainment vibes. Kihei Kalama Village, located 7 miles away, also provides a lively atmosphere for families. If you're up for a drive, check out Hali'imaile Farmer's Market, 18 miles away, for local treasures.

Recreation

At Makena Kai Day Spa, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments surrounded by tranquil vibes, just 1 mile from the beach. For golf enthusiasts, the Wailea Gold Golf Course and Makena South Course, both 1-2 miles away, offer stunning landscapes and invigorating outdoor sports experiences.

Adventure

Embark on the Makamakaole Trail, 8 miles from Makena State Park Beach, where you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. Explore the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, 12 miles away, for stunning coastal views. For an adrenaline rush, ride with Haleakala Bike Company, located 21 miles from the beach.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement at Science City, an arcadeAdventureZone 13 miles away, perfect for family fun. Enjoy a romantic evening at Iao Theater, 18 miles away, showcasing captivating performances. For a cozy movie night, head to Regency Kihei Cinemas, just 7 miles away, offering a delightful selection of films.

Find the best attractions near Makena State Park Beach

While visiting Makena State Park Beach in Kihei, Hawaii, you'll find a range of attractions perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the stunning Makena area, relax on the beautiful Makena and Wailea beaches, and read reviews to plan your visit. Whether you're looking for a scenic beach experience or a nudist beach, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque location.

  • Wailea Beach: Just 3 miles from Makena State Park, Wailea Beach offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. With soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying beach vibes.
  • Molokini: Located 3 miles away, Molokini is a crescent-shaped volcanic island renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystem. Ideal for snorkeling and diving, it boasts clear waters teeming with marine life, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Little Beach: A mere 0.4 miles from Makena, Little Beach is known for its clothing-optional policy, attracting those seeking a more liberated beach experience. Its serene ambiance and beautiful surroundings create a unique spot for relaxation.

Best time to go to Makena State Park Beach

Visitor numbers around Makena State Park Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Makena State Park Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Makena State Park Beach falls in August and September. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Makena State Park Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April74.1°F (23.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May75.6°F (24.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June76.8°F (24.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August78.4°F (25.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September78.4°F (25.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October77.7°F (25.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Makena State Park Beach

To save money on your trip to Makena State Park Beach, take advantage of the free entry and plan your visit between September and November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays are typically the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia’s tools to compare prices and customize your search based on your budget. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Makena State Park Beach are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Makena State Park Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Makena State Park Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Makena State Park Beach is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Makena State Park Beach with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.