Big Beach (Oneloa or Makena)

Oneloa or Makena Beach

Maui Beaches

Big Beach — aka Oneloa or Makena Beach— stands as a destination hotspot for its beauty, located in south Maui, only minutes from Wailea and Kihei. This pristine but raw beach is decorated at the back by sinewy Kiawe trees flourishing in sandy dunes. It's bordered on either end by lava rocks, the largest of which divides it from Little Beach in the North. Molokini can also be seen offshore.

Overview of Big Beach (Oneloa and Makena Beach)

Visit Makena Beach, Oneloa (Big Beach), for the many natural wonders. Miles of pristine white sand sprawls across this coastline. It is nearly 2/3 miles long and over 100 feet wide. The gorgeous sand and clean waters attract snorkelers, swimmers, and sunbathers. As with most beaches on Maui, pay attention to the rip tides. Enter the water based on the locals' actions; they know what they are doing.

Discover a sizeable volcanic cinder cone at the north end called Pu'u Ola'i. Next, trek to the opposite end over a rocky path that takes you over a wall of volcanic rock. If you continue on this rocky path, you will soon encounter Little Beach. As one of Maui’s most beautiful and secluded beaches, many nude sunbathers flock here. Although public nudity is against the law in Hawaii, Little Beach has avoided detection because of its remote location and difficult access.

Getting There- Big Beach (Oneloa and Makena Beach)

From West Maui, drive south on the Honoapiilani Highway. Go past Maalaea Harbor and turn right at North Kihei Road. Drive south on Piilani Highway as you pass Kihei and drive downhill toward Wailea Ike Drive and Wailea Alanui Drive. Turn left onto Wailea Alanui Drive and continue past the Makena Beach Golf Resort. Turn right when you see the entrance sign "Makena Beach (Big Beach.)."

Makena Beach is accessible via a short road at mile marker four on Makena Alanui Road, and another access is just past mile marker 4 in South Maui. 

Makena State Parking Fees

Makena State Park charges the following fees for non-residents:

Parking Fees:

• Hawaii Residents: No charge with a valid Hawaii State Driver's License or ID. Exclusive access until 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
• Non-Residents: $10.00 per vehicle, plus $5.00 per person entrance fee. Non-residents may access parking after 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
• Commercial PUC Vehicles:
  • 1-7 passenger vehicles: $15.00
  • 8-25 passenger vehicles: $30.00
  • 26+ passenger vehicles: $50.00

These fees support park maintenance and operations. The park is open daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. For the most current information on fees and park regulations, please visit the official Makena State Park page on Hawaii DLNR

Essential Tips for a Great Big Beach (Oneloa and Makena Beach) Visit

You’ve found the perfect getaway with Oneloa, but be careful of the dangerous shorebreak. Oneloa Beach has a steep slope into the ocean. The strong waves here have injured people's necks and backs. Be careful! Kids and people who can't swim should take significant precautions around the shorebreak. Parents should observe their children. Don't let the warning above- stop you from enjoying sightseeing on this spectacular beach. The park closes in the evening.

Big Beach (Oneloa and Makena Beach) Amenities

This beach lacks some amenities like fresh water for drinking or showering. So bring a bottle with you. Yet, you can find:

• Lifeguards on duty
• Portable toilets
• Picnic tables
• Paved parking
• Food trucks within the vicinity