Makena State Park

Makena State Park is a stunning coastal preserve on Maui's south shore, known for its trio of unique beaches - Big Beach, Little Beach, and One'uli Beach. With over 165 acres of sand, lava rock, and shoreline views, this park offers everything from scenic hiking and snorkeling to sunbathing and photography. The park's most iconic landmark is Pu'u ola'i (Red Hill), a dormant cinder cone rising between beaches. While great for exploration and ocean activities during calm days, caution is urged when surf is high due to powerful shorebreaks.

Makena State Park, Maui

Makena State Park, located on Maui's south shore south of Wailea, is a popular swimming, snorkeling and diving destination. There are three great beaches within this park, and all of them are unique.

Big Beach, also known as Makena Beach, is one of Maui's longest white-sand beaches at 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long. This is the perfect beach for the ultimate beach stroll.

Neighboring Little Beach, also known as Pu'u Ola'i Beach, sits directly in front of the cinder cone after which the beach is named – Pu'u Ola'i (Red Hill). It is also known as Maui's unofficial nude beach (nudity is illegal in Hawaii). It is accessible via a short trail from Big Beach.

The third beach is One'uli Beach (also known as Naupaka Beach), which lies just to the north of Pu'u Ola'i. It also also called Black Sand Beach because of its dark sand. This beach is one of the least visited in the state park and is never crowded.

All three of them offer great snorkeling and diving conditions when the ocean is calm. There is a spectacular coral reef, home to many colorful tropical fish. However, if the surf is up, the ocean can be treacherous here. Especially at Big Beach (the only beach with lifeguards in this area), the shorebreak is often times so powerful that swimmers have suffered spinal injuries and bone fractures.

One of the most prominent features of this state park is Pu'u Ola'i, a dormant volcanic cinder cone measuring 360 feet (110 m) high. At its base are lava rocks and tidepools.

Key Features of Makena State Park

• Big Beach (Makena Beach): A wide 1.5-mile-long white sand beach popular for beach walking and sunbathing, with lifeguards on duty.
• Little Beach: Accessible via a short trail over Pu'u ola'i, this secluded cove is known as Maui's unofficial nude beach (nudity is illegal in Hawaii).
• One'uli Beach: A less-visited black sand beach with lava rock and snorkeling opportunities when calm.
• Pu'u ola'i cinder cone: A 360-foot-high dormant volcanic cone offering views and geological interest.
• Great for snorkeling and diving: Coral reefs support vibrant marine life - best explored on calm days.