Big Beach (aka "Makena State Park, Oneloa ")
Overview:
Oneloa means "long sand," which is the perfect name for this South Maui beach that stretches for over a mile. At 100 feet wide it's simply enormous, which is why most locals just call it "Big Beach"—you have to see it to believe it.
This is one of the best places to watch the sunset on Maui, and a local favorite for boogie boarding and surfing, but beware—it's experts only!
In the 1960s Makena was an outpost of hippies, nudists, and counterculture living, and while the vibe is definitely tamer today, you still get the sense that—despite being a State Park—this beach is a little more wild and raw than somewhere that fronts a resort.
The 360 ft. Pu'u Olai cinder cone separates Big Beach from Little Beach (which is known as a nude beach), and the southernmost section (known locally as "third entrance") is where you'll find the biggest waves.
This spot is a destination unto itself, where you're met with an inescapable magic that will always keep calling you back.
This is one of the best places to watch the sunset on Maui, and a local favorite for boogie boarding and surfing, but beware—it's experts only!
In the 1960s Makena was an outpost of hippies, nudists, and counterculture living, and while the vibe is definitely tamer today, you still get the sense that—despite being a State Park—this beach is a little more wild and raw than somewhere that fronts a resort.
The 360 ft. Pu'u Olai cinder cone separates Big Beach from Little Beach (which is known as a nude beach), and the southernmost section (known locally as "third entrance") is where you'll find the biggest waves.
This spot is a destination unto itself, where you're met with an inescapable magic that will always keep calling you back.
Good For:
Long walks on the beach, sunsets, beach volleyball, watching kamikaze boogie boarders, making trips over to Little Beach.
Not So Good For:
Showering off the sand, avoiding weekend crowds, keeping your spine in one piece.
Maui Expert Tip For Big Beach / Oneloa Bay:
I can't say this enough—the shorebreak here is REALLY strong! It's stronger than any other beach on the island, and this ISN"T the place to go bodysurfing or boogie boarding if you aren't an expert in the water. The largest waves are often in summer, so leave the neck-breaking tube rides to the pros and watch all the action from the sand.
Directions and Parking Situation:
As one of Maui's most popular beaches, Oneloa gets completely packed—even with three different parking lots! The first and second lots (called "first entance" and "second entrance") have paved lots and official points of entry, whereas the "third entrance" is just parking along the road on the southernmost section of beach.
As of January, 2020, non-resident visitors will need to pay $5 to park in one of the lots. Sundays are hands-down the most crowded days, but on weekday mornings there's rarely any trouble with finding a place to park.
As of January, 2020, non-resident visitors will need to pay $5 to park in one of the lots. Sundays are hands-down the most crowded days, but on weekday mornings there's rarely any trouble with finding a place to park.
Facilities:
Porta potties and lifeguards, but unfortunately no showers. The closest shower is at Maluaka Beach, a couple of minutes up the road.
