Overview: If you're looking for a pocket of sand with exceptional snorkeling and not too many people, then Chang's Beach will be your favorite beach in Makena.

This beach is seriously super small, and can only accommodate a handful of people before it starts feeling crowded. Thankfully crowding is rarely an issue (since there are so many beaches in Makena), and if I wanted to get all "marketing speak," it's the most boutique beach in Makena!

So who was Chang, you ask?

The Chang family was a prominent Chinese family who lived and farmed on this section of coast and the beach was named in their honor. The Hawaiian name for the beach is Ulupikanui, and don't confuse this with the "5 Graves / 5 Caves / Nahuna" snorkeling spot; that's the next parking lot down Makena Road and has some of the best snorkeling on Maui.

Good For: Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, secrecy, and seriously escaping the crowds.

Not So Good For: Lack of shade, only eight parking spots, and the nearest restroom is miles away.

Maui Expert Tip For Chang's Beach: There's zero shade if visiting with young kids, and if you're a super snorkeler, you can actually swim from here to Five Graves—just make sure you store enough energy to swim back!

Also, I'm not going to lie—when the water here is murky after a big south swell, it's pretty common for tiger sharks to cruise this section of coast. On days when the water is clear, however, it's one of the best spots on Maui for snorkeling!

Directions and Parking Situation: Chang's Beach is one of those spots that you'll pass in the blink of an eye. The parking lot is located 1.5 miles south of the Fairmont Kea Lani along Makena Alanui Road, and the parking lot is by fire hydrant #616 on the right side of the road.

If all the spaces here are full, there's another lot about 100 yards north by fire hydrant #614. This is technically the beach access for the southern end of Po'olenalena Beach, but it's a short walk from here to Chang's Beach.

Facilities: Shower