Overview: Ah..."Secret Cove" (aka "Makena Cove"). The Maui beach where the only person who knows about it is anyone with a guidebook! Joking aside, even though it's a far from a secret, this beach retains a secret feel since you need to literally walk through a wall to even know it's there.

Set just south of Makena State Park (aka Big Beach), Pa'ako Cove is a sandy stunner for its intimate feel, exceptional backdrop, and fiery sunset each night. Considering the fact it's so darn pretty, it's shouldn't come as any surprise that photographers and brides tend to flock to this place, trying to capture "the shot."

Should you skip the beach beacuse it's suddenly so popular? Defintiely not--still go! It's a highlight of the Makena road trip adventure, and you never know, you might get lucky and be the only one there.

Good For: Taking your iconic Maui beach photo, sunset weddings, sense of adventure.

Not So Good For: Snorkeling, swimming, ease of access, crowds as it gets more popular

Maui Expert Tip For Pa'ako Cove: If you want to really feel like it's a secret, visit in the hour just after sunrise--you may actually have it all to yourself.

Directions and Parking Situation: Considering there are only a few parking stalls, the best place to park for Makena Cove is by the "third entrance" of Big Beach (Makena State Park). Most of the parking is right along the road, and from here it's a very short walk on the pavement to the hidden entrance for the cove.

To find the entrance, look for the long, lava rock wall, on the makai (ocean side) of the road, and by the second speed bump there is a blue "Beach Access" sign that points the way to the beach. The opening in the wall is only a few feet wide, so you need to pay attention or you'll walk right past it.

Facilities: None. Pack it in pack it out.