State Park · Hawaii
Makena State Park
Makena State Park on Maui's south shore is home to one of Hawaii's longest and most beautiful stretches of natural beach, where green sea turtles rest on golden sand and the swimming is genuinely magnificent. It is a place where families can spend a full day doing almost nothing except exactly the right things: watching wildlife, bodysurfing, and walking barefoot on volcanic shoreline.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, is a complete family guide to Makena State Park on Maui, Hawaii. It covers what makes Big Beach and Little Beach special for families, the best short walks and wildlife sightings for kids ages 4 to 14, facilities and camping information, and the best seasons to visit. Key facts include the park's location on Maui's south shore near Wailea, its status as one of Hawaii's most beloved undeveloped beaches, and the regular presence of Hawaiian green sea turtles along the shoreline.
| Region | South Maui, Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy beach day; moderate scramble over Pu'u Ola'i |
| Best season | May through September for swimming; December through April for whale watching |
| Entrance fee | No fee; parking is free |
| Nearest town | Kihei, approximately 15 minutes north |
What makes Makena worth the drive
Makena State Park protects more than 165 acres of raw Maui coastline south of Wailea, anchored by the long crescent of Oneloa Bay — better known as Big Beach. The sand here is coarse and golden, the water runs every shade from turquoise to deep blue, and the cinder cone of Pu'u Ola'i rises behind the shore like something painted on a postcard. Unlike the resort beaches to the north, Makena has no hotels crowding the view. What you get instead is open sky, volcanic rock, and the feeling that this is how Maui looked before anyone built anything on it. For families, that sense of space is the whole point.
Sea turtles and what kids will actually see
Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as honu, regularly haul out to rest on the rocks and sand at Makena. Morning hours tend to offer the best sightings, often near the northern end of Big Beach and along the lava shelves that border it. Remind children to keep at least ten feet back and never touch or crowd the animals — it is both federal law and genuine respect for a creature that has been swimming these waters far longer than anyone's grandparents. The shallow coves near Little Beach also hold reef fish, sea urchins, and occasional spinner dolphins visible from shore. Bring a snorkel mask for anyone comfortable in mild surge; the rocky edges reward a closer look.
Short trails and exploring on foot
The climb over Pu'u Ola'i, the 360-foot cinder cone that divides Big Beach from Little Beach, is the park's signature short hike. The trail is steep and loose underfoot — more of a scramble than a walk — and most kids over eight will handle it fine if adults go first and lend a hand on the descent. The payoff at the top is a full sweep of the coastline in both directions. For younger children, skip the cone and simply walk the length of Big Beach at the waterline, roughly a half mile end to end. The rocky lava outcrops at each end of the bay are excellent for tide-pool exploration and make a natural turnaround point.
Swimming, bodysurfing, and reading the water
Big Beach is famous for its shore break, which can be powerful even on calm days. Bodysurfers love it; very young children and inexperienced swimmers should stay close to the water's edge and away from the impact zone. The slope of the sand is steep, which means waves dump quickly. On days when the surf is up, watch the water for several minutes before anyone goes in. Calmer conditions, which are more common in summer, make the swimming genuinely wonderful. Little Beach, reached by the short trail over Pu'u Ola'i, tends to have gentler water and is a fine option when Big Beach is active. Always scan for turtles before entering the water near the rocky edges.
Facilities, camping, and what to bring
The park has restrooms and outdoor showers at the main parking area, which is genuinely useful after a sandy day. There is no food concession and no shade structures on the beach itself, so pack everything your family needs: water, sunscreen, hats, and lunch. Parking fills early on weekends and holidays, sometimes before nine in the morning. Camping at Makena is limited and permitted through the Hawaii Division of State Parks; check current availability and reservation requirements before you go, as rules can change seasonally. The nearest town with groceries and restaurants is Kihei, about a fifteen-minute drive north. A beach tent or umbrella is a worthwhile investment for a full-day visit.
Best seasons for a family visit
Makena is beautiful year-round, but summer — roughly May through September — brings calmer ocean conditions and the most reliable swimming for families. Winter swells from the north can reach Big Beach's south-facing shore and make the water rough, though winter also brings humpback whale sightings offshore from December through April. Bring binoculars and watch the horizon. Crowds peak in June, July, and around the winter holidays; a weekday morning arrival in spring or fall offers the beach with far fewer people. Sunrise is spectacular from the base of Pu'u Ola'i and the walk out is easy even before the full heat of the day sets in.
Describe one thing you noticed at the beach today that you had never seen before, and draw a picture of it as best you can remember it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Beach safe for young children to swim at?
Big Beach has a steep shore break that can be surprisingly powerful, even when the ocean looks calm. For toddlers and early swimmers, keep play to the shallow water at the very edge of the surf. On days with larger swell, the beach is better for walking and watching than swimming. Summer months generally bring the gentlest conditions.
Can we really see sea turtles at Makena State Park?
Yes, Hawaiian green sea turtles are a regular presence at Makena, particularly in the morning hours near the rocky edges of Big Beach and along the lava outcrops. Sightings are common but never guaranteed. Federal law requires visitors to stay at least ten feet away and to never touch or feed the animals.
Is there anywhere to eat or buy food at the park?
There is no food vendor or concession at Makena State Park. Pack everything your family will need for the day, including plenty of water. The town of Kihei, about fifteen minutes north, has a full range of grocery stores, plate lunch spots, and restaurants.
How early do we need to arrive to get parking?
On weekends and during peak travel seasons, the main parking lot at Makena can fill by mid-morning. Arriving before nine o'clock gives you the best chance of a spot and also means you will have the beach largely to yourselves during the finest part of the day.