Mākena's Big Beach: Maui's Wide, Wild Antidote to the Resort Strip

After the manicured resort coast of South Maui, Mākena Beach — known to nearly everyone as Big Beach — hits like a lungful of fresh air. Protected inside a state park, this two-thirds-mile sweep of wide golden sand has no hotels, no high-rises and a wild, powerful presence that keeps it firmly local at heart.

Respect the Shore Break

Big Beach is stunning and genuinely powerful; its steep, close-breaking waves can catch swimmers off guard and cause injuries every year. Wade in cautiously, keep a close eye on children, and think twice on high-surf days — this is a beach to enjoy from the sand as much as the water.

Little Beach and the Setting

Over the rocky headland at the north end lies smaller, sheltered Little Beach, long known for its free-spirited Sunday gatherings. The backdrop throughout is pure South Maui: kiawe trees, the cinder cone of Puʻu Ōlaʻi, and clear views across to the islet of Molokini.

Mākena is what the Maui coast looked like before the resorts — wide, golden and gloriously undeveloped.

If You Go

• The shore break is powerful; enter the water with real caution
• Arrive early — the state-park lots fill by mid-morning
• Climb the north headland to reach sheltered Little Beach
• Bring shade; there is little natural cover on the sand

However you plan it, this is the kind of place that rearranges your idea of a good day off.