Heading to Makena? 7 Things to Know Before You Go

There’s a point when you drive south through Wailea where Maui starts to feel different.

The resorts thin out. The landscape opens up. Haleakalā stretches above you, the coastline gets a little wilder, and before long, you’re in Mākena.

It’s one of our favorite parts of South Maui—and one of those places where knowing a few things before you leave Kihei can make the day considerably better.

So pack your swimsuit, grab something good to eat, and head south.

Here are 7 things we’d want you to know before spending the day in Mākena.

1. Go Early

This might be our most frequently repeated Maui Pro Tip:

Mornings are worth waking up for.

You'll generally find cooler temperatures, easier parking and a whole lot more day ahead of you. Ocean conditions can also change quickly, so whatever time you arrive, pay attention to posted warnings and what the water is actually doing that day.

Mākena State Park opens at 5 a.m. The state currently lists closing at 7 p.m., extended to 7:45 p.m. during May, June and July. Hawaii DLNR

You don't need to arrive at sunrise.

But we wouldn't wait until mid-afternoon to start the adventure either.

2. Big Beach Deserves Its Name

Oneloa, better known as Big Beach, is the centerpiece of Mākena State Park.

It's a spectacular stretch of white sand backed by Puʻu Ōlaʻi, and it's the kind of place that makes you stop for a second when you first walk onto the beach.

But beautiful doesn't necessarily mean gentle.

Big Beach is known for a powerful shorebreak. Hawaiʻi State Parks specifically warns that the shorebreak here can be very dangerous, and recommends swimming only during calm conditions. Hawaii DLNR

PRO TIP: Don't judge the water by how many other people are in it. Watch the ocean for a while before entering, check current conditions and warnings, and when in doubt, stay on the sand.

Big Beach is still pretty spectacular from there.

3. Bring What You Need

Mākena gets noticeably less developed as you head south.

That's part of its charm.

It's also why we like to leave Kihei prepared.

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, towels, something to sit on and, most importantly in our opinion, something good to eat. Mākena State Park specifically notes that drinking water isn't available in the park. Hawaii DLNR

A cooler is your friend.

And this is exactly the kind of day our sandwiches, salads, smoothies, banana bread and cookies were made for.

Stop at Garden Market & Deli before heading south and you've got lunch handled.

4. Know About the Parking Fee

If you're heading to Mākena State Park, don't be surprised when you encounter paid parking.

At the time we're writing this, Hawaiʻi residents with a valid Hawaiʻi driver's license or state ID receive free entry and parking. For nonresidents, the state lists a $10 vehicle parking fee plus a $5 entrance fee per person; children three and under are free. Hawaii DLNR

Fees and rules can change, so check the official Mākena State Park page before heading out.

5. Mākena Doesn't End at Big Beach

If you keep heading south, the landscape changes dramatically.

Eventually you'll reach ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, where relatively young lava flows meet the ocean and protected marine ecosystems sit just offshore.

This isn't simply another beach stop. ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu was Hawaiʻi's first Natural Area Reserve and protects more than 1,200 acres on land plus more than 800 submerged acres. Some areas—including fragile anchialine pools—are closed to visitors. Hawaii DLNR

The reserve currently allows access to its northern visitor area from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a $10-per-car day-use fee at the designated parking area. Hawaii DLNR

If you visit, stay within designated areas and follow the posted rules.

6. Look, Don't Take

This is worth saying anywhere on Maui, but especially once you reach protected areas around Mākena and ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu.

Leave things where you find them.

At ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu, removing rocks, coral, plants, shells or animals is prohibited. Fishing is prohibited within reserve waters, and visitors are asked not to move or stack rocks because the landscape contains culturally important archaeological sites. Hawaii DLNR

Enjoy it. Photograph it. Remember it. Then leave it exactly as it was for whoever comes next.

7. Don't Schedule Every Minute

Our final tip has very little to do with Mākena specifically and everything to do with enjoying Maui.

Leave some room in the day.

Maybe you planned on Big Beach but find somewhere along the way that makes you want to stop.

Maybe everyone gets hungry earlier than expected.

Maybe the ocean isn't cooperating.

Maybe you find the perfect shady spot and nobody wants to leave.

Let that happen.

One of the easiest mistakes to make on Maui is trying to squeeze so much into a day that you forget to actually experience it.

Mākena is particularly good at reminding you otherwise.

Make Garden Market Your First Stop

If you're staying in Kihei or Wailea and heading toward Mākena, stop by Garden Market & Deli at South Maui Gardens before you go.

Grab a fresh sandwich, salad, tropical smoothie, homemade banana bread, or a few cookies for later. Pick up some fresh produce. Fill the cooler.

Then point the car south.

You bring the sunscreen; we'll handle lunch!