Mākena State Park in Maui, Hawaii
Mākena State Park is one of South Maui’s most scenic beach destinations, with Big Beach, Little Beach, black sand, volcanic scenery and panoramic ocean views.
If you are looking for one of the best beaches in Maui, Mākena State Park belongs on your South Maui itinerary. Located along Maui’s southwestern coast near nearby Wailea, the park is known for its distinct beaches, volcanic scenery, panoramic views and natural beauty.
The park encompasses 164.4 acres and is characterized by the prominent dormant volcanic cinder cone Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi and a large white-sand beach. The combination of golden sand, volcanic rock, turquoise Hawaiian waters and the massive cinder cone creates some of the most scenic views in this part of Maui.
The three main beach areas offer very different experiences:
- Oneloa Beach, or Big Beach – the large white-sand beach most visitors associate with Mākena.
- Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi Beach, commonly called Little Beach – the smaller beach tucked around the volcanic outcropping.
- Oneʻuli Beach, or Black Sand Beach – a darker volcanic beach that provides a completely different landscape.
Mākena is the kind of place where you can easily spend several hours without needing a packed schedule. You can enjoy the beach, look for marine life, take photographs, have a picnic, explore the volcanic landscape or simply sit back and take in the shades of blue across the ocean.
For our family, this is exactly the kind of South Maui stop I would include when trying to see as much of the island as possible. Rather than spending the entire day at one resort area, we could combine Mākena State Park with nearby Wailea, Mākena Landing, Maluaka Beach, Turtle Town and the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve.
One important thing to know before you go is that Mākena State Park is a day-use beach park, not a campground. The current Maui State Parks list identifies Mākena as a beach park, while Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is the Maui state park offering camping and lodging.
Amenities & Facilities at Mākena State Park
Camping
If you are searching for Mākena State Park camping, you will need to make other overnight plans because there is no campground at Mākena State Park.
There are:
- No campsites
- No RV hookups
- No electric hookups
- No water hookups
- No sewer hookups
- No campground fire rings
- No campground showers
- No campground check-in
- No overnight camping reservations
The park also does not have a drinking-water supply, so bringing plenty of water is especially important. The official state park description specifically warns visitors that no drinking water is available.
Mākena has day-use parking areas and beach facilities, but it is not set up like a traditional camping park. Plans for future facility improvements include new comfort stations and outdoor showers at the north and south parking areas. As of 2026, those improvements are proposed rather than something I would assume is already available during your visit.
If you want to camp at a Maui state park, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is the relevant option to investigate rather than Mākena.
Reservations
You do not need a reservation for Mākena State Park because there is no camping.
Mākena also does not currently operate like reservation-required parks such as Diamond Head State Monument, Waiʻānapanapa State Park or Hāʻena State Park. Instead, Mākena uses paid entry and parking for non-Hawaii residents.
Parking can be paid at the park’s kiosks or through the state’s online payment option.
Check-In Procedures
For a regular day visit, arrive during park operating hours, pay the applicable entrance and parking fees, park in a designated parking area and enjoy the beach.
I recommend checking current conditions before leaving for the park. Ocean conditions, weather, parking and other park operations can change, and the official park page currently carries a specific warning about dangerous shore break.
Mākena State Park Facilities
Visitor Center
Mākena State Park does not have the traditional visitor center, nature center or park store that you may find at larger national parks or other developed state parks.
There is no staffed visitor center where you can pick up a large collection of maps or a Junior Ranger program.
Instead, Mākena is much more of a self-guided beach and coastal experience. I would save any information you need before arriving and bring everything you expect to use for the day.
That means water, reef-safe sunscreen, food, beach supplies, towels and appropriate footwear should all be packed before you leave your hotel or vacation rental.
Picnic Areas
A picnic at Big Beach is an easy way to turn a quick stop into a longer South Maui beach day.
Picnic tables are available, giving you a place to enjoy lunch or snacks while taking a break from the beach.
Because there is no drinking-water supply at the park, bring plenty of water for everyone in your group.
If you are visiting with kids, I would pack more snacks and water than you think you need. Once everyone is settled on the beach, nobody wants to pack everything up just because someone is thirsty.
My feet in the black sand at Oneʻuli Beach
Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi Beach
Lava rocks in the surf at Oneloa Beach
What to do at Mākena State Park
Outdoor Activities at Mākena State Park
- Swimming during calm ocean conditions
- Snorkeling when conditions are appropriate
- Bodysurfing
- Board surfing
- Shore fishing
- Beachcombing
- Coastal walks
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Whale watching during winter months
- Picnicking
- Sunbathing
- Sightseeing
- Enjoying scenic views
- Watching the sunset
Beaches at Mākena State Park
Oneloa Beach - Big Beach
Big Beach is the star of Mākena State Park.
Officially called Oneloa Beach, this expansive white-sand beach is one of the most recognizable beaches in South Maui. It sits beneath the dramatic Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi cinder cone and offers a wide stretch of golden sand with beautiful ocean views.
If your idea of a Maui beach day involves white-sand beaches, blue Hawaiian waters and plenty of room to spread out, Big Beach is probably the place you picture.
This is where I would spend most of my time if my goal were a classic Maui beach day.
However, beautiful scenery does not automatically mean safe swimming conditions. Mākena’s shore break can be extremely powerful, and the official park warning specifically cautions that the shore break can be very dangerous.
Always check the current ocean conditions before entering the water, and be particularly cautious with children.
Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi Beach - Little Beach
Little Beach, officially Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi Beach, sits around the volcanic outcropping from Big Beach.
The route between the beaches involves a rocky section rather than a developed paved trail. Good shoes are helpful if you plan to make the walk.
Little Beach provides a more intimate setting than the broad expanse of Big Beach, with volcanic rock, ocean views and the northern end of Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi creating a dramatic backdrop.
Little Beach has also been the subject of past park-management concerns involving large Sunday afternoon gatherings, public nudity and other prohibited behavior. State officials temporarily closed the beach in 2021 and later reopened it with adjusted weekend hours and additional management measures.
Rather than relying on old descriptions of Little Beach, check the current park rules and hours before visiting.
Oneʻuli Beach - Black Sand Beach
Oneʻuli Beach, also called Black Sand Beach, gives Mākena State Park another completely different appearance.
The dark volcanic sand and rock formations contrast sharply with the bright white sand of Big Beach. If you enjoy seeing the geological side of Maui, Oneʻuli is worth including.
The official state park listing identifies Oneʻuli as the park’s Black Sand Beach and provides separate operating hours for the area.
Mākena State Park Basics
4670 Mākena Alanui
Kihei, HI 96753
$5 per Person
$10 Parking Fee
Hawai'i Standard Time Zone
0
Location, Phone Number, and Address
There are multiple parking areas associated with the park, so I recommend following the signs as you approach rather than relying entirely on a single GPS pin. The official address is 4670 Mākena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753 and there is no listed phone number.
What are the Entrance Fees for Mākena State Park?
Mākena State Park currently charges entrance and parking fees for non-Hawaiʻi residents.
Non-Hawaii residents:
- $5 per person
- $10 per non-commercial vehicle
Children age 3 and under are free. Commercial vehicle rates are higher and depend on passenger capacity
There are multiple parking areas at Mākena, and parking is paid rather than free access for non-residents. Arriving early can be helpful, particularly on busy days.
What Time Zone is Mākena State Park in?
Mākena State Park follows Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, or HST.
Hawaiʻi does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time difference between Maui and the mainland changes during the year.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best times to visit Mākena State Park depend on what you want to do.
For a quieter beach experience, early mornings are my first choice. You get cooler temperatures, softer light for photography and a better chance of finding a parking space before the busiest part of the day.
Late afternoons can also be beautiful for photography and scenic views, but remember that Little Beach has different weekend hours from Big Beach and Oneʻuli.
If swimming or snorkeling is your goal, ocean conditions matter much more than the time of day. Mākena can experience powerful shore break, so a calm-looking beach should not automatically be considered safe for swimming.
The winter months are especially interesting for wildlife lovers because humpback whales can be viewed around Maui from approximately November through May.
Summer brings warmer temperatures and longer daylight, but popular beaches can become busy. If you visit during the summer, arriving early is a good way to enjoy the park before the biggest crowds.
How many campsites are there at Mākena State Park?
There are no campsites at Mākena State Park.
How Big is Mākena State Park?
Mākena State Park encompasses 164.4 acres along Maui’s southwestern coast for a coastal beach park that provides plenty of room to explore different landscapes.
The defining geographic feature is Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi, the dormant volcanic cinder cone rising above the beaches. Around it, you will find white sand, black volcanic sand, lava rock and Hawaiian waters in varying shades of blue.
Park Website
Travel Tips for Mākena State Park
Getting to Mākena State Park
Mākena State Park is located in South Maui, south of Kihei and Wailea.
From Kihei, take Piʻilani Highway, also known as Highway 31, toward Wailea. Continue south toward Mākena and follow the signs for Mākena State Park and the beach areas.
As you travel south, the landscape gradually changes from the resort areas around Wailea to a more rugged coastal environment.
The road eventually narrows as you continue toward Mākena, so allow extra time and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
There are several parking areas associated with the park, so pay attention to the signs for the particular beach you want to visit.
Tips for a Visit to Mākena State Park
- Bring plenty of water. There is no drinking-water supply at the park.
- Arrive early. Early mornings can offer cooler temperatures, softer light and fewer visitors.
- Check current ocean conditions. Mākena’s shore break can be dangerous.
- Watch children closely. Strong waves and currents can develop even when the beach looks inviting.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk toward Little Beach or explore volcanic terrain.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and protect yourself from the strong Maui sun.
- Pack snacks and lunch. Picnic tables are available, but do not count on food concessions.
- Bring plenty of water for kids. There is no drinking-water supply at the park.
- Bring a camera. Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi, Big Beach, Oneʻuli and the surrounding coastline provide excellent photo opportunities.
- Respect wildlife. Give green sea turtles, humpback whales, shorebirds and other marine life plenty of space.
- Do not assume the park is a campground. Plan your overnight accommodations elsewhere.
- Check park notices before visiting. Weather, surf, closures and other current conditions can affect access and activities.
- Pay attention to parking signs and hours. The different beach sections do not all have identical operating hours.
- Follow posted rules at Little Beach. Past management issues have resulted in changes to access and weekend hours.
What is the Nearest City to Mākena State Park?
The closest commonly used city is Kihei, although Mākena is a South Maui community farther south of the main Kihei resort area.
Wailea is also nearby and makes a convenient base for visiting Mākena State Park.
What is the Nearest Airport to Mākena State Park?
The closest major airport is Kahului Airport (OGG).
Kahului is Maui’s primary commercial airport and is where most visitors will arrive when flying to the island.
From OGG, you will drive across Maui toward South Maui and continue south past Kihei and Wailea to reach Mākena.
What are the Closest Parks to Mākena State Park?
ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve
3 miles • 10 minute drive
25 miles • 45 minute drive
Haleakalā National Park
40 miles • 2 hour drive