Maui, Hawaii
30 Minutes - 1 Hour
Any
$10 per Vehicle
For non-Hawaii Redisents
Overview
If you are looking for one of the best beaches in Maui, Oneloa Beach, better known as Big Beach, is definitely one to add to your Maui itinerary. Located inside Makena State Park on Maui’s south shore, this wide stretch of sand feels wonderfully open compared with many of the resort beaches farther north.
Big Beach is often described as one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui, and it is easy to understand why once you arrive. There are no large hotels sitting directly along the shoreline. Instead, you get a long beach backed by lush greenery, sinewy kiawe trees, lava rocks, and the dormant volcanic cinder cone of Puʻu Olaʻi.
This is the kind of Maui beach where you can walk to the water’s edge, look across the coastal waters, and immediately appreciate the island’s natural beauty.
Big Beach is also next door to Little Beach, the much smaller beach located on the other side of Puʻu Olaʻi. Together, the two beaches are among the most recognizable spots within Makena State Park.
One important thing to know before visiting is that Big Beach is not necessarily a place where you should assume the water is safe simply because the weather looks beautiful. The official state park specifically warns that the shore break can be very dangerous. Water conditions, large waves, strong currents, rip tides, and powerful shorebreak can all make entering the ocean hazardous.
History
Oneloa is the official Hawaiian name for Big Beach, and the name is fitting for this long stretch of sand. The beach is part of Makena State Park, a 164.4-acre wildland beach park characterized by its large white sand beach and prominent Puʻu Olaʻi cinder cone.
The Makena area has a long history connected to Native Hawaiians and the traditional use of the South Maui coastline. The landscape around Makena includes archaeological and cultural resources, making it important to treat the area with respect.
The coastline has also played a role in more recent Hawaiian history. Historic activity in the area includes military use during World War II, and remnants of structures and other evidence of earlier activity can still be found around the wider Makena coastline.
Today, the focus at Oneloa Beach is much simpler. Visitors come to enjoy the scenery, walk the long beach, watch the waves, photograph the volcanic landscape, and experience one of Maui’s most beautiful undeveloped coastal areas.
Oneloa (Big Beach) Plan
When we visited Maui, we wanted to see as much of the island as possible rather than spending our entire vacation at one resort or beach. We had Big Beach on our list because we wanted to experience another part of the island, and making a stop at Oneloa fit perfectly into our plans for exploring South Maui.
There are so many different landscapes around Maui that we think it is worth getting out and exploring, even if you only have a few days on the island. Big Beach gave us another opportunity to see the natural side of Maui while enjoying one of the island’s iconic beaches.
It was also an easy stop to combine with other South Maui destinations. Depending on your plans, you can explore nearby beaches, Turtle Town, Makena, Wailea, and the southern coastline during the same day.
Getting There
Location
Maui is one of the major islands in the Hawaiian archipelago and is located in the central Pacific Ocean. The island is known for its beaches, volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, scenic roads, and outdoor adventures.
Oneloa Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Maui in the Makena area. It is part of Makena State Park, south of Wailea and Kihei.
The beach sits along Makena Alanui Road, sometimes referred to simply as Makena Road, near the southern end of the developed South Maui coastline.
If you are staying near Wailea, Big Beach is a convenient drive south. You may see references to Wailea Alanui Drive and Wailea Ike Drive while navigating the Wailea area before continuing toward Makena.
Big Beach is considerably farther south than beaches such as Maluaka Beach and the resort beaches around Wailea. It also provides a very different experience from places such as Kapalua Bay Villas, Ironwoods Beach, or other developed West Maui destinations.
Best Time to Go
There really isn’t a bad time to visit Maui. The island enjoys warm weather throughout the year, making Maui beaches popular in every season.
For Big Beach, morning is a great time to visit. Temperatures are generally comfortable, the beach can feel quieter, and you have plenty of time to explore before continuing farther south.
Summer can be a great time for a beach-focused Maui vacation, although ocean conditions can vary. Winter brings the possibility of seeing humpback whales in Hawaiian waters, adding another memorable experience to a Maui trip.
Regardless of when you visit, check the water conditions before entering the ocean. Big Beach is known for its powerful shorebreak, and conditions can change quickly. The official state park specifically cautions visitors about dangerous shore break.
Oneloa (Big Beach) in Makena State Park
Who Can Go?
Big Beach is a public beach within Makena State Park and can be enjoyed by a wide variety of visitors. Families, couples, photographers, beach lovers, and travelers exploring South Maui can all appreciate the scenery.
However, enjoying the beach does not mean you have to swim.
The powerful shorebreak means visitors should use extra caution, especially when traveling with young children or anyone who is not a confident ocean swimmer. The state park describes swimming as an activity for calm seas and warns visitors about the dangerous shore break.
You can have a great time at Big Beach without getting in the water. Walking along the sand, taking photographs, watching the waves, looking for marine life, and enjoying the scenery are all excellent reasons to visit.
What You'll See
The scenery is one of the biggest reasons to visit Oneloa Beach.
The first thing you will probably notice is the enormous stretch of white sand. Big Beach is often referred to as one of Maui’s largest undeveloped beaches, and the lack of large resort development directly along the shoreline gives it a much more natural appearance.
Behind you is the rugged landscape of South Maui, while the Pacific Ocean stretches out in front of you. The prominent Puʻu Olaʻi cinder cone provides an unmistakable landmark beside the beach.
You will also see lava rocks around portions of the coastline, especially toward the rocky areas separating Big Beach from Little Beach.
Depending on the weather and season, you may see seabirds, marine life, coral reefs offshore, and whales in the distance during Hawaii’s winter whale season.
The contrast between the bright sand, blue coastal waters, volcanic landscape, and green vegetation makes this one of the most scenic photo spots in South Maui.
What to Bring & Wear
Big Beach is a relatively straightforward beach destination, but coming prepared will make your visit much more comfortable.
Bring:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Plenty of fresh water
- Beach shoes or sturdy sandals
- Camera or phone
- Snacks
- Beach umbrella or other shade
- Beach bag
- Boogie board, if appropriate for current conditions and your experience level
Water is particularly important. There is no drinking water available at Makena State Park, so bring enough fresh water for everyone in your group.
You should also remember that a beach that looks perfect for swimming may have completely different conditions once you reach the water’s edge. Check the surf before getting in.
Where to Go
Getting to Big Beach is relatively easy if you are exploring South Maui.
From Kihei or Wailea, follow the road south toward Makena. You will eventually transition onto Makena Alanui Road, which continues toward Makena State Park.
If you are navigating from Wailea, you may begin on roads such as Wailea Alanui Drive or Wailea Ike Drive before continuing south toward Makena.
Watch for signs for Makena State Park and the Big Beach parking areas. There are multiple parking areas in the park, so pay attention to signs rather than assuming the first parking lot you encounter is the only entrance.
The 2nd entrance and different parking areas can provide access to different portions of the park. The official state park information and current signage should take priority over older directions you may find online.
The 2nd entrance and different parking areas can provide access to different portions of the park. The official state park information and current signage should take priority over older directions you may find online.
Big Beach is the main beach area, while Little Beach is located farther along the coastline beyond Puʻu Olaʻi. Oneuli, also known as Black Sand Beach, is another beach area within Makena State Park. The state park currently lists separate operating hours for the Puʻu Olaʻi/Little Beach area.
If you are planning a longer South Maui drive, you can continue beyond Makena toward destinations such as La Perouse Bay and the ʻAhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve.
Just remember that roads and access farther south become increasingly remote. This is one reason we like visiting Big Beach as part of a larger South Maui adventure rather than rushing through the area.
How Long Does it Take?
You can spend as little as 30 minutes to an hour at Big Beach if you simply want to see the beach, walk down to the water’s edge, and take some photographs.
If you want to relax on the sand, walk along the shoreline, enjoy the scenery, and take your time, plan on two to three hours.
For us, Big Beach works particularly well as part of a larger South Maui itinerary. You don’t necessarily need to dedicate an entire day to the beach unless you want a full beach day.
That flexibility is one of the things we love about adding stops like this to a Maui road trip.
Cost
Mākena State Park currently charges non-Hawaii residents $5 per person for entrance, with children age 3 and under free. Non-Hawaii residents also pay $10 per non-commercial vehicle for parking. Hawaii residents with valid Hawaii identification or a Hawaii driver’s license can enter and park for free.
Parking is paid through the park’s current payment system, including kiosks or the online payment option identified by the state park.
The current posted hours for Oneloa (Big Beach) and Oneuli (Black Sand Beach) are 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, with extended closing hours of 7:45 p.m. during May, June, and July. Puʻu Olaʻi/Little Beach currently has different weekend hours.
Because park fees, hours, parking arrangements, and access can change, always check the official state park information before your visit.
Tips for Oneloa (Big Beach)
- Check the water conditions before swimming. The shorebreak at Big Beach can be extremely powerful and dangerous.
- Don't assume calm-looking water is safe. Strong currents, rip tides, high surf, and large waves can make conditions hazardous.
- Go early if you want a quieter experience. Morning is a great time to enjoy the beach.
- Bring your own fresh water. There is no drinking water available in the park.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen. The wide-open beach provides limited natural shade.
- Bring sturdy sandals or beach shoes for hot sand and areas with lava rocks.
- Don't plan on boogie boarding simply because you see other people doing it. Ocean conditions and your own experience should determine whether entering the water is appropriate.
- Give yourself time to explore. Big Beach is worth more than a quick photograph from the parking lot.
- Explore the north end of Big Beach as well as the southern end of the beach if conditions and your schedule allow.
- Look toward Puʻu Olaʻi for one of the area's most recognizable volcanic landmarks.
- Combine Big Beach with other South Maui attractions to make the most of your drive.
- Check current park information before visiting. Hours, fees, closures, parking, and access can change.
- Respect archaeological and cultural resources. Stay on established paths and follow posted park rules.
- Pack out what you bring in. Help keep this beautiful Maui beach clean.
- Don't forget your camera. The white sand, blue water, lava rocks, volcanic landscape, and Puʻu Olaʻi make an incredible combination.
- Don't count on food trucks. Food options can change, so bringing your own snacks and water is a smart idea rather than depending on a particular food truck being there.
- Don't expect resort-style amenities. Big Beach is a wildland beach park rather than a resort beach.
- Check facilities when you arrive. Portable toilets and other amenities can change, so don't assume facilities mentioned in an older travel guide are still available.
- Leave nude sunbathing and public nudity out of your plans. Little Beach has historically been associated with nude sunbathers, but visitors should follow current state park rules and posted regulations rather than assuming nudity is permitted. State Parks has specifically addressed nudity and other prohibited activities at Puʻu Olaʻi/Little Beach.