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Makena Beach

South of Wailea, Maui, HI
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Ranked #14 of 206 attractions in Maui
Type: Beaches
Activities: Sunbathing, Snorkeling
103 visitor photos
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160 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Texas
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

We went to just check out Big Beach, but we ended up coming right back and staying for a long while. There was so much to watch. The beach is long and wide and beautiful! True, the break is pretty rough, so we didn't spend too much time in the water, although we both tried out boogie boarding, but we... More

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Boulder, Colorado
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

If you have children, are a first time snorkeler or just want safe, calm and AMAZINGLY beautiful, this is the beach for you! The nice inlet makes for low wave action, but if you are a decent swimmer you can swim out past the reef point and around the reef. On the calmer side (beach side) you will see a... More

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Washington DC, District of Columbia
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2013 via mobile

Big beach is an amazing beach, although it seems to be rough at times and the waves will pull you in. Water is very clear and once you make it in the waves don't seem to bother you anymore. The only drawback is that when it gets windy you will get blasted by what seems to be a sands storm.... More

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Maui
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2013

Dangerous shore break for swimmers, but if you're an experienced wave rider........ The skimboarding and bodyboarding are EPIC!!!! Here's a video my friend and I made of a skim session down there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy4BFT8w0Qc

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Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

If you are like me and don't want to be cramped with people everwhere, this beach is a must go. It has very nice sand beach and no rocks in the water. At times the locals can get a little pushy.

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El Dorado Hills, Ca
Top Contributor
78 reviews 78 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2013

Great beach. One that you would probably think of if you had never been to the island before. Long, wide and just beautiful. Can't think of one negative thing to say about it. Oh, wait. I can. it's not on the north west side of the island. Really though, if you want to see what a really killer Hawaiian beach... More

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Saratoga Springs, New York
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5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2013

The beach sits behind the Makena hotel and was small, but quiet. No lifeguard on duty. We saw sea turtles and whales during our last day here. Overlooks Molikini island with some glorious sunsets here.

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Montreal, Canada
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2013

One of my favorite beach across the world. It is the best beach in Maui for sure. Makena Beach is also named Big Beach which is right beside Little Beach. They share the same parking lot and mots of the time have a small van that offers drinks and snacks. Big beach is picturesque and spacious some tons of room... More

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Bellingham, Washington
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 12, 2013

We spent a great afternoon here. Swimming, relaxing in the shade (it is possible to find shaded areas although most people are in the sun) and watching the surf. Lifeguards are present and keep the crowds updated on conditions as needed. The day we were there, the waves were fun but not overly strong. It is a beautiful, sandy beach... More

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Scottsdale, Arizona
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 7, 2013

First off I must say that Makena is as picturesque as a Maui postcard! There is some great swimming, walking and hiking. There's even a nude beach if you walk North past the shore and up a steep incline. My experience there was incredible! My run in with a Coconut sharks only put a slight damper on my memory of... More

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