We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Maui?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Maui each week.

Explore other Maui resources:

Makena Beach: Traveler Reviews


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars 27 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
20
4.0 of 5 stars
2
3.0 of 5 stars
3
2.0 of 5 stars
1
1.0 of 5 stars
1
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #7 of 251 attractions in Maui
Show Attraction DetailsHide Attraction Details
Activities: sunbathing, snorkeling
Attraction type: Beach
Address: South of Wailea, Maui, HI

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
“Little Beach is the Best Beach on Maui”

Makena Beach

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
California
Jun 1, 2006
32/34 found this review helpful

Little Beach is definitely one of the best beaches on Maui. It has our vote as the best beach on Maui. It is located next to Big Beach in Makena. But Little Beach is really a much better beach for swimming and snorkeling than Big Beach. Little Beach is about 100 yard long and is on a cove between the lava rocks. Yes, many people do sunbathe in the nude on this beach. If you’ve ever though about trying it, this a great place to do it. Probably about 60 percent go nude and 40 percent with swimsuits. So if you do prefer to remain in your swimsuit, it is fine. Seems to be a wide variety of people there. Some locals and vacationers from all over the world. Families are also welcome here and seem to show up for the great swimming and snorkeling. It’s worth a walk out there even if you don’t stay at the beach. There’s a trail that run right behind Little Beach and then goes on out past the beach a ways. There are some really great views of Molokini Crater and the island of Kahoolawe.

The Big Beach and Little Beach area is definitely a must see place for anyone visiting Maui. It’s fairly easy to get to. You should be able to locate Makena and Big Beach on most maps of Maui. It’s located just south of the Kihei/Wailea area in South Maui. To get there, take the main road through Wailea south. The last hotel you will pass on the main road through Wailea is the Maui Prince. Go about one mile past the Maui Prince hotel and you will come to the entrance to Big Beach at Makena. Turn right into the parking lot. Walk out towards the beach and you will come to Big Beach. Walk up Big Beach to the right for about 200 yards and you will come to some lava rocks. Take the short trail up through the lava rocks and then down the other side to Little Beach.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Makena Grill - A Must Stop!”

Makena Beach

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Massachusetts
Apr 7, 2006
6/6 found this review helpful

Each one of my recent three trips to Maui included a "must stop" to the best roadside stand on the island, the Makena Grill. The kabob sandwiches are fresh and delicious! Don't miss this! It's worth the trip!

- Rick from Massachusetts

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Little beach still the same-good and bad”

Makena Beach

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
drrer 16 contributions
Seattle, Wa
Mar 3, 2006
20/21 found this review helpful

Spent several days in January at Little Makenna beach. Not much changes there. You have your regulars/locals, (that we have come to know because of our frequent visits) and the tourists. Most take their suits off and enjoy the beach, some of the ladies just go topless, and some (locals natives) come to gawk and unfortuneatly sometimes cause trouble. But most don't pay attention to the gawkers and just let it all hang out.

On the poitive side. You can meet some very nice people there and what a beautiful beach to shed your clothes and inhabitions.

Negative. There are no lifeguards or police there. I have seen fights break out (normally started by the local natives) that resulted in people getting hurt. Normally the regulars try and break this sort of thing up, but anarchy is the norm on this beach. This sort of thing can really put a damper on the day. Also, there is the famous Makenna cloud that forms in the morning right over the beach and can keep it cloudy for most of the day. Beware, that marijuana smoking is pretty common there so it that sort of thing bothers you, probably should stay away.

Advise, Come early before the crowds and the clouds

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Little Beach - Groovy”

Makena Beach

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Illy1108 62 contributions
Brooklyn, New York
Feb 21, 2006
10/10 found this review helpful

Beautiful little beach at the far right side of Big Beach. Have to climb up rocks and a hill to get to but do-able. As other reviewers have posted, most are wearing several shades of nude. Very 60's hippy style hang out. Seemed to have a gay and straight side, which I have noticed at nude beaches before. People of all ages, races, sizes and color. Cool drum circle on Sunday at sunset. Did note a slight scent of pakalolo...but nothing heavy. Some characters on the beach, I can see why you would have to watch your belongings. Great trick boogie boarders.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Nude is right”

Makena Beach

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Los Angeles, CA
Feb 2, 2006
6/10 found this review helpful

We loved it and jumped right in. Met new friends from red sand beach there on a fluke.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Hana Highway
4 of 5 stars 227 Reviews
Location: Maui, HI
Price not available
No photo provided
Haleakala Crater
4.5 of 5 stars 112 Reviews
Location: Haleakala National Park, Maui
Price not available
No photo provided
Trilogy Excursions
4.5 of 5 stars 135 Reviews
Location: Lahaina, Maui
Price not available
All Things to Do in Lahaina | All Things to Do in Maui | All Things to Do in Haleakala National Park
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Makena Beach? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Makena Beach: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Makena Beach Address

South of Wailea, Maui, HI