Introduction
Makena Landing (Makena Landing Park) Park is a serene and lovely location in Maui that offers breathtaking vistas, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities like kayaking, whale watching, and snorkeling. The beach at Makena Landing has hard-packed sand with lava rock formations on either side of the small bay here. When the rollers are not crashing on shore too violently, it is a great place to snorkel with a good sandy entry.
The beach at Makena Landing (Makena Landing Park) has hard-packed sand with lava rock formations on either side of the small bay here. When the rollers are not crashing on shore too violently, it is a great place to snorkel with a good sandy entry. There are numerous green sea turtles foraging along the shoreline where you can swim amongst them. It is a very picturesque part of the coastline where the cinder cone Puu Olai fills the far end of this stretch of beaches. There is a Black Sand beach near the foot of Puu Olai and a trail up the 350-foot cinder cone with views of Little and Big Beaches.
Do you have to pay to park at Big Beach Maui?
This is one beautiful (and big) beach. There are two parking lots that now charge $11, but there are a few short trails to the beach at the southern end where you can park for free along the road. The water is clear. It often has some of the largest surf in South Maui and is popular with boogie boarders.
Snorkeling and Surfing
Makena Landing (Makena Landing Park) is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities. The crystal-clear waters and rocky outcrops make it an ideal location for snorkelers to observe an array of colorful fish and marine life.
This is the “Turtle Town” spot that many boats visit, and you might even see a boat or two stop by while you’re there. For the best snorkeling here, swim along the rocky outcropping to the north.
Makena Landing (Makena Landing Park) features a rocky shoreline with tide pools and lava rock formations. These rocky areas provide a unique opportunity for exploration and observation of marine life in the tide pools, even for non-snorkelers.
On calm mornings, stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore Makena Landing and the surrounding area. However, be aware that the wind can pick up strongly and quickly from late morning through the day, so the earlier you go out, the better.
Makena Landing Beach Guide Overview
A small (Makena Landing Park) park with good facilities and easy access to snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Makena Landing
Makena (Makena Landing Park) Landing is a beautiful coastal area that is popular with water explorers located in South Maui. While it’s not a traditional beach for hanging out on, Makena Landing offers a picturesque rocky shoreline, clear waters, and excellent opportunities for various water activities.
Makena Landing (Makena Landing Park) MapDirections and Distance from Auntie Snorkel
Makena Landing is situated in the Makena area, just south of Wailea in South Maui. It is approximately 15 minutes south from Auntie Snorkel Kihei.
Parking and Access
As you head south on Makena Road, the houses come to an end, and you see a parking lot on the right. Turn there and park.Access to the beach is just a short, easy walk from the parking lot, towards the restrooms and showers.
Facilities and Amenities
The area is relatively undeveloped, and there are limited amenities aside from restrooms and showers, so visitors should come prepared with their own supplies, including food and drinks.There is no lifeguard at this location.
Wide view of Makena Landing
Bring all the ocean exploration gear to Makena Landing
What to Bring
Bring your water exploration (Makena Landing Park) kit! Auntie recommends snorkeling gear, a GoPro, floatation, and even a paddle board to maximize your viewing potential.Snorkeling at Makena Landing. Going snorkeling at Makena Landing.
Snorkeling and Surfing
Makena Landing is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities. The crystal-clear waters and rocky outcrops make it an ideal location for snorkelers to observe an array of colorful fish and marine life.
This is the “Turtle Town” spot that many boats visit, and you might even see a boat or two stop by while you’re there. For the best snorkeling here, swim along the rocky outcropping to the north.
Makena (Makena Landing Park) Landing features a rocky shoreline with tide pools and lava rock formations. These rocky areas provide a unique opportunity for exploration and observation of marine life in the tide pools, even for non-snorkelers.
On calm mornings, stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore Makena Landing and the surrounding area. However, be aware that the wind can pick up strongly and quickly from late morning through the day, so the earlier you go out, the better.
Environment and Seasonal Variation
Makena (Makena Landing Park) Landing is calm and beautiful most mornings year round. It is common for the wind to become strong and gusty in the middle of the day. So, this area is best early.
Summer south swells are most likely to bring waves and impede underwater viewing conditions, or even be dangerous. Winter will have more flat, calm water days.
It’s important for visitors to respect the local rules and regulations, including not touching or damaging the coral, not collecting or harassing marine life, and not disturbing the natural
Highlights
Maui’s southwestern coast (Makena Landing Park) unfolds as a haven of tranquil beauty, boasting pristine and secluded beaches like Big Beach (Oneloa), where golden sands meet the azure waters of the Pacific.
Adjacent to Big Beach, Little Beach (Puʻu Olai) offers a snorkeling paradise with vibrant coral reefs, creating an underwater kaleidoscope for marine enthusiasts.
The iconic Puʻu Olai, a dormant volcanic cone, not only adds geological allure but also holds cultural significance, once serving as a site for traditional Hawaiian rituals and ceremonies. Its slopes create a picturesque backdrop for those seeking sun, sea, and a touch of Maui’s rich history.
Conclusion
Makena Landing Park is a serene and lovely location in Maui that offers breathtaking vistas, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities like kayaking, whale watching, and snorkeling. It offers a more tranquil option to the island’s busier beaches because of its historical significance and calm ambiance. Makena Landing Park is a wonderful place to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty and calm, whether your interests are in exploring the water, taking in the landscape, or learning about the state’s cultural past.
FAQs
Is Makena a city?
Makena (Makena Landing Park) is a census-designated place in the extreme southwest of the island of Maui in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 196, up from 99 in 2010. Prior to 2010, the area was part of the Wailea-Makena census-designated place.
What is the Makena Beach nickname?
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Maui’s southwestern shores are home to many extraordinary beaches, including Mākena Beach, also known as “Big Beach” and considered one of the island’s best.
What side of Maui is Wailea?
Known for its five beautiful, crescent-shaped beaches and stellar golf courses, Wailea is a luxurious resort community in South Maui that spans 1,500 acres of land with staggering ocean views.
Is Maui water safe?
All areas of the public Lahaina Water System are pressurized, and water is present and safe for consumption.