Hawaii, United States of America

Makena

Makena Beach, also known as Maui's Big Beach, is located on the Maui island in Hawaii. The beach spans 2.5 km in length and is 30 m wide, featuring golden sand and clear green/blue water. It is protected from the winds by two black lava outcroppings, and its isolated location often results in less crowds and a quieter atmosphere compared to other Maui beaches. Visitors can enjoy views of the nearby islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe from Makena Beach.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that the beach has amazing sand, clear and warm water, and plenty of space to set up camp, however, waves can get quite large and turn into "surfer waves". Visitors also complained that parking is paid and limited, and there are no showers available.

Where to Stay near Makena?

Visitors to Makena often stay in nearby Wailea, known for its luxury resorts and proximity to Makena Beach, allowing easy access to the serene beach environment. Some travelers also opt for accommodations in Kihei, which offers a range of lodging options and is a short drive from Makena, making it convenient for those planning to explore the broader Maui region.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Find the best nearby activities

What to do near Makena?

Where is Makena?

Latitude: 20.6316217 / Longitude: -156.4447925

Makena is located in Hawaii. The following map of Makena shows the exact location.

Makena: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Today is shaping up to be a pretty good beach day at Makena! The sun will be strong, so make sure to apply sunscreen; the UV index will reach a value of 9. Expect a fair amount of clouds in the sky. The air temperature will be around 30.4 °C. The sea temperature is a balmy 27.6 °C, ideal for swimming, though the waves are a bit choppy at 1.3 m. The wind will be moderate.
🌬️

Air

Low / High26.4°C/30.4°C
Feels Like (High)36.3°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature27.6 °C
Wave Height1.3 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance3%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:06/18:52
Sunshine Hours12.0 hrs
UV Index9.1
Cloud Cover39%
💨

Wind

Speed13.7 km/h
Gusts22 km/h
DirectionN

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