Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- https://www.virginiabeach.com/
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
About This Beach
Makena Beach — often called Big Beach — is one of Maui’s most stunning and unspoiled beaches, known for its vast golden shoreline, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise waters. Stretching nearly 1.5 miles long and over 100 feet wide, it’s one of the largest beaches on the island, offering breathtaking scenery and a sense of wild Hawaiian beauty that feels worlds away from the resort crowds of Wailea.
Located within Makena State Park, Big Beach is ideal for sunbathing, photography, and enjoying the raw power of nature. While swimming can be enjoyable on calm days, the shore break can be strong, making it better suited for confident swimmers and those looking to witness Maui’s natural splendor in its purest form.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Cultural Significance: “Makena” means “abundance” or “many gathered” in Hawaiian, referencing the area’s ancient role as a fishing and gathering place.
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Unspoiled Landscape: No large hotels or development — just sand, lava rock, and ocean.
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Two Beaches in One: A short trail over the rocky outcrop at the north end leads to Little Beach, a smaller cove known for its Sunday drum circles and sunset gatherings.
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Powerful Shore Break: Waves can be large, creating thrilling visuals and a favorite spot for local skimboarders and bodyboarders.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning (8:00–11:00 AM): Calmer waves and fewer crowds.
Afternoon: Stronger winds and shore breaks — better for experienced swimmers or spectators.
Year-Round: Consistently warm and sunny (Makena is one of Maui’s driest areas).
Sunset: The cliffs provide stunning sunset views and photo ops.
Afternoon: Stronger winds and shore breaks — better for experienced swimmers or spectators.
Year-Round: Consistently warm and sunny (Makena is one of Maui’s driest areas).
Sunset: The cliffs provide stunning sunset views and photo ops.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Sunbathing & Relaxing: Expansive golden sand with incredible ocean views and plenty of space to spread out.
- Photography: Capture Maui’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Swimming (Caution): Calm days are great for a dip, but always watch for strong shore breaks.
- Bodyboarding & Skimboarding: Popular with locals due to the powerful waves.
- Hiking to Little Beach: Short path over Puʻu Olaʻi hill for panoramic views and a more secluded vibe.
- Picnicking: Bring your own food and drinks — no concessions inside the park.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards on duty (main beach only)
- Portable restrooms available
- Picnic tables and shaded areas
- Parking lots near both northern and southern entrances
- No food vendors or shops directly on-site — bring supplies
- Beach gear rentals available in nearby Wailea or Kihei
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lifeguards: Typically 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Little Beach Access: Open via footpath during daylight hours
Lifeguards: Typically 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Little Beach Access: Open via footpath during daylight hours
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: Free (state park lots)
No Rentals or Food: Bring your own gear, snacks, and water
Parking: Free (state park lots)
No Rentals or Food: Bring your own gear, snacks, and water
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Nearest Food Options: Available in Wailea (10 minutes north).
Wailea Beach Resort & Shops: Restaurants and cafés nearby for dining before or after your visit.
Tip: Bring a cooler, plenty of water, and snacks — there are no vendors at Makena Beach.
Wailea Beach Resort & Shops: Restaurants and cafés nearby for dining before or after your visit.
Tip: Bring a cooler, plenty of water, and snacks — there are no vendors at Makena Beach.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Sunday Drum Circle (Little Beach): A local tradition featuring live drumming, fire dancing, and sunset gatherings (unofficial, but well-known).
Photography Tours: Many local guides offer photo tours of Makena’s cliffs and lava rock formations.
Cultural Significance: Often used for traditional Hawaiian ceremonies due to its natural, untouched beauty.
Photography Tours: Many local guides offer photo tours of Makena’s cliffs and lava rock formations.
Cultural Significance: Often used for traditional Hawaiian ceremonies due to its natural, untouched beauty.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Location
Beach Address
96 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Access Points
Makena State Park (Big Beach)
6600 Makena Alanui Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Located about 10 minutes south of Wailea and 40 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG)
Easy paved access from Makena Alanui Road
Two main parking areas with direct beach access (north and south ends)
Overflow parking along the main road when lots are full
6600 Makena Alanui Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Located about 10 minutes south of Wailea and 40 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG)
Easy paved access from Makena Alanui Road
Two main parking areas with direct beach access (north and south ends)
Overflow parking along the main road when lots are full
96 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
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