Makena State Park - United States
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About Makena State Park
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Best time to visit Makena State Park
April through early June and September through October offer the best balance of warm, dry weather, calmer surf, and smaller crowds at Makena. Winter months bring larger shorebreak at Big Beach, which is known for powerful waves that can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers. Summer is hot and dry with peak visitation, so early morning arrivals help secure parking. Whale-watching from shore is strongest from mid-December through March.
Cooler and slightly wetter. Larger winter shorebreak at Big Beach.
Prime whale-watching from shore.
Trade winds strengthen.
Shoulder season with mild conditions.
Dry and pleasant.
Peak season begins, arrive early for parking.
Hot, dry, and crowded.
Peak summer visitation.
Warm with fewer crowds after Labor Day.
Good shoulder-season conditions.
Occasional passing showers.
Winter swells can create hazardous shorebreak.
Things to do at Makena State Park
- Oneloa (Big Beach) EasyRV parking available
Big Beach is a roughly two-thirds-mile stretch of golden sand and turquoise water, the signature feature of Makena State Park. Swimming and bodysurfing are popular, but the shorebreak can be powerful and lifeguards post daily conditions. Paved parking lots near the main entrance accommodate passenger vehicles and smaller RVs.
- Pu'u Olai Cinder Cone Hike ModerateRV parking available
A short but steep climb over the Pu'u Olai cinder cone links Big Beach to Little Beach and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the south Maui coast. The trail is rocky and exposed, so good footwear and sun protection are essential. Expect about 15 to 20 minutes each way.
- Snorkeling at Makena Landing area Easy
Just north of the state park, Makena Landing and Maluaka Beach offer calmer water and reef snorkeling often called Turtle Town for its resident green sea turtles. Conditions are best on calm mornings before trade winds pick up. Roadside and lot parking are available nearby.
- Whale Watching from Shore EasyRV parking available
From roughly mid-December through March, humpback whales are frequently visible from the bluffs and beaches at Makena. Pu'u Olai and the south end of Big Beach offer elevated vantage points. Binoculars help spot breaches across the Alalakeiki Channel toward Kaho'olawe and Molokini.
- La Perouse Bay and the Hoapili Trail Strenuous
A few miles south of Makena, the road ends at La Perouse Bay within the 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, where the ancient Hoapili (King's Trail) crosses raw lava fields to remote coves. The terrain is sharp lava rock and fully exposed, so sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection are required. Larger RVs should park before the narrow final stretch.
- Little Beach (Pu'u Olai Beach) Moderate
Little Beach is a small cove north of Pu'u Olai, reached only by climbing over the cinder cone from Big Beach. The water is often calmer than Big Beach, making it popular for swimming and sunset gatherings. Access requires the short moderate hike and there is no direct vehicle access.
- Picnicking and Sunset Viewing EasyRV parking available
Makena is one of the best sunset spots on Maui, with unobstructed western views over the channel toward Lana'i and Kaho'olawe. Shaded kiawe groves behind Big Beach offer informal picnic areas. Pack out all trash as facilities are minimal.
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RV Rentals Makena State Park
Makena State Park, HI, United States
How to get to Makena State Park
Makena State Park sits at the south end of Makena Alanui Road, roughly 5 miles south of Wailea and about 20 miles (40 to 50 minutes) from Kahului Airport (OGG), the main fly-and-rent hub for Maui. From Lahaina, plan on 30 to 35 miles and about 1 hour depending on traffic through Kihei. The approach road is paved and RV-friendly, but it narrows past the park toward La Perouse Bay and is not suitable for larger rigs beyond the main lots. There are no tunnels or mountain passes on the route, though drivers should watch for tight turns, pedestrians, and limited shoulders near the beach entrances.
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