Makena Beach - Little Makena Beach - Maui

Makena Beach is accessible via a short road at mile marker 4 on Makena Alanui Road and another access just past mile marker 4 in South Maui. Big Beach is connected on the right by a small path over the hill and lava to Little Beach which is a favorite spot for nude sunbathers. We decided right then that we were coming back to Little Beach for our first anniversary. Makena Beach is the most incredible beach.

The locals call it "Breakneck Beach" because the shore pounding waves are used by Maui's top skim boarders. Keep this in mind and time your entry/exit precisely. It offers a left hand reef break off of the South side of the beach. This beach is beautiful and as perfect as can be. 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.

On any day of the week watch out for the mean shore break -- those crisp, aquamarine waves are responsible for more than one broken arm.

It is often referred to as THE beach on Maui. Often crowded on weekends, there is a second section of the beach connected by a path on the right. This smaller beach area is referred to as "Little Beach". The division between Big Beach and Little Beach was caused by a lava flow and earthquake in 1790. Clothing is unofficially optional. There is nude bathing. It's also a good spot for boogie boarding, body surfing, and wading. What makes this area different than the other's is that Makena has a nude beach. There are 2 beaches here.

Makena is part of the Kihei area. If you like ocean activities and golfing, Makena is where you want to be. Crowds are minimal compared to the beaches in Wailea and Kihei up the road. This is one of the world's best beaches, as you can see from the picture. If you are staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena and don't want to drive an hour to attend a luau in Lahaina or Kaanapali, you won't be disappointed. Local Condo club houses have really good Mai Thais and a full open bar, along with an outstanding buffet featuring Kalua pig cooked in a genuine underground imu, huli huli chicken, grilled fish, charbroiled steak, and a variety of salads and island delicacies.

Makena can be perfect for swimming when it's flat and placid, but it can also offer excellent body surfing when the waves come rolling in. Vistas of Molokini Crater and Kahoolawe can be seen off in the distance. High surf and strong currents may be present. Rock hazards are present. Diehl recorded the surf over several days at Makena Beach and later, in the studio, wrote and recorded music that he combined with the environmental recordings. The result is a mix of songs that will appeal to anyone who loves the beach, wants to relax, or practices meditation or yoga.

Maui Beach Vacation Recommendations

Who wants the most spectacular beach vacation in America? OK, close your eyes and dream of the base of the Waianae Mountain range. See the Pacific Ocean in the distance? You're barefoot in well manicured gardens. And this quiet area along with the spectacular mountain and ocean views makes this an ideal place to unwind.

Welcome to Maui.

But there's too much to do here. The beach is where we always start on a Maui Beach Vacation. Then there's the art and garden tours, hula lessons, lei making, and catamaran sailing - just some of the daily activities. And if you're in the mood to explore, Hana is hands down the best drive on the island and unique for small weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways.

But we're going too fast. Take it slow and enjoy the "buffet" of choices - then design your Maui Beach Vacation how you want it. Start at the nearby resort area of Kapalua. It has the top resorts in the United States and some of the most challenging golf courses in Hawaii.

This island has everything. There's a rugged area on West Maui's back end. Rental car agencies will tell you it's a supposed no-go-area for tourist due to the dangerous narrow and winding road. As you travel, don't miss the concession stand right off the beach, run by the Westin Maui Prince Resort. As you enjoy the beach in this area, you can rent all sorts of beach equipment. This beach is absolutely beautiful has incredible sand just asking to be walked in bare foot.

And did we mention this is a very cool family beach? We spent the day here and even took in a Maui Sunset. These resort areas are on the western, or leeward shore so, guess what - that's where a lot of the spectacular beaches are. On this special island surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and spectacular sunsets create a serenely gorgeous way of life.

We also drove to lush, green and meticulously manicured, Wailea. A premier resort area on Maui, with splendid weather, five heavenly beaches, clear water and outstanding views of Molokini and Kaho'olawe - who found this place? Breathtaking!

Wailea is the perfect destination for your Maui Beach Vacation in Hawaii. Many of the Maui condo accommodations are owner occupied or managed "by owner." What this means is that you can negotiate a great deal - especially in today's market - for a beach side vacation in Maui.