Big Beach

Drive south from Kīhei along Mākena Alanui Road — the beach is roughly 15 minutes from town. The state park has two dedicated parking lots plus overflow space along the road; arrive early on weekends or you'll be circling. Parking costs $10 per vehicle for non-residents (free for Hawaii residents with valid ID). Entry to the park itself is $5 per person for non-residents, waived for Hawaii residents and children aged three and under. Park hours run from sunrise to sunset.

The short scramble over the lava headland at the north end of the beach leads to Little Beach (Pu'u Ōla'i Beach), a clothing-optional cove just 0.3km away — worth knowing before you wander over with children. The Pu'u Ōla'i cinder cone itself is hikeable and rewards the climb with panoramic views of the Mākena coastline. Further afield, Molokini Crater — a partially submerged volcanic marine preserve about 8km out — is reachable by snorkel and dive tours departing from Mā'alaea, and Turtle Town sits roughly 5.3km away for those chasing sea turtles.

There's nothing to eat at the beach itself, so plan accordingly. The closest dining options are around 5–6km back toward Wailea: DUO and Spago both sit about 5.4km away, Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante is 5.5km, and Bistro Molokini is 5.8km. Tommy Bahama is a short drive further at 6.1km if you want something more casual after a long beach day.

The nearest hotels cluster around 8km north in the Kīhei area — Best Western Maui, Days Inn Maui Oceanfront, and Hotel Maui are all within that range. None of these are luxury resorts, but they put you close enough to reach the beach early, which matters when parking fills fast. Kahului International Airport (OGG) is about 29.5km away if you're planning arrival logistics.

The Pu'u Ōla'i cinder cone makes a striking natural backdrop — shoot from the south end of the beach in the late afternoon when the red cone catches warm light against the turquoise water. Sunset from the waterline, with the golden sand reflecting the last light, is the shot most visitors come for — arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim your position before it gets busy.

Do not enter the water without understanding what you're walking into — the shore break here causes statistically significant injuries every year. Do not turn your back on the waves, do not dive into shallow breaking surf, and be aware that rip currents are present. Summer south swells (June, July, August) amplify the danger significantly — skip swimming entirely those months. On the rules side: no alcohol, no glass containers, no fires, and no camping without a permit. Jellyfish and sharp coral add further reason to stay alert in the water. Bring everything you need — there are zero commercial facilities on the beach.