Steal Away To The Largest Undeveloped Beach In Hawaii For An Experience Like No Other
By Megan Shute|Published August 04, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline — putting the island state behind Alaska, Florida, and California when it comes to coastline length. From the black sand beaches on the Big Island and Maui’s magnificent red sand beaches to pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters on Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country, and this massive, undeveloped stretch of sand is one of our favorites.
Nestled on the southwestern coast of Maui within Makena State Park is one of the largest, undeveloped beaches on the island. This is Makena Beach, and it is an absolute dream.
Nestled between two black lava outcroppings, Makena offers protection from the trade winds, and is easily one of the most well-known beaches on the island.
South of Pu’u Olai is Big Beach, a magnificent stretch of sand that measures in at two-thirds of a mile long and 100 feet wide. Big Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island, and, due to its sheer length, hardly ever feels crowded.
Little Beach, on the other hand, is often packed in comparison. Nestled on the northern side of Pu’u Olai, this beach measures in at a mere 660 feet. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in ethereal beauty. We should warn you, however, that though it is technically illegal, Little Beach is the most famous nude beach on Maui.
Also known as "breakneck beach," the shorebreak at Makena can be quite dangerous — especially if you aren’t used to swimming at Hawaii beaches. If you’re an experienced bodyboarder, however, Makena is pure paradise. Even if the waves are too massive to swim, Makena is worth a visit alone based on sightseeing standards.
And if Makena’s natural beauty isn’t quite doing it for you, you will also find outstanding views of the neighboring islands of Kaho’olawe and Molokini from shore.
Oh, and did we mention that the sunsets seen from Makena Beach are truly second-to-none? You’ll regret not sticking around as the sun slips into the horizon.
With ample parking, lifeguards on duty, plenty of picnic tables, and food trucks nearby, Makena Beach absolutely deserves a spot on your Hawaii beach bucket list if you haven’t visited yet.
Makena Beach State Park is located at 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753. Have you visited Makena Beach yet? If so, would you agree that it’s one of your favorite Hawaii beaches? What other beaches would you recommend? Perhaps one of these 22 epic stretches of sand?
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