Official named Makena Beach but referred to by islanders as Big Beach, this lovely sandy beach is almost 2/3 of a mile long and over 100 yards wide. 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. The hill dividing the beaches is called Pu'u Ola'i or Earthquake Hill.

South of the Wailea Resort area the road becomes narrower and you enter a more rural part of South Maui, the Makena area. Makena is the area where the developed area of South Maui meets the site of the most recent (1790) lava flow from Haleakala volcano.

Services and Amenities Include: sandy beach, portable toilets, picnic tables, paved parking lots, shady areas, hiking trails, good swimming, snorkeling, body boarding, nude sunbathers often frequent "Little Beach". Sunday is the busy day at Little Beach and there is a lot of activity as well as people. There is also tons of Aloe Vera growing under the short trees on the hill. A great score if you get to much sun. Little Beach isn’t for everyone, but if you aren’t bashful and want to banish those tan lines. This is the best spot in all of Hawaii.

Cautions: There is seasonal high surf, so be sure to monitor ocean conditions closely. Strong currents and surf possible. Obey all postings and warnings.

The beaches in this area of South Maui are less crowded, in many places wider, but no less excellent with great sun and swimming. You're likely to see many boogie boarders and surfers in this area. This is where many of the South Maui locals come to spend time in the sun.

Makena features two famous beaches, Big Beach and Little Beach. Big Beach, also known as Omeloa or Makena Beach is the largest beach in South Maui. It is worth a visit even if you're not planning on swimming. Little Beach is accessed by a small hike across the top of an outcrop from Pu'u 'Ola'i Crater. It is one of the most famous "clothing optional" beaches in Hawaii. While nude sunbathing is officially prohibited, enforcement is rare at Little Beach.

South of Big Beach you enter the 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve where the road meanders through the lava flow until it ends at La Perouse Bay. You won't find much of a beach at the end of the road, but it is well worth a visit especially if you've never been close to a lava flow.