Big Beach (Oneloa or Makena)

Located within the Kihei Region on Maui

Guide Snapshot

Dangerous shore break can cause serious injury.

Visit plan
Plan a shoreline visit
Ocean safety
Follow posted warnings and lifeguard advice
Facilities
Confirm available facilities before your visit.
Drinking water
Bring drinking water; the park has none available.
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Oneloa or Makena Beach

Maui Beaches

Big Beach, also called Oneloa, is part of Mākena State Park in South Maui.

Plan a shoreline visit

Plan a shoreline visit at Big Beach. Dangerous shore break can cause serious injury. Ask lifeguards about current hazards, obey warning signs and stay out when unsure.

If you visit Big Beach at Mākena, make it a shoreline visit rather than a default swim or bodysurfing stop: the state park warns that shore break can be very dangerous. Follow current signs and lifeguard advice.

Getting There- Big Beach (Oneloa and Makena Beach)

Follow signed public beach access and posted parking instructions at Mākena State Park. Check current park notices before leaving your lodging, and keep driveways and road shoulders clear.

Makena State Parking Fees

Non-resident non-commercial vehicles cost $10 to park, plus $5 entry per non-resident visitor; children ages 3 and under enter free. Hawaiʻi residents with a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license or state ID enter and park free. Pay at the park’s parking kiosks or through the payment link on the DLNR park page. Check current fees and posted access instructions before visiting.

For current fees, hours and access notices, check the DLNR Mākena State Park page before your visit.

Facilities and what to bring

Bring drinking water; the park has none available. Do not count on rinse showers. DLNR described showers and permanent restrooms as proposed improvements in May 2026, replacing portable toilets. Confirm available facilities before your visit.

The May 2026 DLNR facilities proposal described future improvements; it is not confirmation that new showers or restrooms are available.

Keep the beach visit on your terms

Keep children within reach near the water and stay well back from breaking waves. Ask lifeguards about current hazards, obey warning signs and stay out when unsure. A scenic beach visit does not need to include swimming, snorkeling or bodyboarding.

Review Hawaii Ocean Safety guidance, and choose activities that fit your ability and current conditions.

Compare nearby beach plans

Compare each destination’s current access and ocean conditions before choosing another beach. Do not assume that nearby water will be calmer.

2026 Fees & Reservations

Non-residents: $5 per person (ages 4+) + $10 per vehicle. Residents free with valid Hawaii ID.

Planning your trip? Hawaii has introduced new visitor fees and reservation requirements for popular attractions, beaches, and state parks. It pays to plan ahead — some sites require advance reservations or turn away visitors who arrive without paying.

Our Other Maui Suggestions

The Valley Isle is brimming with beautiful beaches, places to visit, and activities for the entire family. Check out just a few of the highlights here. 

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Big Beach (Oneloa or Makena) Reviews

Guidereview:
A (based on 516 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 20.63459031
Longitude: -156.4464943

Ocean safety
Follow posted warnings and lifeguard advice
Facilities
Confirm available facilities before your visit.
Activities
A shoreline visit without entering the water
Big Beach (Oneloa or Makena) Photo Gallery
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