When I first moved to Maui, I lived on the south end of Kīhei and went to Big Beach all the time. Big Beach Maui is still my favorite beach in South Maui. I’m a sucker for a wide stretch of sand, and there’s enough room here to find your own little zone.
Some days I’d walk the beach and catch up with friends, watch Joe surf, or swim when the water was calm. Snacks and musubi’s were always part of the plan. I also loved walking up toward Little Beach for the lookout – it’s worth the short climb even if you don’t go any farther.
Big Beach deserves respect, though. I once swam here when the waves were rough, and getting back out took far more effort than I expected. I’ve also seen the shore break seriously injure visitors. It’s a beach I’ll always recommend, but whether I’d get in the water depends on the conditions.
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Big Beach Maui at a Glance
- 📍 Location: Oneloa (Big Beach), Mākena State Park, South Maui
- ⛱️ Best for: Beach walks, spreading out on the sand and scenic views
- 🏊♀️ Swimming: Only consider entering when conditions are calm; ask a lifeguard first
- 🅿️ Nonresident fees: $5 per person for entry, plus $10 per vehicle for parking
- ⏱️ Hours: 5 a.m.–7 p.m. daily; until 7:45 p.m. in May, June and July
- 🕶️ Bring: Drinking water, snacks and sun protection
Is Big Beach Maui Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Big Beach is my favorite South Maui beach for a long walk, an afternoon with friends, or simply hanging out with my toes in the sand. You can enjoy it without going in the ocean at all.
If swimming is your priority, check the conditions before you go and talk to a lifeguard when you arrive. On a rough day, I’d choose a calmer beach for swimming. If you’re deciding where to spend your beach days, I share more favorites in my guide to the best beaches on Maui.
Where Is Big Beach Maui?
Big Beach, also called Oneloa Beach, is in Mākena State Park on Maui’s south shore, beyond Wailea and Kīhei. Follow Mākena Alanui Road south and look for the park’s Big Beach entrances.
Big Beach Parking, Entrance Fees and Hours
Big Beach has multiple parking areas along Mākena Alanui Road. I usually parked at the third entrance when I lived in South Kīhei, but choose whichever area works best for your visit.
Makena State Park charges nonresidents $10 per vehicle for parking plus $5 per person for entry. Hawaiʻi residents can park and enter for free with a Hawaiʻi driver’s license or state ID. Children ages three and under enter free.
Big Beach is open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. In May, June and July, the posted closing time extends to 7:45 p.m. Check the official Mākena State Park page before your visit, since fees and hours can change.
You can pay for parking at a kiosk when you arrive or through the payment link on the official park page linked above. Since the entrances serve different parts of a long beach, note where you parked before you head down to the sand.
Facilities at Big Beach
Facilities at Big Beach Maui are basic. The park has portable toilets, but don’t count on a shower after your beach day. There’s also no drinking water, so bring more than you think you’ll need. Lifeguards are scheduled at Mākena State Park daily from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
What Is Big Beach Like?
Big Beach lives up to its name. Its wide stretch of sand gives you room to lay out a towel, take a long walk or talk with friends without feeling crowded.
Some of my favorite days here were the simplest ones: walking the beach, catching up with friends and family from the mainland, while Joe surfed.
On calm days, I’ve swum here and snorkeled near the rocks by the first entrance. When the surf is up, I’m just as happy to stay on the sand and watch the boogie boarders, surfers, and waves.
Can You Swim at Big Beach Maui?
You can swim at Big Beach when conditions are calm, but don’t assume it’s a swimming day because the water looks inviting. Waves can break powerfully right at the shoreline.
I learned that the hard way. I once went in when the waves were rough, and getting back out was a humbling experience. I’ve also seen visitors seriously injured in the shore break. Inexperienced swimmers should be extra cautious.
Big Beach can be a great place to bring kids for a beach day, but I’d only consider swimming with them when conditions are calm and a lifeguard says it’s appropriate. If the surf is up, ask the lifeguard which South Maui beach has better swimming conditions that day.
Big Beach vs. Little Beach
Little Beach sits beyond the rocky point at the north end of Big Beach. The walk up and over is short, and the lookout is one of my favorite views in this part of Maui. You can enjoy it without continuing down to Little Beach.
Little Beach has long had a clothing-optional reputation. When I lived on Maui, Sunday gatherings there included a drum circle. I went once—it was an experience, but not really my thing.
I wouldn’t plan a visit around the old sunset gathering now: the state park currently lists Little Beach as closing at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, earlier than Big Beach.
Can You Snorkel at Big Beach?
I’ve snorkeled near the rocks by the first entrance when the water was calm, but Big Beach wouldn’t be my first choice for a snorkeling day.
Even when the water looks clear, shore break can make getting in and out difficult. Check the conditions and ask a lifeguard before entering.
What to Bring to Big Beach
Bring a towel, sun protection, snacks and enough water for your visit. Makena State Park does not have drinking water available, so fill up before you leave.
I’d pack food rather than count on buying lunch at the beach. I’ve picked up fish tacos from JAWZ on the way in, but food truck availability can change.
If you plan to walk up to the Little Beach lookout or continue south afterward, bring footwear you’ll be comfortable walking in.
🏖️ For a full packing list, read my guide on what to bring to the beach so you have everything you need for a day on the sand.
Things to Do Near Big Beach
If you have more time, continue south to Lā Pérouse Bay. It’s a beautiful drive, though the road gets narrow, so take your time.
The Hoapili Trail begins there and is a lovely place to walk along the coast. You don’t need to hike the entire trail to enjoy it. I’ve seen goats along the way, and it can get very windy.
You can also pair Big Beach with time in Wailea or Kīhei. My guides to things to do in Wailea and things to do in Kīhei have more ideas for a full South Maui day.
For a meal after the beach, check out my guides to Kihei restaurants and Wailea restaurants for nearby places to eat.
When to Visit Big Beach
My favorite Big Beach days are the calm ones, when I can enjoy the shoreline and still have time to walk up to the Little Beach lookout. If the surf is up, I think the beach is worth visiting for the scenery, but I’d keep my plans on land.
Check the surf and beach warnings before you drive down. If swimming is the main reason for your visit, have another South Maui beach in mind as a backup.
Planning the rest of your trip? My guide to the best time to visit Maui covers what to expect throughout the year, from weather and crowds to whale season.
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Final Thoughts on Big Beach Maui
Big Beach will always be special to me. I spent so many days here when I lived in Kīhei, and I still love walking onto that huge stretch of sand with nowhere else I need to be.
Come for the beach walk, the lookout and the chance to slow down for a few hours. Let the conditions decide whether you swim.
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