Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
closest parking spot will be at First Entrance. Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle, as
car break-ins have been known to be a problem. There are no showers at Big Beach. The
nearest place to wash off the sand is at Maluaka Beach a half a mile to the north.
Oneuli Beach
Sparsely visited
Oneuli Beach
is also part of Makena State Park, although it's nowhere
near as scenic as neighboring Big or Little Beach. Although it is often referred to as the
“black sand beach,” the sand is more of a dark brown and nowhere near the deep black of
the sand at Wai'anapanapa Beach on the outskirts of Hana. This beach sits at the base of
Pu'u Olai, the volcanic red hill towering over Makena, and there is good snorkeling off the
left side of the beach on the calmest of days. This spot is popular with locals and a good
place to get away from it all. Despite the novelty factor of visiting the “black sand beach,”
there are better beaches in the area. To reach Oneuli Beach, make a right turn off Makena
Alanui Road 0.2 mile past the turnoff for Maluaka Beach and 0.2 mile before the first en-
trance to Big Beach. The entrance road is dirt and poorly paved. Cars with a low clearance
might have a tough time.
Pa'ako Beach (Secret Cove)
If you want to go back home and tell your friends you found the “secret beach” on Maui,
then take the time to sniff out this gem. The problem, however, is that even though this
is called
Secret Cove,
the tiny inlet of sand is anything but a secret. Weddings take place
here on a daily basis, and the chances of having it all to yourself are slim. To access this
beach, you need to walk through a hole in a lava rock wall just south of the Third Entrance
for Big Beach. You need to pay attention to find the tiny opening. As you climb up and
over a little hill where Big Beach ends, you will notice a lava rock wall running along the
right side of the road. You will also notice raised speed tables on the road itself. Next to the
second speed table you will see a blue Beach Access sign and a shoulder-width opening
in the lava rock wall. If you're not sure if you're at the right spot, a telephone pole on the
other side of the street has the code “E2 3” written on it. Parking is only along the ocean
side of the road, but on many occasions (due to the popularity of the “secret” beach), it's
easier to just park at the Third Entrance for Big Beach and walk the rest of the way.
Keawanaku Beach
Break out your hiking boots and set off for
Keawanaku Beach.
Even most locals have
never heard of this beach, and on most days you're guaranteed to be the only person there.
Reaching Keawanaku isn't easy; you're going to have to hike over some rugged terrain.
