Maui - Hawaii - page 643

Kahului, with a final stop at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. For Lahaina, pick up the Kihei
Villager 15 at Piʻilani Village, which travels to Maʻalaea Harbor. There, transfer to the
Lahaina Islander 20.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Makena
POP 99
Makena may be home to an oceanfront resort and a well-manicured golf course, but the
region still feels wild, like a territorial outpost that hasn't been tamed. It's also a perfect
setting for aquatic adventurers who want to escape the crowds, offering primo snorkel-
ing, kayaking and bodysurfing, plus pristine coral, reef sharks, dolphins and sea turtles
galore.
The beaches are magnificent. The king of them all, Big Beach, is an immense sweep
of glistening sand and a prime sunset-viewing locale. The secluded cove at neighboring
Little Beach is Maui's most popular nude beach - you will see bare buns. Together these
beaches form Makena State Park , but don't be misled by the term ʻpark,' as they remain
in a natural state, with no facilities except for a couple of pit toilets and picnic tables. No
one on Maui would have it otherwise.
Beaches
Beaches are listed from north to south.
Makena Bay BEACH
Paniolo used to herd cattle onto boats bound for Honolulu at this low-key bay, once a
busy port for livestock, pineapples and people. Today, there's no better place on Maui for
kayaking. And when seas are calm, snorkeling is good along the rocks at the south side
of Makena Landing MAP GOOGLE MAP , the boat launch that's the center of the ac-
tion. Makena Bay is also good for shore dives; divers should head to the north side of the
bay.
Kayakers should paddle south along the lava coastline to Maluʻaka Beach, where
green sea turtles abound. Kayak-rental companies deliver kayaks to Makena Landing -
you can either head off on your own or join a tour (there are no shops here). If there's an
extra kayak on the trailer, you might be able to arrange something on the spot, although
reservations are highly recommended.