Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maluʻaka Beach BEACH
Dubbed ʻTurtle Beach,' this golden swath of sand in front of the Makena Beach & Golf
Resort is popular with snorkelers and kayakers hoping to glimpse the green turtles that
feed along the coral here. These graceful beauties often swim within a few feet of
snorkelers. There's terrific coral about 100 yards out, and the best action is at the south
end of the beach.
Come on a calm day - this one kicks up with even a little wind and when it's choppy
you won't see anything. Parking lots, restrooms and showers are at both ends of the
beach. At the north side, park at the lot opposite Keawalaʻi Congregational Church then
walk along the road a short distance south. If the lot's full, take the first right after the re-
sort, where there's additional parking for about 60 cars.
Little Beach BEACH
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Ready to even out those tan lines? Also known as Puʻu Olaʻi Beach, this cozy strand is
South Maui's au naturel beach. Mind you, nudity is officially illegal, though enforce-
ment is at the political whim of the day.
The beach is hidden by a rocky outcrop that juts from Puʻu Olaʻi, the cinder hill that
marks the north end of Big Beach (below). Take the short trail over the outcrop and bam,
there it is, bare buns city. The crowd is mixed, about half gay and half straight.
Little Beach fronts a sandy cove that usually has a gentle shorebreak ideal for
bodysurfing and boogie boarding. When the surf's up, you'll find plenty of local surfers
here as well. When the water's calm, snorkeling is good along the rocky point. For park-
ing, use the northern lot at Big Beach.
Big Beach (Oneloa Beach) BEACH
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The crowning glory of Makena State Park, this untouched beach is arguably the finest on
Maui. In Hawaiian it's called ʻLong Sand.' And indeed the broad golden sands stretch for
the better part of a mile. The waters are a beautiful turquoise. When they're calm you'll
find kids boogie boarding, but at other times the breaks belong to experienced body-
surfers, who get tossed wildly in the transparent waves.
There is a lifeguard station here. For a sweeping photograph of the coast, climb the
short trail to the rocky outcropping just north, which divides Big Beach from Little
Beach.
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