Makena, South Maui
See the Makena Map.
Makena is the furthest South portion of Maui, past Wailea and Kihei. This area is largely covered in volcanic rock fields formed from the last eruption on Maui in 1790 (debated as having happened more likely between 1450 and the 1600's.) The lava fields stretch over Cape Kinau at Keoneoio to a cinder cone high above on the Southwest slopes of Haleakala. You'll find that Makena is vast and undeveloped relative to its neighbor of Wailea. Some of the few developments in Makena are the Maui Prince Hotel and the Makena Golf Courses.
The most famous beaches on Maui can be found in Makena. Makena Beach, Oneloa (Big Beach), is one of the longest beaches on Maui. It has over 3,000 feet of perfect white sand. Big Beach's north end is bordered by Pu'u Ola'i, a large dome like cinder cone. On the other side of this Pu'u Ola'i is Little Beach. Little Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches. It requires a scramble over a rock path that takes you over a wall of volcanic rock. Once you're on the other side, you'll find many nude sunbathers. Though it is against the law, Little Beach manages to be overlooked due to its remote location being difficult to access by the majority.
Makena History
Small villages of the Ancient Hawaiian people can still be seen along the coast of Makena. These villages were populated by fisherman and by those living Upcountry, which would relocate to Makena when it was cooler in the winter months.
In 1786 Francois de Galaup, captain of La Perouse, was the first person that was not of Polynesian descent to set foot on Maui. This area is now known as La Perouse Bay. La Perouse Bay is used primarily as a snorkeling destination where spinner dolphins often congregate. When a rare large South swell wraps in, La Perouse Bay has some of the heaviest left-hander waves on the island. Extremely dangerous to surf due to exposed dry reef, La Perouse still manages to have a bit of a crowd during good swells.
Makena Map
The Makena photos were taken by Natalie Brown, Maui Photography.