Go to Oneloa Beach (Big Beach)

Oneloa Beach (Big Beach) Information

The popular Maui location Oneloa Beach (sometimes called Big Beach, Makena Beach, or just THE beach), is almost a mile long and over 100 feet wide. It was part of an even larger beach that was divided by a 1970 earthquake and lava flow that created the cinder cone hill called Puu Olai ("Earthquake Hill") now sitting on Big Beach's northern end.

Across that hill and connected by a short path is a much smaller strip of sand called Little Beach. While that spot feels more deserted, with the lava rock surrounding a tiny bay on three sides and a steep hill starting just behind the golden sand, local authorities actually give it a bit of attention since it's become somewhat of a nudist hangout (watch out, you can actually get a lewd conduct ticket!).

Oneloa is Hawaiian for "long sand" and this long beach is especially busy on weekends. It was named favorite beach among Hawaii Magazine readers and has picnic areas and paved parking lots (but only portable toilets). You can see both Kahoolawe and Lanai from its shore and snorkeling is particularly good around the foot of Puu Olai.

The surfing and bodyboarding conditions are usually great, and the southern end of the beach draws a surfing crowd. Thunderous waves can build up during storms, and strong currents can be dangerous, especially since most of Big Beach's waters are directly open to the ocean.

It's off Makena Alanui Rd.. Drive past the Maui Prince hotel to the second dirt road and drive through the trees to the shore.