Big Beach (Makena State Park)

Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

"Oneloa" — a 1.5-mile undeveloped beach in South Maui state park land. Shore-break can be powerful (broken-bone reputation in winter). Less developed than the Wailea resort beaches just north; clothing-optional Little Beach is over the lava-rock headland.

Ideal for a beach walk.

79°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Mostly sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 80 in the afternoon. North northeast wind around 12 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 71. North wind 7 to 12 mph.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

  • 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • 5.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
67 /100
good
54 Swim
76 Sunbathe
85 Walk
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
85°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
12 mph
NNE
Rain
4%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Sunny
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.9 ft
8s · NE swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (HIZ049)

The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

  • HIZ003 Kauai n/a
  • HIZ006 Oahu n/a
  • HIZ017 Maui n/a
  • HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Jul 18, 7:34 PM

Sunrise
11:54 AM
Sunset
1:08 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Time Type Height
5:06 AM High 1.4 ft
10:43 AM Low 0.4 ft
5:31 PM High 2.3 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1615680, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 18
85°

Mostly Sunny

4%
83
Sun Jul 19
85°

Sunny

2%
85
Mon Jul 20
85°

Mostly Sunny

2%
85
Tue Jul 21
85°

Partly Sunny

8%
82
Wed Jul 22
85°

Mostly Sunny

2%
82
Thu Jul 23
85°

Mostly Sunny

2%
81
Fri Jul 24
85°

Mostly Sunny

2%
82
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

State park lots, $5 HI resident / $10 non-resident vehicle.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited (Hawaii state park beach).

Entry Fee

$5/HI resident, $10/non-resident vehicle + $5/non-resident adult.

Address

Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerssnack truck (seasonal)
Is it safe to swim at Big Beach (Makena State Park) today?

Big Beach (Makena State Park) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Big Beach (Makena State Park) dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited (Hawaii state park beach).

Is there an entry fee at Big Beach (Makena State Park)?

$5/HI resident, $10/non-resident vehicle + $5/non-resident adult.

Are there lifeguards at Big Beach (Makena State Park)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Big Beach (Makena State Park) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Big Beach (Makena State Park)?

Amenities at Big Beach (Makena State Park) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack truck (seasonal).

When is the water warmest at Big Beach (Makena State Park)?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Big Beach (Makena State Park) located?

Big Beach (Makena State Park) is in Maui County, HI, at Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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