Makena State Park (Big Beach / Oneloa)
Makena, South Maui
Maui's Most Beautiful Beach — and One of Its Most Dangerous to Swim
Big Beach (Oneloa, inside Makena State Park) is one of Maui's most strikingly beautiful beaches — a long, wide stretch of golden sand backed by low dunes, with almost no development in view. It's also genuinely one of the most hazardous beaches on the island to swim at.
The beach has a steep slope into the water and a powerful shorebreak that breaks very close to shore. It carries one of the highest rates of spinal and neck injuries of any beach in Hawaiʻi, and there are no lifeguards. This isn't a minor caution — real injuries happen here regularly, especially when surf is up.
For sunbathing, walking, and photography, Big Beach is outstanding and low-risk. For swimming, it demands real caution and is best left to strong, experienced ocean swimmers who check conditions first.
Why Roamwise recommends this
One of Maui's most beautiful beaches to see and walk — approach swimming here with real caution, not the default beach-day assumption.
Best for: scenery, sunset, a beach walk, photography. Swimming only for strong, experienced ocean swimmers checking conditions first.
Insider tip: Little Beach, a smaller cove just over the rocky point at the north end, is calmer on some days but has its own access trail and local norms worth knowing before you go.
- Hazards / conditions:
- A powerful, close-to-shore shorebreak and steep sand slope that has caused serious injuries — this beach has one of the highest rates of spinal and neck injuries in Hawaiʻi. Shorebreak is strongest in spring/summer surf and during southerly Kona storms. No lifeguards.
- Safety notes:
- Not recommended for children or inexperienced swimmers — the shorebreak here has caused broken necks and backs. Check conditions and never turn your back to the waves.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Surf is typically largest in spring and summer, and during Kona (southerly) storms — check conditions before swimming.
- Avoid if:
- Inexperienced swimmers; travelers wanting a calm, easy swim; anyone with a back or neck condition
- Cost:
- Non-residents: $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle (paid parking). Hawaiʻi residents are free. (checked October 2026)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Never turn your back to the waves — the shorebreak here is powerful and close to shore.
- •Check surf conditions before swimming
- •this beach is far safer to simply enjoy from the sand on big-surf days.
- •No lifeguards — swim with real caution or not at all if waves look steep.
- •Bring cash for the $10 parking fee.
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