Makena Cove: The Best Maui Secret Beach You Need To Visit
Visit Makena Cove, the best Maui secret beach on the island. I mean, is it really “secret” anymore? Probably not, but it is one of our favorites and is a local favorite for engagements and weddings. While we were relaxing at Makena Cove, someone got proposed to, which was super fun! Everyone on the beach cheered for them, and we shared their special moment.
Makena Cove is also a perfect spot to get those amazing Hawaiian sunset photos. What about swimming and snorkeling? Well, maybe not so much. Find out why below.
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Need to Know Info
Makena Cove is a free-to-visit beach with limited parking. When you arrive, park on the street along Makena Road. There are no restrooms here, so be sure to plan ahead for your visit. This location is also somewhat remote and offers no lifeguards on duty. Please be safe while swimming and exploring.
🌺 Whenever you choose to visit Maui, please practice mālama. This means caring for and respecting others, supporting local businesses, and protecting the environment by not littering and picking up any trash that you see. Learn about the Hawaiian culture and pay it forward!
Getting to Makena Cove
This Maui Secret beach is located at the southern end of Maui. You can find Makena Cove at the following location. Click the link to pull up the location on your phone and use your GPS to get there. You will drive through Kihei and Wailea, traveling south on the main road.
When you arrive, look for the stone wall on the right-hand side of the road. Here is where you will park. As you walk south along the road, you’ll reach a small opening in the stone wall, and this is the entrance to the Makena Cove! It’s sort of hidden, but we promise it’s there. Once you set foot on this beach, you’ll see why this spot is so amazing!
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Makena Cove
You have arrived at one of the best Maui secret beaches! Makena Cove is a small beach cove, so keep in mind that lounging on this beach may be hard if it’s crowded. The amazing scenery here, with golden sand, black lava rock, the gorgeous blue ocean, and palm trees, makes this a great spot for photography, so don’t forget your camera.
If you want to head out on the rocks, be very careful here. There are sometimes rogue waves that could knock you over, and the black lava rock is very sharp. We got some minor cuts on our feet just from walking on the rocks, even with sandals.
If you are looking for swimming options, this beach may not be the best location. That being said, you can get in the water if you want to swim and snorkel. There is a small lagoon, but we don’t recommend traveling out any further than that as the ocean currents can be strong here.
However, if the weather is good and the ocean is calm, you could head out and swim around the area, but do so at your own risk as there are no lifeguards present at this beach. You might even spot a green sea turtle out swimming.
Finally, Makena Cove is a great spot for sunset pictures on the beach! If you are staying near Kihei, you can definitely head here for some evening relaxation. While you’re visiting Makena Cove, you might even see a proposal or wedding! This is a popular spot for both.
When to Go
We recommend checking out Makena Cove early in the morning if time allows. You’ll likely have no trouble finding a parking spot on the road, and the beach will probably be less crowded than during the afternoon hours.
That being said, we visited in the afternoon and got lucky to find a parking spot.
Where to Stay After Visiting Makena Cove
There isn’t a bad place to stay while visiting Maui! We actually chose to stay in Upcountry, away from most of the popular tourist destinations. It was so peaceful and relaxing with outstanding views.
We really enjoyed our home base right near the entrance to Haleakalā National Park. Check out some of the options to stay in Upcountry, here.
If you want to be closer to the action and beaches, stay in Kihei or Lahaina/Ka’anapali. Here are some excellent options below:
Kihei’s best accommodations:
- Maui Coast Hotel – best seller, white sand beaches just across the street, nearby dining & entertainment with a free shuttle. Book your room now on Expedia or check it out on Booking.com.
- Kohea Kai Hotel Maui – beachfront hotel 15 minutes from the airport, rooftop lounge, and nearby beaches! Reserve your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea – breakfast buffet available along with an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, and amazing ocean views. Check it out and book it on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Aston Maui Hill – ocean views near Wailea offering spacious condos and nearby beaches and activities. Compare prices and rates on Expedia or Booking.com and reserve your stay now.
Here are some great properties to stay near and north of Lahaina:
- Napili Kai Beach Resort – top-rated and far from the high-rise hotels, this resort is located on the shores of Napili Bay. Perfect for snorkelers and swimmers! Get your stay reserved on Expedia or Booking.com now.
- OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort – oceanfront on the golden sands of Kaanapali Beach, one of the best in Maui for a reason! Premium rooms, upgraded features, and open-air dining. Don’t miss out – book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Kaanapali Alii – looking for a bigger place to stay? Expansive one and two-bedroom condos await at the Kaanapali Alii. Book your condo on Expedia.
- The Mauian – Boutique Beach Studios on Napili Bay – a beachside haven that will feel more like your home than a resort. Ocean views and beach access. Discover paradise at this epic beach location and reserve your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.
🤿 Looking for a fun nearby snorkeling tour at Molokini Crater? Reserve your tour here!
Final Thoughts
Visiting and relaxing at Makena Cove was a great way to end our first day exploring Maui. We arrived later in the afternoon after our hike at Makawao Forest Reserve. Although parking on the street was tight, we did end up finding a spot after turning around and driving back through.
We did not make it to sunset since we were up early watching the sunrise in Haleakala National Park, but we couldn’t pass up a quick stop at this beach to relax and enjoy the scenery. Makena Cove is a bit out of the way, but totally worth the visit for a secluded beach experience in gorgeous Maui.
🛏️ Before you go, be sure to book a stay in nearby Kihei. We recommend the Maui Coast Hotel, which is a best seller.
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