Big Beach (Makena)
- Shortboard, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Big Beach (Makena) is an exposed, sandy beach break on Maui with crystal-clear water and a famously powerful shorebreak. On the right long-period south swells, the waves can hold size, but the most consistent outcome is intense, close-to-shore breaking with frequent closeouts—sometimes progressing to massive closeouts during larger sets. For surfing, the break is generally considered exposed and high-performance, with short rides due to how quickly the waves break on the sand. The most favorable swell setup is reported as south or southwest, with an optimal swell height window around 0.5–2.0 m, and surfing conditions described as very powerful and fast-peeling at times. Wind effects can matter: calmer mornings or lighter offshore conditions are described as cleaner, while Kona/southerly winds may make things choppier. Safety is the top concern at this spot. Multiple sources emphasize that the shorebreak here is legendary for injuries, and that strong rip currents are common—particularly during larger southern swells. Hazards also include swimmers, rocks/sharp rock areas near the beach ends, and sharks. Local guidance repeatedly advises watching the shorebreak before entering and not turning your back to the ocean. Kitesurfing is generally not a reliable choice here and is framed as primarily expert-only when rare Kona (southerly) wind conditions open up. Even then, the shorebreak heaviness and the need to avoid swimmers in the immediate vicinity make it a high-risk situation; for most riders, this beach is better treated as a surf-focused spot rather than a kite destination.
- Legendary powerful shorebreak (requires caution)
- Crystal-clear water
- Exposed beach break with close-to-shore breaking and short, intense rides
- Kona-only, expert-level rideability for kitesurfing (not generally reliable)
- Big, sandy beach with crystal-clear water and an exposed, consistent wave destination
- Great option for experienced bodyboard/skimboard surfing depending on swell
- Large sandy entry area for general beach access and setup
- Legendary, dangerous shorebreak with frequent injury risk
- Strong rip currents reported as common, especially during large southern swells
- Kitesurfing is unreliable and only feasible during rare Kona winds; heavy shorebreak makes launch/landing hazardous
- High swimmer presence risk for launch/landing
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Trade-wind (Northeast) is often sheltered by Haleakala; southerly/Kona setups can open rideable wind.
- Reliability
- Low; requires specific weather fronts/setup to overcome sheltering and create rideable conditions.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Big — Generally described as big; may produce powerful shorebreak and closeouts.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Kona/southerly winds can make conditions choppier.
- Launch
- Big — Extremely wide and long sandy beach with plenty of space for setup.
Through the year
Peak crowds in summer and during winter holidays; weekends are always busy with locals.
November through March has higher chance of rain and frontal storms (region-level).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not a reliable/recommended kitesurfing spot for most conditions; rideable only during rare Kona winds from the south. Launch/landing hazards are emphasized due to the heavy shorebreak, and swimmers must not be in the immediate vicinity.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Extremely challenging due to the shorebreak and rapid deep-water transition; only feasible for experts during rare Kona conditions.
- Foil Friendly
- No
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Exposed beach break with a notoriously strong, legendary shorebreak often described as responsible for many injuries. Best when a solid south swell sets up; expect heavy closeouts and broken boards on bigger/long-period swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed shoreline; no meaningful shelter indicated for the break.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with light offshore winds or during calm mornings; Kona winds can create choppy conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- During large swells the beach can become extremely dangerous, with massive closeouts and heavy surging water.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Powerful shorebreak; can produce strong closeouts on bigger, long-period swells.
- Wave Shape
- Closeout — Sources describe closeout behavior; on some larger sets it can form hollow barrels and massive closeouts.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Short — Rides are typically very short/intense, with waves often breaking close to or directly on the sand.
- Typical Ride Length
- 10–30 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride distance reported as short and close to shore (often 10–30 m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Big Beach (Makena) in the full forecast view.
Big Beach (Makena) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–8 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- E97°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 288 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.0 m11s period
- Temperature
- 22–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Big Beach (Makena) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.6–1.0 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Dangerous shorebreak
- Strong rip currents
- Swimmers
- Rocks
- Sharp coral and rocks at beach ends
- Sharks
- Neck and spinal injuries
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Year-round
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Lifeguard towers are staffed daily; nearest major medical facilities reported as Wailuku. Dial 911 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
State Park regulations apply; no commercial activity without permits. Alcohol prohibited in the State Park.
- Kitesurfing is prohibited when swimmers are in the immediate vicinity.
- Alcohol prohibited in the State Park.
- Never turn your back to the ocean here.
- Watch the shorebreak for at least 15 minutes before entering.
- The north end is generally slightly more sheltered than the south end.
- Best surfing occurs on a solid south swell, but be prepared for heavy closeouts and broken boards.
- Kitesurfing is only possible during Kona winds; avoid when swimmers are in the immediate vicinity.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Wailea
- Nearest Town
- Kihei
- Parking
- Two paid parking lots listed as $11/car (reported as of 2025) plus free street parking along the southern end road for early arrivals (before 9 am). Can fill quickly on weekends.
- Access
- Drive southwest on Maui to Wailea, then continue to Big Beach (Makena). Clearly marked entrances for Makena State Park.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Luxury resorts and vacation rentals are located 5–10 minutes north in Wailea.
- Food & Drink
- Occasional food trucks near the parking area; otherwise no services on the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available at the beach itself; equipment shops are located nearby.
- Gear Storage
- No on-site gear storage reported at the beach.
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair is generally available in the broader area (Kahului/Kihei), but not on-beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Big Beach (Makena), Little Beach (Oneuli), and the La Perouse Bay volcanic trail/snorkel areas.
Historic stone church built in 1832.
High-altitude hiking and sunrise viewing atop Maui’s shield volcano.
Most dining options for Makena are in Kihei (~5 km) or Wailea (~8 km).
Beach-focused time such as snorkeling and sunbathing; mornings can be calmer depending on conditions.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Big Beach (Makena)?
The best overall months at Big Beach (Makena) are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Big Beach (Makena)?
Big Beach (Makena) works with S, SW, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Big Beach (Makena)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Big Beach (Makena): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Big Beach (Makena) suitable for?
Big Beach (Makena) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.