Oneuli Beach (Makena)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
This spot is best approached with a risk-managed mindset: because there are no lifeguards, and because the lava-shelf entry can become dangerous if the ocean is not calm, visitors should only plan water time after carefully checking conditions. Kitesurfing is described as suitable for intermediate-to-expert riders when the wind comes from the South or Southwest (Kona pattern) and the environment remains controllable; attempting during the standard Northeast trades is discouraged because winds can be offshore and gusty. Surf is generally not recommended—when wave activity occurs it tends toward shorebreak/closeout and heavy conditions.
- Crystal-clear, high-visibility water
- Volcanic launch area with lava-rock hazards requiring calm conditions for entry
- Kitesurfing is most relevant in Kona/South-Southwest winds; trades are generally not suitable for riding here
- Secluded beach with minimal crowds
- Crystal-clear water and high visibility
- Flat-to-choppy shallow water can suit kitesurfing freeride/freestyle when the right wind window arrives
- Secluded, minimal crowds
- Unique volcanic/lava-shelf environment for snorkeling (when conditions are calm)
- No lifeguards on-site; strong hazards from lava shelves/rocks and slippery algae
- Launch area is narrow and ocean entry can be very difficult
- Wind availability is inconsistent; often depends on rare Kona/southerly events
- Surf is generally poor and not recommended
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSW, SW, W
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NE, ENE
- No-go directions
- N, NNE, NE, ENE
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds are the dominant background pattern in the area; kitesurfing at this specific launch tends to depend on additional Kona/southerly wind conditions.
- Reliability
- Low to moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported gustiness is associated with the rare Kona/southerly pattern used for kitesurfing here.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Black/grey volcanic sand near the base of nearby cinder/lava features.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Wave sizes are generally described as small; shorebreak can still be heavy/dangerous.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Trade-pattern conditions may be light-to-moderate; kitesurfing conditions described as flat-to-choppy depending on the day.
- Launch
- Small — Small and narrow launch area bordered by lava rock outcrops, trees, and cliffs.
Through the year
Generally quiet for sports; popular for sunset viewing and snorkeling.
November through March has higher chance of rain and frontal storms (regionally).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-to-choppy, shallow/rocky conditions make this a niche spot. It is best treated as a tight, hazardous launch suited for intermediate-to-expert riders, typically during rare Kona-style South/Southwest winds. Entry and launch are constrained by submerged lava features.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Possible only during Kona winds, but rocky bottom and shorebreak require careful entry; foil access is limited.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendliness is reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Not recommended for surfing; ocean entry is difficult due to lava hazards and the surf is generally unsuitable for traditional surfing.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is reported as the best tide window for the rare surf.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed volcanic shoreline; limited protection from swell/wind.
- Wind Effect
- In Kona winds it can be side-onshore; in trades it tends to be offshore, worsening conditions for riding.
- Bigger Swell
- Heavy shorebreak on larger swell; likely to become more dangerous/closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Surf quality is generally poor; more known for snorkeling than surfing.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Sometimes sees moderate shorebreak waves, but conditions are generally poor for surfing.
- Wave Shape
- Closeout — Often closes out quickly; prone to heavy shorebreak.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — When waves occur, they tend to peel quickly.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, rarely rideable surf.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Oneuli Beach (Makena) in the full forecast view.
Oneuli 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, Oneuli 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
- lava shelf / sharp nearshore edges
- slippery algae
- quick depth changes
- submerged lava rocks and coral heads close to shore
- strong currents can occur during high surf or Kona wind conditions
- shorebreak
- narrow launch area that restricts launching
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present at Oneuli Beach.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability is reported as none for the spot itself; emergency support depends on nearby services.
- Emergency Info
- Call 911 for Maui County Emergency Services. Nearest lifeguard station is reported at Makena State Park (about 1 mile south).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues reported.
Rules of the spot
Check conditions carefully before entering the water; no lifeguards present.
- Protected marine area
- Kiting launch area is narrow and restricts launching
- Reported restriction: avoid kiting before 11AM on Maui (general rule may apply)
- Only attempt when wind is from the South or Southwest (Kona wind pattern).
- Consider water entry only when conditions are calm due to the lava-shelf hazard.
- Wear reef shoes for lava-shelf entry.
- Avoid kiting in the standard Northeast Trade winds (offshore and gusty here).
- Be alert for swimmers and snorkelers; water visibility is high and marine life viewing is popular.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Wailea
- Nearest Town
- Kihei
- Nearest Airport
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Parking
- Small gravel/unpaved parking area (about 10 cars) via a dirt road turnoff through an orange gate, near Makena Beach access.
- Public Transport
- Limited (private vehicle typically required for coastal access)
- Access
- Drive south from Wailea on Makena Alanui Road. After passing the Maui Prince Hotel and the Old Makena Road, take a sharp bend east, then look for a dirt road turnoff through an orange unlocked gate just before the main paved parking lot at Makena Beach. Follow the dirt road ~0.1 miles to the ocean (small gravel lot).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Luxury resorts and vacation rentals are concentrated in nearby Wailea/Makena resort areas.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; restaurants and shops are located in nearby towns.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available at the beach; equipment rentals are available in nearby areas.
- Gear Storage
- No gear storage at the beach.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services reported in nearby areas (not on-site at the beach).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A volcanic coastline in Makena with nature-focused beach access and clear-water snorkeling opportunities when conditions are calm.
Iconic Big Beach (Makena), Little Beach (Oneuli), and the La Perouse Bay volcanic trail area.
Volcanic crater snorkeling, accessed via boat tours from nearby harbors.
High-altitude hiking and sunrise viewing atop Maui’s shield volcano.
A historic stone church built in 1832.
Dining options for the Makena area are largely in Kihei and Wailea.
Aquarium featuring Hawaiian marine life, including a walk-through shark tunnel.
Beach time and snorkeling are popular, with calmer-morning conditions often improving safety.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Oneuli Beach (Makena)?
The best overall months at Oneuli Beach (Makena) are May, June, July, August, September, January. The best wind months are January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Oneuli Beach (Makena)?
Oneuli Beach (Makena) works with S, SSW, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE. No-go directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Oneuli Beach (Makena)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Oneuli Beach (Makena): Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Oneuli Beach (Makena) suitable for?
Oneuli Beach (Makena) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Expert · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Advanced.