Makena State Park

BIG BEACH: The sand is soft and white, with lots of square footage so it never feels crowded. The waves are generally big which is great for body/boogie boarding but not for anything else. If you haven't gotten slammed by a wave here, you've never experienced Big Beach lol! It's fun to watch the bodyboarders do tricks and catch waves. There are lifeguards on duty now, thankfully. Shade on the sand is non-existent though there are a few tables under the thorny kiawe trees but it's a bit far from the water. LITTLE BEACH: This is more than just a clothing optional beach. It's also home to a growing number of bongo drummers, dancers, and their audience, especially on Sundays when it can get very crowded come the afternoon. Sunset brings cheers and applause. It's very secluded due to difficult access. It's a short, steep hike up a rocky gravel trail with a gorgeous view of Big Beach at the top. The white sand beach is well protected from winds due to the volcanic cone it abuts to. The water is super clear, the sea floor has soft sand and clear of loose rocks. The view is killer! Kahoolawe, Molokini, and Lanai are in plain view. There are 2 reefs on both ends of the beach but snorkeling is not recommended. Waves are normally medium sized but can get pretty big and choppy depending on conditions. It's good for swimming and great for body/boogie boarding. There are no lifeguards here. TIP: The only restrooms are the port-a-potties near the parking lot and there are no showers. OVERALL: Great for boogie/bodyboarding and people-watching.

This is from Big Beach, the park is huge and includes a couple other options if you go a little further down the road. Quick notes for Big Beach: - The water here is no joke, the waves can be quite abusive and the danger signs are not kidding. - The wind was also extremely hard to handle. We learned to stay closer to the hedge line. If you are out on the sand, you are going to be pelted with sand. It's like a human sand blasting zone. - The beach is huge, plenty of space to enjoy and spread out. The back ground and side facing mountains give it a unique landscape. - Not really anything to see snorkeling. Just come for the sunbathing, giant waves and open space.

Aka-Big Beach. Nice beach with lots of room to spread out. When it's windy though, the sand striking your body doesn't feel pleasant. $10 per car + $5 per person to hangout here, it was worth it (there is a pay station that accepts cc's). The surf can be a little rough but certainly manageable for water activity. Bring your snorkel gear, there is coral reef you may want to explore.

Stunning beach with ultra clear blue water. If you're visiting in the January/ February time, you're almost guaranteed to see humpback whales 1-2 miles off shore. Beautiful place to spend the day and forget about everything

Beautiful beach. Short walk from the parking lot. Porta potties near the parking lot. Currently costs $10 per car and $5 per person to park. You can use the parking app to pay or use the kiosk.