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Makena (Big Beach) Review
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Makena (Big Beach) 
- Address: Off Wailea Alanui Dr., HI
- Category: Beaches
- Location: South Shore
Fodor's Review:
Locals successfully fought to give Makena -- one of Hawaii's most breathtaking beaches -- state-park protection. Also known as "Big Beach," this stretch of deep-golden sand abutting sparkling aqua water is 3,000-feet-long and 100-feet-wide. It's never crowded, no matter how many cars cram into the lots. The water is fine for swimming, but use caution. The shore drop-off is steep and swells can get deceptively big. Despite the infamous "Makena cloud," a blanket that rolls in during the early afternoon and obscures the sun, it rarely rains here. For a dramatic view of Big Beach, climb Puu Olai, the steep cinder cone near the first entrance. Continue over the cinder cone's side to discover "Little Beach" -- clothing-optional by popular practice. (Officially, nude sunbathing is illegal in Hawaii.) On Sunday, free spirits of all kinds crowd Little Beach's tiny shoreline for a drumming circle and bonfire. Little Beach has the island's best bodysurfing (no pun intended). Skimboarders catch air at Big Beach's third entrance. Each of the three paved entrances has portable toilets.
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