From Palauea to Little Makena, these are the beaches of Maui's South Shore around Makena. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Palauea Beach Park, Poolenalena Beach, Nahuna Point
Makena area, Maui, Hawaii. These three small beaches are found along Wailea Alanui heading south towards Makena. Palauea and Poolenalena are found very close to each other, about 3/4 of a mile south of Polo Beach. Both beaches feature good swimming and a beautiful uncrowded stretch of sloping white sand. The entrance to Nahuna is marked by an old graveyard. Though the swimming at Nahuna is especially poor, deep underwater caves make Nahuna a favorite spot for scuba divers.
Location :: Along Wailea Analui Road heading south towards Makena.
Access :: Wailea Analui Road.
Services :: None.
Makena Boat Landing
Makena area, Maui, Hawaii. The landing here serves as a popular launching point for both boaters and scuba divers.
Location :: South of Nahuna Point, on Makena Bay, along Wailea Analui Road.
Access :: Wailea Analui Road.
Services :: Showers, restrooms.
Oneuli Beach
Makena area, Maui, Hawaii. This salt-and-pepper beach on the northern side of Red Crater, offers good diving and shore fishing, as well as some unofficial camping. The swimming, however, is decidedly poor.
Location :: Northern side of Red Crater, off of Wailea Analui Road.
Access :: While on Wailea Analui, turn down a rutted dirt road. Travel along this road for 1/3 of a mile.
Services :: None.
Oneloa Beach (Makena Big Beach)
Makena area, Maui, Hawaii. This long stretch of golden sand features suberb swimming, bodysurfing, and snorkeling, especially in front of Red Hill, a 360-foot nearby cinder cone.
Location :: Makena.
Access :: While traveling on Wailea Analui Road, look for a kaukau wagon on your left after you pass the Maui Prince Hotel. Turn right at the wagon and make your way over the speed bumps to the beach parking lot.
Services :: Restrooms.
Notes :: It might be a good idea to stay out of the water during the winter as the winter currents can be strong.
Onouli Beach (Little Makena Beach)
Makena area, Maui, Hawaii. A very popular beach, Onouli attracts crowds of tourists and locals alike with its excellent swimming, bodysurfing, and snorkeling, and liberal clothes-optional policy. Also known as Little Makena Beach.
Location :: Makena.
Access :: Cross over the point from Makena Big Beach. Naked beach bums and a peace sign outlined in white rocks against the lava outcrop make the beach easily recognizable, even from a distance.
Services :: None.
Notes :: For many years, Little Makena was known as an isolated hippy-beach and nude swimming/sunbathing spot, but in recent years, fully-clothed families have moved in. A movement has been organized to preserve Little Makena as a haven for the skyclad naked crowd.
