Regions

U.S.A. Beaches




Makena Beach

Hawaii, U.S.A.

Starfish Rating of 5

Claim to Fame

One of the top spots in the world for beach weddings due to its ultimate picturesque backdrop. Makena Beach is a fairly long stretch of sand, but it’s one small area, a neat little cove, that is the beach’s claim to fame. Sometimes called “The Cove” or “Secret Beach” or “Makena Cove”, it is relatively sheltered; you’ll feel like you’re right in a picture postcard.
photo of Makena Beach.jpg
Makena Beach (click image to enlarge)
image courtesy of Mr. Tavis
  • Where is Makena Beach? southeast sector of the island of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands, at the confluence of the Kealaikahiki Channel, Kanapou Bay and the Au’au Channel, part of the Pacific Ocean
  • Coordinates: latitude» 20.6311°
    longitude» -156.446°
  • Water Type: saltwater
  • Climate: tropical
  • Development: rural or natural area with minor development
  • Length of Beach: .6m/.9km
  • Type: white and orange sand, sometimes combining to appear beige
Current Weather

24°C | 75°F

Partly Cloudy
Wind: E 30Kmph
Humidity: 65%
Wednesday
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23°C | 20°C
74°F | 68°F
Thursday
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23°C | 20°C
73°F | 68°F
Friday
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22°C | 20°C
71°F | 67°F
Saturday
weather symbol
21°C | 20°C
70°F | 68°F
Sunday
weather symbol
22°C | 20°C
72°F | 68°F

46 Makena Beach Attractions, Points of Interest and Landmarks located within 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) of Makena Beach

  • Makena » 1.1m/1.8km
  • Makena Golf Course » 1.3m/2.2km
  • Wailea Gold Golf Course » 2.5m/3.9km
  • Wailea Emerald Golf Course » 2.5m/3.9km
  • Molokini » 3.2m/5.2km
  • The Shops at Wailea » 3.9m/6.3km
  • Wailea Golf Club » 3.9m/6.3km
  • Wailea Blue Golf Course » 3.9m/6.4km
  • Kalepolepo » 9.2m/14.8km
  • Downtown Kihei » 10m/16.1km
  • Waiakoa » 10.8m/17.4km
  • Kahoolawe Island Reserve » 12.4m/20km
  • Pulehu » 12.6m/20.4km
  • Haleakala Crater » 13.6m/21.9km
  • Haleakala National Park » 15.6m/25.2km
  • The Dunes at Maui Lani » 16.3m/26.3km
  • Downtown Kahului » 17.9m/28.9km
  • Maui Nui Botanical Gardens » 18.2m/29.2km
  • Kahului Airport OGG » 18.2m/29.3km
  • Maui Arts and Cultural Center » 18.2m/29.3km
  • Iao Needle » 18.4m/29.6km
  • Banyan Tree Park » 22.4m/36km
  • Downtown Lahaina » 22.6m/36.3km
  • Downtown Lahaina » 22.6m/36.4km
  • Kaanapali Golf Courses » 25.3m/40.8km
  • Whalers Village » 25.7m/41.3km
  • Kaanapali Golf Club » 25.7m/41.3km
  • Downtown Kaanapali » 25.7m/41.4km
  • Kaanapali Resort » 25.9m/41.7km
  • Kaanapali » 26.9m/43.3km
  • Kapalua West Maui Airport JHM » 27.3m/43.9km
  • Kahana Maui » 27.9m/44.8km
  • Kapalua » 28.7m/46.2km
  • Kahanu Garden » 28.8m/46.3km
  • Kapalua Golf Resort » 29m/46.7km
  • Haou » 29.1m/46.9km
  • Puu Pehe » 29.8m/47.9km
  • Hana Airport HNM » 30.1m/48.4km
  • The Challenge at Manele » 30.5m/49km
  • Wainapanapa State Park » 30.8m/49.5km
  • Downtown Hana » 31m/49.9km
  • The Experience at Koele » 33.4m/53.7km
  • Kaunolu Village Site » 34.3m/55.2km
  • Lanai City Airport LNY » 34.4m/55.4km
  • Upolu Point Airport UPP » 45.7m/73.6km
  • Mahukona » 46.9m/75.6km

Sometimes referred to as “Big Beach”, this is a pristine stretch of beach with an inclined shoreline and substantial shore break with large swells, a caution to swimmers and surfers; it’s not a great place to snorkel. It is possible to swim here, but morning is best. When at any ocean beach location, never turn your back to the surf because you simply never know when a large wave might scoop you up and dump you hard on the sand!

Located near the upscale resort town of Wailea, Makena Beach and The Cove are more of a place to enjoy the view than get active in water sports due to the often dangerous surf. Still, the fishing here is reportedly excellent, and the spinner dolphins frequently drop by for an impromptu show. Picnic tables and shade trees on the main beach make it a great rest spot for lunch, and perhaps a nap on the beach afterward.

The big feature here is the landscape, varied and colorful, with volcanic rock fields and offshore reefs (local authorities recommend you never touch or stand on coral reefs because they are living organisms). Its beauty is what makes it such a top beach wedding destination.

The dramatic scenery is filled with contrasts: orange sand, bright blue “big sky”, lush green trees and vegetation, starkly dark cliffs, and deposits of black lava against which waves break and shoot upward. Here the ocean is sometimes green and sometimes blue, or a turquoise blend.

One of the benefits of Makena Beach nuptials is the array of local flowers that can be plucked and placed in a bouquet, buttonhole, or sweep of hair. This beach might, given the waves and rocks, be a little noisy, but its beauty will frame the scene. And The Cove is not such a secret cove anymore, but still an idyllic spot to sunbathe or take your vows!

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