Makena, Maui

LUXURY April-May, September-November OGG - Kahului Airport US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category LUXURY $400-700 per person
Perfect For
Luxury Romantic Beach Golf Family Outdoors
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
9.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
10.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
April-May, September-November
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-March | Shoulder: April-May, September-November
Airport
OGG - Kahului Airport
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Makena

Best months
April-May, September-November
Peak season
December-March
Shoulder season
April-May, September-November
Off season
June-August
Hurricane season
June-November

Makena quick facts

Main airport
OGG - Kahului Airport
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$400-700 per person
Budget category
Luxury

Getting around Makena

Makena is best explored by rental car as attractions and beaches are spread across several miles of coastline. The area has limited walkability between destinations and minimal public transportation options.

Rental car

Highly recommended as essential for exploring Makena's beaches, accessing nearby Wailea amenities, and having flexibility to visit other parts of Maui during your stay.

Public transit

Very limited public bus service exists but is not practical for tourists wanting to explore beaches and attractions efficiently.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft operate in the area but can be expensive and have limited availability, especially during peak times or for beach pickups.

Local tips for Makena

Insider tips

  • Visit Big Beach early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
  • Book Molokini Crater snorkel tours in advance as they sell out quickly during peak season.
  • Little Beach (adjacent to Big Beach) is clothing-optional, so be aware before wandering over.
  • The road to Makena can be winding - take motion sickness medication if you're prone to car sickness.
  • Many Makena beaches lack facilities, so bring water, snacks, and shade umbrellas.
  • Turtle Town near Wailea is excellent for spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling.
  • Sunset at Makena Beach State Park offers some of Maui's most spectacular evening views.
  • Golf courses in the area offer significant discounts for afternoon tee times.
  • The Shops at Wailea provide the closest upscale shopping and dining to Makena beaches.

What to pack

  • High SPF reef-safe sunscreen
  • Snorkeling gear or plan to rent locally
  • Beach umbrella or pop-up shade tent
  • Water shoes for rocky beach entries
  • Light layers for air-conditioned resorts
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Casual resort wear for hotel dining
  • Light rain jacket for occasional showers
  • Camera with underwater capabilities

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Makena

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Beach Arrival & Relaxation
Morning: Check into your Makena resort and get oriented with the property amenities. Take a leisurely walk along your resort's beach to start acclimating to island time.
Afternoon: Head to Big Beach (Oneloa Beach) for your first taste of Makena's stunning coastline. Relax on the wide golden sand and take a refreshing swim in the clear waters.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at your resort or venture to nearby Wailea for upscale dining options with ocean views.
Day 2 — Molokini Crater Adventure
Morning: Join a Molokini Crater snorkeling tour departing from nearby Kihei or Wailea. Experience some of Hawaii's best snorkeling in this partially submerged volcanic crater.
Afternoon: Many tours include a second stop at Turtle Town or Coral Gardens for more snorkeling opportunities and potential sea turtle sightings.
Evening: Return to Makena for a relaxed dinner and early rest after your active day on the water.
Day 3 — Golf & Local Exploration
Morning: Play golf at one of the championship courses in Wailea or Makena, enjoying ocean views and well-maintained fairways.
Afternoon: Explore Makena Beach State Park and hike the short trail to the top of Pu'u Ola'i (Red Hill) for panoramic coastal views.
Evening: Watch the sunset from Makena Beach State Park, then dine at a beachfront restaurant in the area.
Day 4 — Wailea & Shopping
Morning: Visit The Shops at Wailea for luxury shopping, art galleries, and breakfast at one of the oceanview restaurants.
Afternoon: Spend time at Wailea Beach for swimming and snorkeling, or book a spa treatment at one of the world-class resort spas.
Evening: Experience fine dining at one of Wailea's renowned restaurants before your departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Makena

The best time to visit Makena is April-May, September-November. Peak season runs December-March, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-May, September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Makena is $400-700 per person per person. Makena is generally considered a luxury destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Makena, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Makena is OGG - Kahului Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Makena include: High SPF reef-safe sunscreen, Snorkeling gear or plan to rent locally, Beach umbrella or pop-up shade tent, Water shoes for rocky beach entries, Light layers for air-conditioned resorts, Waterproof phone case, Reusable water bottle, Casual resort wear for hotel dining. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Makena: Visit Big Beach early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.. Book Molokini Crater snorkel tours in advance as they sell out quickly during peak season.. Little Beach (adjacent to Big Beach) is clothing-optional, so be aware before wandering over.. The road to Makena can be winding - take motion sickness medication if you're prone to car sickness.. Many Makena beaches lack facilities, so bring water, snacks, and shade umbrellas..