What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

The prettiest beach in Maui is Makena Beach due to its light-colored sands and bright, clear, aqua-colored water.

Unfortunately, though, like many good things on this side of eternity, there are a couple downsides to Makena Beach too. We’ll discuss the downsides later in this article.

Beforehand, let’s dive (pun intended) into what makes Makena Beach the prettiest beach in Maui as well as everything you need to know about visiting Makena Beach.

Table of Contents

Why Makena Beach Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui

I like to say that Maui is the knock-off version of French Polynesia.

Complete with joyful Pacific-islander culture, lush tropical jungle, beach bungalows and tiki lanterns, Maui boasts an accessible version of the French Polynesian islands.

Makena Beach contributes to this comparison through its awe-striking aquamarine waters.

The only other time I have seen this colored water at the same depth was outside the Bora Bora airport. Yes, you read that right. Bora Bora!

The beauty of Makena Beach will undoubtedly make you forget that you are still in the United States.

Where Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

The prettiest beach in Maui, Makena Beach, is located on the southwestern side of the island just south of Wailea.

The address for Makena Beach is:

6600 Makena Alanui
Kihei, Hawaii 96753
USA

If you drive a little past this exact address, you’ll eventually come to a public parking lot with beach access.

Is Makena Beach On The Road To Hana?

Makena Beach is not on the Road to Hana.

The Road to Hana is located on the eastern side of Maui; whereas, Makena Beach is located on the southwestern side of Maui.

Because the Road to Hana realistically takes at least an entire day to visit, it’s advisable to visit Makena Beach and the Road to Hana on separate days.

Nonetheless, both Makena beach and the Road to Hana are must-see locations in Maui.

Can You Swim At Makena Beach?

Yes! Swimming at Makena Beach is a very popular Maui activity. However, Makena Beach is not a safe swimming beach for kids. Only experienced swimmers should swim here.

Not only is Makena Beach known for its gorgeous water, it is also known for its steep-incline shoreline and large shorebreak. This means the beach has big waves and a strong undertow.

Because “undertow” is quite a buzzword, here’s a quick definition. An undertow is the gravity-driven backwash of a broken wave on the shore.

According to Surfer Today, undertows are typically only dangerous to small children who cannot walk toward shore against the wave backwash. Most adults should not be in danger by the undertows at Makena Beach, but it’s important to be aware of the undertows ahead of time so you can be extra cognizant and so you don’t panic.

How Big Are The Waves At Makena Beach?

The waves at Makena beach are typically around two feet or less in height. This wave height is perfect for bodyboarding, body surfing and skimboarding.

To see today’s Makena Beach surf report (wave heights, etc.), click here.

Popular Activities At Makena Beach (The Prettiest Beach In Maui)

Popular activities at Makena Beach include but are not limited to:

Swimming.
Bodyboarding.
Bodysurfing.
Skimboarding.
Snorkeling.
Relaxing in a floatie.
Laying out.
Beach volleyball.
Frisbee.
Watching sunset.

There are numerous beach rental stores in the Makena Beach area where you can rent snorkel gear, bodyboards, beach chairs, beach umbrellas and more.

Girls, if you plan to bodyboard or bodysurf, wear a one piece swimsuit. You don’t want to risk losing your top. The waves here quite literally throw you onto the shore.

Is Makena Beach Safe? (The Prettiest Beach In Maui)

Apart from the strong undertow and other dangers that naturally come with the ocean (like sharks), Makena Beach is very safe.

Always use your common sense when leaving your belongings on the beach while you swim. Keep and eye on your things and, unless the beach is totally packed, you shouldn’t need to worry too much about theft.

I personally felt very safe at Makena Beach.

Does Makena Beach Have Sharks?

Yes, Makena Beach has sharks, but your chances of a shark encounter here are virtually non-existent.

In fact, there is a higher probability of you dying from a coconut falling on your head than a shark attack. Yes, this is a real sign in Maui!

How To Avoid Sharks In Maui

Here are basic tips on how to avoid sharks in Maui:Stop swimming before dusk.

Never swim after dark.
Don’t swim in the ocean after a rain shower. The rain cools the water, which lures the sharks toward the surface. Locals don’t even swim after rain!
No peeing in the ocean.
Don’t swim with any open wounds.
Don’t swim near stream or river mouths.
Avoid murky water.
Don’t wear shiny jewelry.
No swimming near fishermen.
Swim in groups.

As someone with an obsessive fear of sharks, I totally understand why you would be worried about swimming in Maui at Makena Beach. I feel you.

Stay smart, stay calm and you’ll stay safe. Don’t allow an improbable circumstance keep you from making Maui memories. If I can muster up the courage, so can you!

It will be so worth it.