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    Let's be friends!

    Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged.
    Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨ Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨

This flight was actually so smooth. We had great weather, and — more importantly — WiFi.

You could say the flight ~flew~ by.

We spent about 5 hours flying from northeast Wisconsin to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for my uncle’s Air Force Change Of Command.

Would you fly cross country in a tiny plane? ✈️
    Testing his patience one vertical video at a time. Testing his patience one vertical video at a time.🫡
    10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this 10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this summer!

When I started visiting the national parks, I quickly realized that many national parks are seasonal. While the park entrances and overlooks may be open year-round, there are definitely better and worse times to visit some of them.

For example, if you try going to the mountains in fall through early spring, some of the hiking trails and roads will be closed due to snow.

On the flip side, if you try going to the desert in summer, you’ll be battling that fatal heat.

So, these are 10 of the best US national parks to visit in summer!

Share this with your road trip buddy to drop a subtle hint. 🚗

#usaroadtrip #usatravel #usroadtrip #roadtripusa #nationalparksusa
    He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not arou He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not around here partner… Not around here.”
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What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: March 23, 2022 | Updated: January 9, 2024

makena beach 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.

makena beach
What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Why Makena Beach Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui
  • Where Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?
  • Is Makena Beach On The Road To Hana?
  • Can You Swim At Makena Beach?
  • How Big Are The Waves At Makena Beach?
  • Popular Activities At Makena Beach (The Prettiest Beach In Maui)
  • Is Makena Beach Safe? (The Prettiest Beach In Maui)
  • Does Makena Beach Have Sharks?
  • How To Avoid Sharks In Maui
  • More On Maui, Hawaii
  • Save This Post For Later!

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.

makena cove

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.

prettiest beach in hawaii

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.

beaches maui

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.

What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

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.

makena cove

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!

prettiest beaches in maui

How To Avoid Sharks In Maui

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

  1. Never swim after dark.
  2. 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!
  3. No peeing in the ocean.
  4. Don’t swim with any open wounds.
  5. Don’t swim near stream or river mouths.
  6. Avoid murky water.
  7. Don’t wear shiny jewelry.
  8. No swimming near fishermen.
  9. 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.

makena beach

More On Maui, Hawaii

27 Maui Instagram Spots For Iconic Photos (With Map And Photos)
What To Pack For Maui During The Winter Months
How To Pick A Foolproof Road to Hana Outfit
Where To Take Photos On The Road To Hana

What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

Save This Post For Later!

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What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?
What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?
What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A.

About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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  1. 13 Best Beaches In Maui To Swim - Indigo Sahara says:
    March 28, 2022 at 8:16 am

    […] 1. Makena Beach […]

    Reply
  2. 27 Maui Instagram Spots For Iconic Photos (With Map And Photos) says:
    November 7, 2022 at 8:16 am

    […] Makena Beach is by far the most beautiful beach on Maui, and, therefore, one of the most beautiful Maui Instagram spots. […]

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Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged.
Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨ Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨

This flight was actually so smooth. We had great weather, and — more importantly — WiFi.

You could say the flight ~flew~ by.

We spent about 5 hours flying from northeast Wisconsin to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for my uncle’s Air Force Change Of Command.

Would you fly cross country in a tiny plane? ✈️
Testing his patience one vertical video at a time. Testing his patience one vertical video at a time.🫡
10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this 10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this summer!

When I started visiting the national parks, I quickly realized that many national parks are seasonal. While the park entrances and overlooks may be open year-round, there are definitely better and worse times to visit some of them.

For example, if you try going to the mountains in fall through early spring, some of the hiking trails and roads will be closed due to snow.

On the flip side, if you try going to the desert in summer, you’ll be battling that fatal heat.

So, these are 10 of the best US national parks to visit in summer!

Share this with your road trip buddy to drop a subtle hint. 🚗

#usaroadtrip #usatravel #usroadtrip #roadtripusa #nationalparksusa
He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not arou He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not around here partner… Not around here.”

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