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    We’re co-creators of our life. That means, if y We’re co-creators of our life.

That means, if you don’t like your life, you have the freedom and power to change it.

👉🏼 If you don’t like your job…
👉🏼 If you’re burnt out and tired…
👉🏼 If you want more joy in your life…
👉🏼 If you want to travel the world…

…You (and only you) can change your current circumstances. This may feel intimidating, but it’s actually completely liberating. Take a deep breath!

How will you make a happy life? 🤍

#inspirationalvideos #inspirationalthoughts #travelreel #travelreelsoninstagram #travelquotes
    The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 🌺

📍Sapphire Beach & Magen’s Bay

#stthomasvirginislands #stthomasusvi #usvi #usvirginislands #visitusvi
    Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on a budget ☝🏼

Although I have stayed in some nice hostels and tasted some delicious cheap street food throughout my life, this type of travel is for a VERY niche group of people.

So what about the rest of us? Those of us who love luxury travel and meaningful cultural experiences but also love comfort, security and convenience?

Here are a few of my favorite ways to luxury travel on a budget:

✔️Travel hacking flights.
✔️Using Google Flights to track down the cheapest flights.
✔️Booking 4/5-star hotels on Hotwire.
✔️Cruises (the newest addition to my budget travel tips)!

As always, I’m here to answer any budget travel questions you have (hmu in the comments or DMs). If you want to learn my exact strategy for how to travel on a budget, click the link in my bio. ✈️

#budgettravel #luxuryonabudget #travelonabudget #luxurytravel #travelreel
    I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the wind. 🌬

Where will the wind take us next? (Hint: it’s one of the biggest cities in the US!! 🌃)

#travelerlife #travelbloggers #travelblogger
    7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊 We were o 7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊

We were on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Of The Seas ship, and, let’s just say, there was no shortage of entertainment.

Between the free comedy shows, karaoke bars, Olympic-level figure skating, rock climbing, zip lining, surfing, pools, hot tubs, Broadway musicals and MORE, there’s no way you can be bored while on board.

Would you sail on Oasis? 🚢 

#royalcaribbean #oasisoftheseas #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #travelreel
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Indigo Sahara

A travel blog: teaching cultural competence through inspirational travel

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What Is The Prettiest Beach In Maui?

March 23, 2022

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

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.

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

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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

About Indigo Sahara

Indigo Sahara is a full-time travel blogger and photographer who has lived abroad twice, journeyed through 10+ countries and learned multiple languages. Since graduating with her master's degree, her goal now is to make travel accessible to all.

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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. […]

    Reply

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We’re co-creators of our life. That means, if y We’re co-creators of our life.

That means, if you don’t like your life, you have the freedom and power to change it.

👉🏼 If you don’t like your job…
👉🏼 If you’re burnt out and tired…
👉🏼 If you want more joy in your life…
👉🏼 If you want to travel the world…

…You (and only you) can change your current circumstances. This may feel intimidating, but it’s actually completely liberating. Take a deep breath!

How will you make a happy life? 🤍

#inspirationalvideos #inspirationalthoughts #travelreel #travelreelsoninstagram #travelquotes
The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 🌺

📍Sapphire Beach & Magen’s Bay

#stthomasvirginislands #stthomasusvi #usvi #usvirginislands #visitusvi
Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on a budget ☝🏼

Although I have stayed in some nice hostels and tasted some delicious cheap street food throughout my life, this type of travel is for a VERY niche group of people.

So what about the rest of us? Those of us who love luxury travel and meaningful cultural experiences but also love comfort, security and convenience?

Here are a few of my favorite ways to luxury travel on a budget:

✔️Travel hacking flights.
✔️Using Google Flights to track down the cheapest flights.
✔️Booking 4/5-star hotels on Hotwire.
✔️Cruises (the newest addition to my budget travel tips)!

As always, I’m here to answer any budget travel questions you have (hmu in the comments or DMs). If you want to learn my exact strategy for how to travel on a budget, click the link in my bio. ✈️

#budgettravel #luxuryonabudget #travelonabudget #luxurytravel #travelreel
I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the wind. 🌬

Where will the wind take us next? (Hint: it’s one of the biggest cities in the US!! 🌃)

#travelerlife #travelbloggers #travelblogger
7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊 We were o 7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊

We were on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Of The Seas ship, and, let’s just say, there was no shortage of entertainment.

Between the free comedy shows, karaoke bars, Olympic-level figure skating, rock climbing, zip lining, surfing, pools, hot tubs, Broadway musicals and MORE, there’s no way you can be bored while on board.

Would you sail on Oasis? 🚢 

#royalcaribbean #oasisoftheseas #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #travelreel

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