The main attraction at Mākena State Park is Mākena Beach, also known as Big Beach because it is a mile and a half long and one hundred feet wide. However, Mākena also offers a short hike to explore the sea cliffs created by Puʻu Ōlaʻi cinder cone. The hike described here begins at Mākena Beach, travels past Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach (Little Beach), and traces along the ocean below the cliffs of Puʻu Ōlaʻi. Although Mākena Beach and Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach are very popular and crowded, once you pass Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach you’ll likely enjoy some solitude. There is also another hike to the top of Puʻu Ōlaʻi that provides huge views of the surrounding coast.

Trailhead: From where Hwy. 31 comes to a dead-end in South Maui, turn right onto Wailea Ike Drive, then quickly turn left onto Wailea Alanui Drive. Follow Wailea Alanui as it turns into Mākena Alanui (also Mākena Road). Follow this road and find signs for Mākena State Park. There is no fee to park. There are portable toilets and a food truck. There is no water available. The parking area is open from 5am to 7:45pm.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Although you’ll be walking along some beaches, much of the trail rough and steep. Wear sturdy shoes or boots.

Hike: From the west side of the parking lot, find a broad sandy trail that leads to Mākena Beach (Big Beach). Marvel at the massive strip of white sand that also has a third name, Oneloa Beach. You’ll be finishing your hike here later. Consult the lifeguards if you choose to swim here - the surf break can be remarkably violent. Hike northwest under the cliffs of Puʻu Ōlaʻi toward what appears to be a black lava cliff where the beach ends. As you get close, you’ll see that the cliff hides a rocky ramp that provides easy access to the top of the lava feature. Before continuing, take a moment and hike west toward the ocean. There are picturesque lava features and tidepools at the foot of the small promontory. Hike north and pass by Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach (Little Beach). Compared to Mākena Beach, Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach really lives up to its nickname of Little Beach. Also note that while public nudity is illegal in the state of Hawai’i, Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach is a place where enforcement of this law is rare or nonexistent. So, expect to see nude bathers. Pass Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach and find faint trails on the north side of the beach. From here, the trail can be difficult to follow. Continue along the rough coastline following narrow trails. It’s usually easier to stay near the coast, and it’s also much more interesting because the lava-sculpted coastline here is really beautiful. There are excellent views of offshore islands Molokini and Kahoʻolawe. The trail ends when it gets close to steep cliffs where Puʻu Ōlaʻi is eroding into the sea. Return the way you came.

Puʻu Ōlaʻi Climb

Hike: Puʻu Ōlaʻi means “earthquake hill” and was one of the last places to experience volcanic activity on Maui. It used to be possible to hike steeply to the top of Puʻu Ōlaʻi from Mākena Beach, but erosion and danger caused the state to prohibit climbing the cinder cone from the western side. Instead, the new access is near an obscure black sand beach named One’uli. Beginning at the main Mākena State Park parking area, walk back out to the highway, turn left (north), and walk for 1/4 mile and find a rough dirt road heading makai (toward the ocean). This is the access road for One’uli Black Sand Beach. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle you can drive this portion and park near the beach. Walk the rough road for 1/4 mile and look sharp to your left for a small trail heading uphill toward Puʻu Ōlaʻi. The trail is about one hundred yards from One’uli Beach. Don’t attempt to climb directly up the cliffs from the beach (there are signs prohibiting this). Ascend the narrow trail for 1/4 mile and 360’ of elevation gain to the summit. Watch out for the nasty Kiawe tree thorns. There is a faint trail around the top ringing the old cinder cone, although the high point is on the southern side. Bask in the views and return the way you came. Walk carefully along the road.