Makena Landing can be a rewarding South Maui snorkeling stop when the ocean is calm. Its small beach provides access to rocky reef habitat, with opportunities to see tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles.
You may hear this coastline described as Turtle Town. That name is used for snorkeling areas along the Mākena coast, rather than one precisely marked beach. Makena Landing is one access point; Five Caves/Five Graves is a nearby snorkeling and diving area. Wildlife sightings and visibility vary from day to day.
Here’s what to know about access, parking, facilities, and choosing conditions that suit your ability.
Getting to Makena Landing
From Wailea, follow Wailea Alanui Drive south as it becomes Makena Alanui Drive. Turn onto Makena Road near Makena Surf and look for the small ocean-side parking lot. Use a map pin for Makena Landing so you do not confuse it with Mākena State Park’s Big Beach.
Makena Landing at a Glance
- Public park hours: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily, according to the park management FAQ. Follow posted signs and any temporary restrictions.
- Facilities: Public restrooms, showers, and a lawn; maintained by Mākena Golf & Beach Club.
- Parking: Small public lot. Check signs before using any roadside space.
- Ocean safety: No stationed lifeguard at Makena Landing. Assess conditions before entering.
- Water entry: Small sandy beach beside the parking area; entry conditions change with surf and tides.
The Snorkeling – Reef and Wildlife in Suitable Conditions
Makena Landing is among the Maui snorkeling spots worth considering on a calm day. Much of the shoreline is rocky, with reef habitat extending along the northern point.
The sandy entry can be gentler than nearby rocky entries, but it is not always safe or easy. Families should enter only when surf, visibility, and currents suit everyone’s swimming ability, with close adult supervision. Shallow water does not eliminate ocean hazards.
You do not need to swim far offshore to enjoy the reef. Choose a route that leaves enough energy for the return swim, and avoid standing on or touching coral.
The outer point and nearby Five Caves/Five Graves area involve a longer, more exposed swim. They should not be treated as the next step for beginners. Recreational snorkelers should stay out of caves, tunnels, and other overhead spaces.
Fish and turtles may be seen, but clear water and particular wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. Boats, kayaks, and divers also use this coastline; stay aware of traffic and avoid launch routes.
Parking – Limited Spaces
The public lot is small and can fill quickly. Use designated spaces and obey current parking signs. Being off the pavement does not necessarily make roadside parking legal; keep driveways, emergency access, and pedestrian routes clear. Leave valuables elsewhere.
The property’s parking information says existing public parking is being preserved. Additional parking described in development plans should not be assumed available until it is open and signed.
Crowds – Variable
Expect to share the beach and water with other visitors. Weekends, boat arrivals, and ocean conditions can affect how busy it feels. An earlier visit may help with parking, but does not guarantee quiet water or safe snorkeling.
Amenities – Restrooms, Showers, and Lawn
Public restrooms, showers, and a lawn are maintained by Mākena Golf & Beach Club. Pack drinking water and take your rubbish with you if bins are full.
Shade has changed since this article’s original photographs were taken. Management reports kiawe removal in late 2024, replacement-tree planting that December, and further tree work in March 2025. Bring sun protection rather than relying on extensive shade. See the restoration update and park rules, which also prohibit alcohol, open fires, camping, vending, and commercial activity within the park.
Safety – Assess the Ocean Before Entering
Surf and currents can change quickly, particularly around the point. Do not enter when conditions exceed your ability or when warning signs advise against it. Snorkel with a buddy, stay close enough to help one another, and turn back before you become tired. If you develop breathing difficulty or unusual distress, signal for help and leave the water promptly. Review Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety’s snorkeling guidance.
Watch for sharp rocks, sea urchins, and thorns on land. Avoid touching the reef or using it as a place to stand.
Conditions – Check the Day’s Surf and Visibility
Mornings may offer lighter winds, but the clock alone does not determine whether snorkeling is suitable. South or west swells can affect this coastline even when the weather looks pleasant. Observe the entry and the offshore water before making your decision.
Check current ocean advisories and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s water-quality advisories. Choose another activity when water is murky, runoff is present, or warnings are posted.
Protect the Turtles and Reef
NOAA recommends at least 10 feet of space around sea turtles, on shore and in the water. Never touch, chase, feed, or block their path to the surface or shore. Give resting wildlife room and keep your fins clear of coral.
Maui County requires mineral sunscreen, except for non-mineral sunscreen used with a prescription. Check for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients; a “reef-safe” label alone is not enough. A rash guard also reduces the amount of exposed skin needing sunscreen.
Other Activities – Paddling and Seasonal Whale Watching
Kayaking and stand-up paddling are options when ocean conditions suit your experience. If booking a guided trip, confirm its current meeting point and permitted launch location with the operator. Do not assume commercial tours can launch from the park simply because they visit nearby water.
Winter can offer humpback-whale sightings, but encounters are not guaranteed. Federal law prohibits approaching humpbacks within 100 yards in Hawaiʻi, including by kayak, paddleboard, boat, or while swimming. Never pursue whales or separate a mother and calf. See NOAA’s wildlife guidance.
Makena Landing offers a compact beach access point and interesting reef habitat. Plan around the day’s conditions, respect public-access rules, and enjoy wildlife from a distance.
Visitor information checked October 8, 2026. Existing photographs are from the earlier review and may not reflect current shade or shoreline conditions.
