Our best snorkeling of our vacation was at this location. This is a public beach with bath and shower facilities. It was not well marked on maps, but you will see signs for Makena Landing from both the main road and the street that runs along the beach. Once you get past the resorts of Wailea (I think the Fairmont is the last one) the road goes through a neighborhood of gated luxury homes. You will think you have wandered into a restricted area when all of a sudden you will see a public beach called Polo Beach (great beach for swimming and lounging but no facilities). Keep going a little further and turn right at the Makena Landing sign.

There is not much beach at Makena Landing - there is a small patch of sand where everyone enters and exits the water. There is also a lot of lawn available to setup your beachhead. This is a snorkeling, diving, and kayaking launch point. Left and right of the landing is great snorkeling. We saw more turtles here than anywhere we went - and they were HUGE! Because the shore is set on a low cliff, you can actually climb along the edge and look down on turtles feeding in the rocks and coral. The area to the left is shallow and rocky with tons to look at. The area to the right is deeper with big ledges and coves. When you are finished, drive back to Kihei for lunch or shopping for good value trinkets and local crafts.

We love Makena Beach and often go there first thing in the morning to ensure privacy and quiet. While many people know about this beach, it is much less crowded than most public beaches, and with many less children.

The snorkeling is good, and the wildlife can't be beat. We have seen dolphins, octopus, and a bevy of tropical fish there, not to mention the lizards and tropical birds.

There is plenty of shade and plenty of sun. Grab a towel, some sunscreen, a snack, and your snorkeling gear, because that's all you will need at Makena (well, besides your bathing suit!).

To get to Makena Beach, head to Kihei on the Pi'ilani Highway. When it ends in Wailea, head down towards the resorts to the right. Turn left on Makena Ala Nui road. Once you pass the Maui Prince hotel, it's about a mile and a half. You will see a paved parking lot on the right hand side.