Description

Oneloa Beach (“long sand”) is a pristine, crescent shaped, white sand beach that is 3300 ft long and 100 ft wide. Located just south of Pu’u Ola’i (“earthquake hill”), the red cinder cone visible along most of South Maui shore, Oneloa Beach is popularly known as Big Beach or Makena Beach. When you see it you’ll know why!!! The beauty of this beach and the surrounding area are not to be missed. The water at Big Beach is crystal clear. Its color varies from azure to deep blue. From the shore, the sand drops off very quickly to overhead depths. Consisting mostly of Kaiwe trees, the shoreline also has Panini ‘awa ‘awa (aloe), and other plants. Weather in the Makena area is interesting. Because of the trade winds, a cloud often forms over Big Beach and shades you from the sun in the late morning/early afternoon. You might even get a little sprinkle of rain on occasion. You can still get a sun burn so use sun screen. The Alenuihaha Channel is the large expanse of open water looking left from the shore. It separates Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii, about 60 miles distant. Watch for the trade winds picking up in the channel mid morning and kicking up white caps.

Often during the day, you’ll see spinner dolphins just off shore on their way from La Perouse Bay to Lanai. And during whale season (late December to late April) you’ll have great views of the cavorting whales.

The view in front of the beach is of the islands of Kahoolawe and Molokini. Molokini seems so close you might think you could swim there. Don’t try this as currents are strong off shore can be strong and will take you out to sea.

Sunsets are usually spectacular from Big Beach. Watching them from Big Beach is a great way to look for the “green” flash. Don’t be surprised if you see it!

History

In ancient time, Hawaiians occupied several small villages along the shore. They fished for Bigeye Scad (akule) and had fish ponds around the area of Oneloa. Remnants of their heiaus (Hawaiian temples) and other structures may be seen throughout the area. Do not disturb them if you come upon ruins.

During WWII, Oneloa was used by the 4th Marines for practice landings on Iwo Jima. The beach had many pillboxes and other structures setup to add realism for the landing Marines. Puu Olai even has some resemblance to Mt. Suribashi. If you walk the beach between the two parking lots, you can still see one of the pill boxes.

During the 1970’s the hippies moved into the area but by the 80’s they had left. In the 1980’s the Makena resort was being developed. To protect the undeveloped nature of Oneloa Beach, the State acquired the land between Makena Road and the ocean and created Makena State Park.

Location

Located on South Makena Rd just past Puu Olai, the red cinder cone on the coast of South Maui.

Facilities

There are lifeguards at both ends of the beach as of May 1, 2009. There are no showers or phones. Cell phone coverage may be spotty. Portable restrooms are available off of the two parking lots. Plan to bring lunch and water or you can visit the vendors who set up opposite the parking lot areas and serve a variety of food, soft drinks, etc. Some locals bring a refilled/reused gallon jug of water to rinse off with.

Parking

There are three parking areas. The first and second turn in’s lead to paved parking areas. The first area usually fills up quickly as it is also used by folks going to Little Beach. The second area has far fewer cars. After the second area, you can park along the road and walk to the beach through the kiawe trees.

Snorkeling Tips

Snorkeling is quite good off the right side of the beach at the point of lava rock formed by Pu’u Ola’i separating Big Beach from Little Beach. You’ll usually see a variety of fish and sometimes a turtle (Honu) or two. The left, south end of the beach also has good snorkeling around the rocks. Straight out from beach, the water quickly gets to 20′ deep so the fish you’ll see will be pretty far down for good viewing.

Warnings

Big Beach can have very large shore breaks because the bottom slopes off quickly from the shore. When body surfing or boogie boarding, this shore break can severely injure you by dropping you straight into the sand. Watch and learn from the locals. If they aren’t body surfing or boogie boarding, don’t even think about it.

Tourists are easy to spot as they usually drive new, clean cars. Do not leave anything of value in your car. Take it with you to the beach. While we’ve never had anything taken from our own car, we have seen windows broken in others cars. We usually don’t even bother to lock our car and often leave the window down.