Big Beach is located within  Makena State Park.  

Parking & Access

The first entrance has a huge parking lot.   It’s a long walk from the parking lot to the actual beach (especially when you are carrying beach chair, umbrella, back pack, accessories, etc.).  

If you plan to trek over to Little Beach (for some voyeurism) then you should plan to park in the first entrance to the park. The 2nd entrance is about another 1/2 mile down the road from the first.  

It too has a big parking lot.  The 3rd entrance is about another 1/2 mile or so south of the 2nd entrance.  The 3rd entrance is harder to see but just look for all the cars parked on the side of the road.  Also, all the entrance gates are painted yellow and there are trash and recycle bins at each of the entrances (good clue).  

Sun & Fun!

Once you finally arrive to Big Beach be ready to be amazed by the local talent.  The locals have been boogie boarding this shore break monster for their entire lives.  This is not ameteur hour at the beach.  The shore break is why so many visitors come here year after year.  

[WARNING:  This is not for beginners!]  

Do not rush in to try boogie boarding at Big Beach unless you are in intermediate to advanced.  But if you want to be entertained and watch how skillful these guys ride the shore break it's a MUST SEE.

As mentioned this beach is wide and super long with a great sandy beach.  If the waves aren't too crazy its great to swim out past the shore break and really enjoy the swim.  This beach is not  about snorkeling so don't waste your time here. You will find much better snorkeling back up the road at Makena Landing (we have a special video about snorkeling at Makena Landing).

Food and Drinks

Be sure to bring food, snack and drinks as there is no park services.  Entrance one usually has a food truck or two parked there but the food is not that great in our opinion (Bring your own food, snacks and drinks or eat at The Shops at Wailea before you go). Please do your part and pick up all your trash and keep our Hawaii beaches clean and pristine. There are plenty of trash and recycle containers at each entrance.  

Safety and Ocean Conditions

The ocean and shore break at Big Beach can be both an amazing adventure and can ruin your vacation quickly if you are not mindful about this shore break. Never turn your back on this beach due to the extreme shore break.  There are 2 lifeguard towers at the beach (one at each entry).  Ask the lifeguards when you arrive the current conditions of the beach.  Ask about rip currents and the current status of the shore break.  How about the jellyfish?  Yes, there can be jellyfish at various times of the year.  Lastly, if you have never been to this beach let the lifeguard know you are new to the beach and ask where they recommend you swim.  They will be glad to fill you in on the local scene.

Hawaiian Word of the Day:

Moana (mo-AH-na) ---Ocean

              Big Beach Characteristics:

• Crazy shore break - great for boogie boarding and body surfing...not for amateurs!

• Strong rip currents - "when in doubt - stay out!"

• Long sandy beach - great for sunsets

• Wide open and sunny (not much shade) 

• Next to Little Beach (nude beach). Hike over. Sundays at Little Beach are the most interesting 

• 3 entrances with parking lots at entrance 1 and 2 and street parking at entrance 3

• 2 lifeguard towers

What to bring