South of the Wailea Resort area the road becomes narrower and you enter a more rural part of South Maui, the Makena area. Makena is the area where the developed area of South Maui meets the site of the most recent (1790) lava flow from Haleakala volcano.
The beaches in this area of South Maui are less crowded, in many places wider, but no less excellent with great sun and swimming. This is where many of the South Maui locals come to spend time in the sun.
Makena features two famous beaches, Big Beach and Little Beach. Big Beach, also known as Omeloa or Makena Beach is the largest beach in South Maui. Little Beach is accessed by a small hike across the top of an outcrop from Pu'u 'Ola'i Crater. It is one of the most famous "clothing optional" beaches in Hawaii.
South of Big Beach you enter the 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve where the road meanders through the lava flow until it ends at La Perouse Bay.
Learn more about Makena in our feature Profile of Makena - Maui Untamed and Wild.
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