ALOHA!
You could say this beach is hidden in plain sight!
If you didn’t know any better, you could be driving along in South Maui, and pass right by it not thinking anything of it!
But what’s behind that wall…?!
A beautiful public beach with beautiful ocean views!
👆 Map of where Makena Cove is located on Maui. Explore the map.
This is called Makena Cove (it’s also been called Secret Cove), not to be confused with Makena Beach, which is a part of Makena State Park and a grand pretty expansive beach (that actually has 2 sections with a “big beach” and the also hidden “little beach“).
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Read more for your Hawaii trip prep:
- Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii
- Part of the back road to Hana is closed
Save the Maui video playlist to watch on youtube later!
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Can you get to Makena Cove by bus?
The nearest bus stop to Makena Cove is near the Shops of Wailea. Makena Cove is 4.5 miles away from the bus stop. So for most people, this probably isn’t walking distance, and this would mean that you can’t get to Makena Cove by bus.
So, driving is the best option!
Now…
More photos of Makena Cove!
And there’s a beach to consider visiting in South Maui!
Make it a day trip to South Maui!
- Things to do in South Maui (make it a snorkeling + beach day!)
- Best hike in South Maui (hike across old lava flows – make it a hike + beach day!)
For another quieter beach on Maui that gets less tourists, try Ironwoods Beach! This is located in West Maui on the Kapalua Coastal Trail. Makena Cove is sometimes referred to as a photography spot for couples, and the same goes for Ironwoods Beach.
HAPPY BEACH TIME AT MAKENA COVE!
IMPORTANT!!! If you wanted to see the famous Iao Valley in the West Maui Mountains, it is closed through the end of April. It is scheduled to open back up on May 1, 2023, and you need a reservation. Check the Hawaii State Parks website to confirm.
👇 Explore the Road to Hana map on google maps!

See the list:
- Things to do on Maui (for VIEWS!)
- Things to do in Haleakala National Park
- Road to Hana stops (for views!)
- Things to do on Lanai
- Maui to Lanai ferry
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from this.
Top things to pack for your Hawaii vacation!
The ultimate beach towel for travel?!
Turkish towels are considered to be more absorbent and lightweight than your average beach towel. Be sure to check out turkish towels like these!The cheapo way to waterproof your phone
You can take underwater pictures with a simple waterproof phone case like this. Touch screen may not work well underwater - try the volume button to snap the pic instead!Get your suitcase more organized!
Packing cubes can make it so you're spending less time on your vacation looking for things! They are basically a form of drawers in your suitcase. Take a look at these packing cubes.Wear less sunscreen by wearing a UPF swim shirt!
Wearing a swim shirt means less skin that's exposed to the sun which means less sunscreen you need to apply! See about wearing swim shirts with UV protection like these when you're snorkeling.More for your Maui packing list
- How a cheapo waterproof phone case works
- Why wear water shoes for the beach
- Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean
- Essentials to pack for Maui
- Best shoes for Maui
Watch the videos to see Maui in action!
Find more amazing things to do on Maui: Watch my Maui videos on youtube
If you see an activity you like, look in the description below the youtube video for the individual blog post about that specific activity!ALOHA!
There are affiliate links on this page.