Makena, a region on Maui's southwestern coast, offers a diverse landscape ideal for outdoor pursuits. This area features expansive golden and black sand beaches, dramatic volcanic topography including the dormant cinder cone Puʻu Olai, and rugged lava fields. These varied natural features provide a compelling setting for several sports like jogging, touring cycling, hiking, and road cycling.
Makena provides a range of outdoor activities for enthusiasts, with 8 routes available across various sports. More than…
48
Routes
4.4
(15)
Average rating
1400
People visited

4.7
(7)
151
hikers
5.17km
01:20
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

34
hikers
3.19km
00:48
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
1.48km
00:23
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
106
hikers
3.92km
01:02
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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130
runners
5.16km
00:33
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
32
runners
7.01km
00:44
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
8.91km
01:01
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
6.07km
00:39
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
39
riders
97.7km
04:36
1,220m
1,230m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

105
riders
31.6km
01:36
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

91
riders
25.5km
01:16
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

52
riders
31.6km
01:25
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3
riders
11.3km
00:42
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
4.98km
00:28
30m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

52.1km
03:36
950m
950m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

10.1km
00:41
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Makena offers a variety of outdoor activities including jogging, touring cycling, hiking, and road cycling. The region features 8 routes with an average rating of 4.46 stars from more than 4,000 visitors. Explore specific options in guides like Running Trails around Makena.
Popular jogging routes include the paved Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail, which is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long. The Mākena Road & Wailea Alanui Drive loop offers a moderate 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route. For natural terrain, the Hoapili Trail provides a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) path through coastal landscapes and lava fields.
Makena provides touring cycling opportunities, such as an easy 7.1-mile (11.4 km) route through Mākena State Park via Polo Beach. Another option is the 3.1-mile (5 km) Hoapili Trail to Hanomanioa Light within the `Āhihi-Kīna`u Natural Area Reserve. Find more details in the Cycling around Makena guide.
Makena State Park offers diverse hiking trails, including a moderately challenging ascent to the summit of Puʻu Olai for panoramic views. The Hoapili Trail is a significant route tracing ancient Hawaiian paths along the coast. Coastal walks along Big Beach and trails through ancient lava fields are also available. Consult the Hiking around Makena guide for more.
Road cycling in Makena offers scenic views, particularly along Makena Road. A notable route is the 22-mile (35.4 km) round trip from Kihei to La Perouse Bay, which passes through lava fields. Many roads in the wider Maui area feature shoulders or bike lanes for cyclists. More information is in the Road Cycling Routes around Makena guide.
Makena is known for its diverse natural features, including expansive beaches like Big Beach (Oneloa) and the black sand Oneʻuli Beach. Puʻu Olai, a dormant volcanic cinder cone, offers panoramic views. The region also features rugged lava fields and dramatic lava rock formations, remnants of Maui's volcanic history.
Yes, Makena offers easy hiking options. A gentle coastal walk along Big Beach is suitable for a relaxed experience. The region also features trails that are less strenuous, allowing for exploration of its natural beauty. Refer to the Easy hikes around Makena guide for specific routes.
Makena is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 4,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The region's 8 routes have an average rating of 4.46 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users exploring Makena's outdoor offerings.
Makena State Park is a significant natural area in Makena, known for its pristine, undeveloped beaches and dramatic volcanic topography. It encompasses Big Beach, Little Beach, and Puʻu Olai. The park provides an immersive natural experience, allowing visitors to appreciate Maui's raw beauty and cultural heritage.
Information regarding Makena State Park can be found on the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks website. For general tourism inquiries about the Makena area, the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau can be contacted by phone. The official website for Makena State Park is https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/makena-state-park/.
Yes, Makena is home to Oneʻuli Beach, which is a striking black sand beach. This unique feature was formed from volcanic cinder, contributing to the diverse geological landscape of the region. It offers a distinct coastal experience compared to the golden sands of other local beaches.

