Makena Landing
Kihei, HI
Makena Landing is a small, protected cove that doubles as a boat launch, dive shop staging area, and outrigger canoe base, more a working waterfront than a sunbathing beach. Divers and kayakers use it as the jumping off point for trips further down the Makena coast, and the calm water right at the landing makes for an easy, unglamorous swim.
A genuinely useful, calm access point for boats and paddlers, but as a beach to just lay out on it's an afterthought compared to Makena's bigger, sandier stretches nearby.
How we score beachesThis is the easiest put in point on this coast for kayaks or paddleboards heading toward Five Caves and the Ahihi coastline. Locals launch here specifically for that reason.
A free lot sits right at the landing off Makena Road, generally available outside of peak boat launch times on weekend mornings.
A short, paved boat ramp and adjacent sandy patch lead into calm water, easy for most visitors though it's a working launch area, not a manicured beach.
Calm nearly year round given its protected position, making it a reliable launch point regardless of season.
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