Big Beach

"Vintage Hawaii but not for small kids."

Big Beach on Maui's south shore is a superb example of a classic Hawaiian beach.  Picture postcard perfect, this long (almost 2/3 of mile) wide crescent of golden sand stretches out before you with stunning vistas of picturesque Kaho'olawe Island filling the horizon.  

It is a popular location for locals to enjoy boogie boarding and skim boarding. The sand is soft and the beach is seldom as crowded as other popular south Maui beaches.  

Sounds terrific right?  Yes, but...the surf at Big Beach is unrelenting!  It is rough and breaks right at the shore, making this a very dangerous place for children AND adults.  There are two lifeguard stations at the beach and there is a reason that they are there!  Plenty of unsuspecting swimmers and boogie boarders have taken nasty tumbles (and worse) here because of the rough conditions.  Definitely check with the life guards before letting your children get anywhere near the water!  

If your plans are to just enjoy the sunshine, play in the sand, read a book and relax, then this is a great beach.  If you want to spend time in the water, we recommend heading elsewhere such as Wailea Beach, Polo Beach, or Maluaka Beach which are close by and where conditions tend to be much calmer and more kid friendly.  If you do decide to go, there are two parking lots that provide plenty of parking.  

There are no shower facilities at Big Beach, something we found particularly frustrating when we tried to wipe off the powdery sand from our feet and beach gear.  A row of port-a-johns near the parking lot serves as the only restroom facilities.  The closest place for food and drinks are the food stands and wagons that line Makena Road leading to the beach.  

There are some picnic tables at the back of the beach where you will also find some shade.  We recommend taking your hat, sunscreen, and packing the cooler with some food and drinks if you head here.  This is a great beach for pictures and for viewing a classic Hawaiian sunset, however, this beach is not for children to play in due to the dangerous surf conditions.