Green Sea Turtle @ Mekena Landing In Kihei, HA
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Makena Landing Makena

4.7
·2k reviews·Kihei, United States

Makena Landing: Maui's hidden gem for snorkeling, diving, and sea turtle encounters in crystal-clear waters.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Best visibility for snorkeling

CrowdLow
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Green Sea Turtle @ Mekena Landing In Kihei, HA

Makena Landing Makena

Best Time

Early mornings

Best visibility for snorkeling

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Makena Landing: Maui's hidden gem for snorkeling, diving, and sea turtle encounters in crystal-clear waters.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A casual, local spot to snorkel and chill, with turtles everywhere and crystal clear water!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐢 Turtle Spotting Success

Visit in the morning for the best chance to see sea turtles in clear waters. They love to hang out near the lava rocks!

🌊 Heed Lifeguard Warnings

Dangerous shore breaks can occur. Always listen to lifeguards, especially if you're an inexperienced beachgoer.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,961 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Turtle Encounters

Sea Turtle Encounters

Offshore lava rock formations

Witness Hawaiian green sea turtles gracefully swimming among vibrant coral and lava arches. A truly magical experience!

Snorkeling & Diving Paradise

Snorkeling & Diving Paradise

Crystal-clear waters

Explore underwater lava formations, colorful reef fish, and abundant marine life in exceptionally clear waters.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Beachfront

Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the ocean, perfect for a relaxed evening picnic or quiet contemplation.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Clear Waters

For the clearest snorkeling and diving conditions at Makena Landing, aim for early mornings. The water is typically calmer and visibility is best before the winds pick up and the crowds arrive. This also increases your chances of spotting sea turtles.

Respect the Ocean & Wildlife

Makena Landing is known for its marine life, including sea turtles. Lifeguards are present, and it's crucial to heed their advice, especially regarding wave conditions. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and avoid touching coral.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Best visibility for snorkeling
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Spectacular sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

But it looks so fun… 😭 🌊 Would you listen to the lifegaurd? #hawaii #makenabeach #lifegaurds
@kelaiahd
7.6K likes • 83.7K views

🐢 Turtle Spotting Success

Visit in the morning for the best chance to see sea turtles in clear waters. They love to hang out near the lava rocks! Instagram+2

🌊 Heed Lifeguard Warnings

Dangerous shore breaks can occur. Always listen to lifeguards, especially if you're an inexperienced beachgoer. TikTok

Secret Beach Makena #maui #mauihi #hawaii #beach #beaches #mauibeach #hawaiibeaches #foryou #foryourpage #magicalmaui #fyp #waileamakena #makena #makenabeach #wailea #waileabeach #mauithingstodo #hawaiithingstodo #naturesbeauty #epicbeach
@ccarrieb
1.8K likes • 39.6K views
Makena Landing is a hidden gem for snorkeling in South Maui, loved by scuba divers, snorkelers, and kayakers alike. Just offshore, you’ll find stunning lava rock formations draped in coral and teeming with schools of reef fish. For the clearest waters, morning visits are ideal. Remember to brush up on your snorkel and ocean safety before diving in—whether here or at any Maui spot! #makenamaui #so...
mauihi
783 likes • 21.3K views

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to wait. Reddit

🤿 Gear Up for Adventure

Rent snorkel gear and consider a life jacket if you're not a strong swimmer for a safer experience. InstagramReddit

🌴 A Rare Opportunity in Makena, Now at an Incredible Value 🌴 Discover 5159 Makena Road - Lot 6 - Papa’anui, an extraordinary property across from Makena Landing with a newly adjusted price of $3,599,000. 🌊 Why This Property Stands Out: Located in the heart of Makena’s breathtaking coastline, this prime lot offers: Unmatched south-facing ocean views of the Makena coastline, Molokini Crater, and Ka...
mauirealestateadvisors
22 likes • 398 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐢 Turtle Spotting Success

Visit in the morning for the best chance to see sea turtles in clear waters. They love to hang out near the lava rocks! Instagram+2

🌊 Heed Lifeguard Warnings

Dangerous shore breaks can occur. Always listen to lifeguards, especially if you're an inexperienced beachgoer. TikTok

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to wait. Reddit

🤿 Gear Up for Adventure

Rent snorkel gear and consider a life jacket if you're not a strong swimmer for a safer experience. InstagramReddit

🌅 Sunset Picnic Spot

Bring your own food for a memorable sunset picnic. It's a great chill spot. [^Review]

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Makena Landing is highly praised for its incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities, especially for spotting sea turtles in clear waters. Visitors also appreciate its beauty as a sunset viewing spot and its casual, local vibe. Some note that parking can be limited and caution is advised due to potential shore breaks.

"Did a kayaking excursion with the family to snorkel with sea turtles. We went on a beautiful day. The turtles were everywhere and the whole thing was very fun. Highly recommend scuba or snorkeling out here to see some marine life in crystal clear water."

Olliver Teston

"Great spot for sunset as well as the other activities. Bring your take out or cook out here for sunset. Good chill spot."

Carlos Archuleta

"Accidentally came across this place during my one day quick south island , and was amazed by how casual and local spot it is to snorkel and chill. It was a Sunday afternoon and parking is not crowded, I was looking for a safe and local spot for a quick snorkeling, here it is! I came across a turtle and several groups of scuba divers. Definitely a great shore diving spot worth exploring more if time allows."

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What People Like

Abundant sea turtles
Clear snorkeling waters
Beautiful sunset views

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Potential shore breaks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Makena Landing is located in South Maui, a short drive from Kihei. You can reach it by car, and it's often mentioned alongside other South Maui attractions like Wailea and La Perouse Bay. TikTok

Parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak times or weekends. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

While specific public transport routes might vary, driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Makena Landing. Check local Maui bus schedules for potential options.

Makena Landing is often described as a 'hidden gem' or found behind trees, so keep an eye out for signs. It's located in the Makena area of South Maui. Instagram+1

Exploring South Maui, including Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, is best done by car to easily access various beaches and points of interest. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Makena Landing is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. You can enjoy the beach and snorkeling without purchasing tickets.

As a public park, Makena Landing is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's a popular spot for both morning snorkeling and evening sunsets. [^Review]

Parking at Makena Landing is typically free, though it can be limited. There are no specific entry or parking fees mentioned by visitors.

Yes, many kayaking and snorkeling tours in Maui include Makena Landing as a stop, especially for turtle watching. [^Review]

The main consideration is respecting the ocean conditions and wildlife. Lifeguards are present to ensure safety. TikTok

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

The primary activities are snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, with a high chance of seeing sea turtles and abundant marine life. It's also a great spot for relaxing and enjoying sunsets. TikTokInstagram [^Review]

Yes, Makena Landing is often recommended for beginners due to its calm, clear waters and accessible entry points, though conditions can vary. InstagramReddit

You can expect to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and various coral formations. It's a vibrant underwater ecosystem. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, lifeguards are present at Makena Landing to ensure visitor safety, especially given the potential for strong waves. TikTok

Visitors have mentioned clean restrooms and showers, which are useful for rinsing off sand after a day at the beach. [^Review]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Makena Landing itself does not have on-site restaurants. It's recommended to bring your own food or dine in nearby Kihei or Wailea. [^Review]

Nearby Kihei offers a variety of food trucks and casual dining options, perfect for grabbing a bite before or after visiting Makena Landing. TikTok

Absolutely! Makena Landing is a great spot for a picnic, especially to enjoy the sunset. [^Review]

You'll find grocery stores in the nearby towns of Kihei and Wailea where you can purchase picnic supplies.

The Makena area is more residential and resort-focused, with dining options primarily within luxury resorts. For more casual eats, head to Kihei. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning underwater shots of marine life, dramatic lava rock formations, and breathtaking sunsets over the ocean. Instagram [^Review]

Yes, Makena Landing is a fantastic location for sunset photography, offering beautiful ocean views and vibrant colors. [^Review]

Early mornings offer clear water for underwater photography, while late afternoons provide golden hour light for scenic shots and sunsets. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current FAA and local Maui regulations regarding drone usage in public parks and coastal areas.

For underwater shots, a waterproof camera or action camera is ideal. For landscapes and sunsets, a wide-angle lens and a tripod can be beneficial.

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