Black Sand Beach Makena (Oneuli Beach)

Less known than it's South Maui cousins Big Beach and Little Beach, Black Sand Beach (not to be confused with Black Sand Beach at Wai‘anapanapa State Park near Hana) generally offers a place to get away from the crowds. Located on the other side of Pu'u Ola'i, (the conical shaped cinder cone south of Makena) from Big Beach, Black Sand Beach is a salt and pepper mixture of lava, shells and sand. The last time we were there the beach had a somewhat unkept appearance with lots of cigarette butts and other trash about.

Because of jagged lava and coral just off the beach, entry into the water is difficult. There's a lava shelf on the left side of the beach that's the best place to enter the water. The snorkeling is usually good to the left side along Pu'u Ola'i. We've seen quite a few turtles here.

To find the beach drive past Makena towards Big Beach. Just before you reach Pu'u Ola"i look for a dirt road leading towards the beach. There's a gate and a Makena State park sign at the entrance to the road. The road is rough, but usually passable and leads to a dirt parking area at the beach that has enough room for a few cars.
Amenities:

• 10 parking spaces
• No other facilities