Secret Cove at Mākena with lava rocks, palm trees and turquoise water

Secret Cove & Hidden Treasures

Beyond the main attractions: Mākena's picture-perfect hideaways

Written by a Local Expert

Beyond the Main Attractions: Mākena's Hidden Treasures

While Big and Little Beach are the headliners, the Mākena area holds other gems for those willing to explore further.

Paʻako Cove (Secret Cove): Maui's Picture-Perfect Postcard

Just south of the main state park entrance lies a tiny pocket of sand that's become famous as "Secret Cove." Let's be honest—it's Maui's worst-kept secret, but it still feels intimate and hidden away.

Finding Secret Cove

The trick is finding it. Drive south on Makena Road past the main park entrances. Look for a long, lava rock wall on the ocean side of the road. There's a small, doorway-sized opening in this wall, often marked by a small blue "Beach Access" sign. That's your entrance.

Parking is the main challenge. Only a handful of parallel parking spots line the road, so be extremely careful and respectful of private residences nearby.

The cove itself is tiny but stunningly beautiful. The combination of golden sand, dramatic black lava rocks, swaying palm trees, and turquoise water makes it one of Maui's most photographed spots. It's incredibly popular for small beach weddings and professional photo shoots, especially at sunset.

Because of the rocks, it's not ideal for swimming, but it's unmatched for soaking in scenery.

Local Tip: Sunrise at Secret Cove

Here's one of my favorite local tips: if you want to experience the true "secret" part of Secret Cove, go at sunrise. You might have the entire magical place to yourself. It's one of my favorite spots for quiet reflection before the world wakes up.

📍 How to Find It

Drive south past main park entrances
Look for long lava rock wall
Find small opening with "Beach Access" sign
Limited roadside parking only

💡 Best For

Photography (sunrise & sunset)
Small beach weddings
Quiet contemplation
Not ideal for swimming (rocky)

The Puʻu Ōlaʻi Trail: Hiking the Ancient Watchful Guardian

The 360-foot dormant volcano separating Big and Little Beach is named Puʻu Ōlaʻi, which translates to "Earthquake Hill." It's more than just a landmark. It's a place of cultural significance, once used for traditional Hawaiian rituals, and it offers one of the best hikes in South Maui.

Trail Information

You can find trails leading up the cone from the first entrance driveway of the park. The hike is moderately challenging, not because of length, but because of terrain. The cone is made of loose cinder, which feels like walking up a steep hill of gravel. Proper, closed-toe footwear is essential.

The reward for your effort waits at the summit:

A stunning 360-degree panoramic view encompassing Big Beach, Little Beach, the black sands of Oneʻuli Beach, Molokini Crater, the island of Kahoʻolawe, and the endless blue Pacific Ocean. It's a perspective that truly puts Mākena's grandeur into context.