The Makena area has one of the most beautiful shorelines in South Maui, it is also home to a world class golf course and some of the major resorts on Maui. Makena is also adjacent to one of the more remote areas of Maui, the La Perouse Bay are, the end of the road for the South side.

Makena also boasts one of the last largest undeveloped beaches on Maui, Makena Beach (Big Beach) and one of the most picturesque beaches on Maui, Little Beach, which is also an unofficial clothing optional beach. There is wonderful diving, kayaking, and snorkeling off any beach in Makena. The major beaches of Makena are Palauea, Makena Landing, Maluaka, Onouli, Little and Big Beach, and the Ahihi-Keanau and LaPerouse reserves.

Most of these beaches do not have hotels around them and are very clean and peaceful. The resorts that are in the area are the Makena Surf and the Maui Prince, the Prince being 'the last resort' on the South side.