What You'll Find at Makena Landing

Makena Landing is a small boat ramp and public access point on the south shore of Maui, near the town of Makena. The ramp sits at the mouth of a shallow bay with rocky outcrops and sandy bottom, giving you quick access to reef structure and deeper water within a short run. The landing itself is modest—a concrete ramp, a small parking area, and minimal facilities—but it serves as the jumping-off point for fishing the Makena area's mix of reef fish, bottom species, and occasional pelagic activity.

The waters here are typically calmer than the windward side of Maui, especially in summer and early fall. You can fish the shallow reefs close to shore for species like papio (trevally), ulua (large trevally), and various reef snappers, or run out to deeper drop-offs and channels where you might encounter ahi (yellowfin tuna), wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The landing gives small-boat and kayak anglers a practical entry point without the crowds of more developed ramps.

Key Takeaways

  • Makena Landing is a public boat ramp on south Maui with direct access to shallow reef and deeper pelagic grounds within a short run.
  • Summer and early fall typically offer the calmest conditions; winter swells can make launching and landing difficult or unsafe.
  • You will need a Hawaii fishing license and must follow state bag limits and size restrictions for all species you keep.
  • The ramp has limited parking and no fuel, bait, or tackle services, so plan your supplies before arrival.
  • Makena Bay itself is a marine reserve with restrictions on fishing; confirm current boundaries with the state before you fish.

Seasons and Water Conditions

South Maui's weather and sea state shift noticeably between seasons. Summer (May through September) brings the most stable conditions—light winds, small swells, and calm mornings that make launching and landing straightforward. Water temperatures run 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and visibility is often 60 to 80 feet on the reef. This is the prime window for small-boat fishing and kayak anglers.

Winter (November through March) reverses the pattern. Trade winds strengthen, southern swells pick up, and the bay can develop a significant shore break that makes the ramp unsafe or unusable on heavy days. Water temperature drops to 74 to 76 degrees, and visibility can drop to 30 to 40 feet during or after swells. If you fish in winter, plan for early morning launches before conditions worsen, and be ready to stay ashore if the swell is too large.

Fall (October) and spring (April) are transition months with variable conditions. October can still offer summer-like days but with increasing swell risk. April is often a sweet spot—winter swells have subsided but summer heat has not yet arrived.

Species and What to Target

The Makena area holds a mix of reef residents and visiting pelagics. Papio and ulua are the most consistent catches on the shallow reefs and rocky points near the landing. Papio (small trevally, 1 to 3 pounds) school in the shallows and hit small jigs and live bait readily. Ulua (large trevally, 10 to 50+ pounds) hunt the same areas but are less predictable and require heavier tackle and live bait or large lures.

Reef snappers—including uku (snapper), onaga (red snapper), and opakapaka (pink snapper)—live on the deeper reefs and drop-offs. These are bottom fish that require weighted rigs and live or dead bait. They are good eating and a reliable target if you have a boat that can reach 60 to 120 feet of water.

Pelagic species like ahi, wahoo, and mahi-mahi move through the deeper channels and open water beyond the reef. These are less predictable than reef fish but can show up year-round, especially in summer. Trolling with lures or live bait works best, and you will need a boat capable of running 2 to 5 miles offshore.

Akule (bigeye scad) and nehu (anchovies) are baitfish that school in the bay and nearby waters. If you can net or trap them, they are excellent live bait for larger species.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Makena Landing is located at the end of Makena Road, south of the town of Makena. The ramp is public and free to use. Parking is limited to a small unpaved lot adjacent to the ramp—typically 15 to 20 spaces—and it fills quickly on weekends and holidays. There is no fee to park, but spaces are first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you plan to launch during peak hours.

The ramp itself is a single-lane concrete slope in reasonable condition, though it can become slippery when wet or covered in algae. It is suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. There are no fuel pumps, bait shops, tackle stores, or restrooms at the landing. The nearest services—fuel, bait, and supplies—are in Kihei or Wailea, 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Plan your trip accordingly and bring what you need.

A small beach area adjoins the ramp, and the bay is popular with swimmers and snorkelers, especially in summer. Be aware of other water users when launching and landing, and watch for swimmers in the shallows.

Regulations and Marine Reserve Restrictions

Hawaii state fishing regulations apply at Makena Landing. You must have a valid Hawaii fishing license, available online through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) or at sporting goods stores. The license is required for all freshwater and saltwater fishing, including reef fishing from shore or boat.

Makena Bay Marine Reserve covers a portion of the bay and has restrictions on fishing. The reserve boundary runs roughly from the landing area southward along the coast. Fishing is prohibited in the reserve itself, but the exact boundaries can shift and are sometimes unclear on the water. Before you fish, check the current DLNR map or contact the Maui office to confirm where you can and cannot fish. Violating marine reserve boundaries can result in fines.

Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. Papio have a 15-fish daily bag limit. Ulua have a 10-fish daily bag limit. Snappers (uku, onaga, opakapaka) have species-specific minimums and bag limits that you should verify with the DLNR before fishing. Pelagic species like ahi and wahoo have their own rules. The DLNR website lists current regulations, and it is your responsibility to know the rules for the species you target.

Boat Types and Launch Considerations

Makena Landing works best for small boats—center console skiffs, open fishing boats under 25 feet, kayaks, and canoes. The single-lane ramp is not designed for large trailers or commercial operations. If you have a boat under 20 feet, launching and landing are straightforward on calm days.

Kayak and canoe anglers have good access here. The shallow bay offers protected water for launching, and you can paddle to nearby reefs and rocky points without a long open-water run. Many kayak anglers fish the shallows for papio and reef species within a few hundred yards of the ramp.

On rough days, the shore break can make launching and landing difficult or dangerous. If you see whitecaps at the ramp or a strong backwash, consider postponing your trip. The ramp has no breakwater or protection, so it is exposed to whatever swell is running.

Nearby Fishing Alternatives

If Makena Landing is too crowded or conditions are poor, several other south Maui access points are within 20 minutes. Wailea Boat Ramp is a larger, more developed facility with better parking and services, though it is busier and has a launch fee. Maalaea Harbor, on the west side of the isthmus, offers a protected harbor and charter boat options if you do not have your own boat.

Shore fishing is also an option along the Makena coastline. Rocky points and reef edges near the landing can be fished on foot, especially during calm conditions. This requires no boat and is a good option if you want to avoid the ramp entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Makena Landing?

Yes. The rocky areas near the ramp and along the adjacent beach can be fished from shore. You will have access to shallow reef and some deeper water depending on where you stand. Confirm that you are outside the marine reserve boundary before you fish.

What is the best time of day to fish Makena?

Early morning, before the wind picks up and the bay fills with swimmers, is typically best. Papio and ulua often feed in the first few hours after sunrise. Afternoon can be productive for pelagics if you run offshore, but conditions usually deteriorate as the day goes on.

Do I need a boat to fish Makena, or can I kayak?

Kayaking works well here. The bay is relatively protected, and you can reach productive reef and rocky areas within a short paddle. Many kayak anglers fish for papio and reef species without ever running a motorized boat.

What should I bring that is not available at the landing?

Bring fuel, bait, ice, and any tackle you might need. The landing has no services. If you run out of bait or fuel, you will have to return to shore and drive to Kihei or Wailea, which will cost you fishing time.

Is Makena Landing safe to fish alone?

The landing itself is in a populated area with other users around. However, if you take a boat offshore, you are on your own. Follow standard boating safety: wear a life jacket, carry a radio or cell phone, tell someone where you are going, and check weather and sea conditions before you launch.