Oneuli Beach sits at the southern end of Makena State Park where volcanic eruptions between 200 and 500 years ago deposited black lava cinders that eroded into the distinctive charcoal-colored sand that gives this remote beach its name, which translates from Hawaiian as dark sand, creating one of Mauis few black sand beaches and a dramatic coastal landscape where the dark shore contrasts spectacularly with turquoise waters and the green naupaka bushes and kiawe trees that colonize the lava fields above the beach. Located off Makena Road between mile markers 3.5 and 4 just north of the more famous Big Beach (Oneloa) and Makena Landing, Oneuli attracts photographers, geology enthusiasts, and adventurous beachgoers seeking the exotic beauty and relative solitude that characterize this undeveloped stretch of South Maui coastline where access via a rough dirt road and limited facilities deter casual visitors and maintain the raw, natural character that makes the beach special for those willing to venture beyond the resort areas.
The beach consists of coarse black cinders mixed with coral fragments creating a textured surface that can be hot underfoot during midday hours and less comfortable for sunbathing than the fine golden sands at nearby Wailea beaches, though the volcanic composition and dramatic coloring create unique photo opportunities particularly during golden hour when low-angle sunlight illuminates the contrast between dark sand and brilliant blue water. Swimming conditions vary significantly with seasonal and daily surf patterns, with calm summer mornings occasionally providing safe entry for strong swimmers, though the beach typically experiences shore break, underwater rocks, and currents that make swimming risky even during calm periods, particularly for inexperienced ocean users. The lack of protective reef and direct exposure to south swells creates powerful wave action during summer months when south Pacific storms generate surf that pounds the exposed coastline, while winter months occasionally deliver calmer conditions though unpredictable currents and rocky bottom conditions keep swimming questionable regardless of season. Snorkeling around the rocky points flanking the beach can be productive during exceptionally calm conditions when visibility allows observation of reef fish, sea turtles, and coral formations, though most visitors treat Oneuli as a scenic destination for walking, photography, and tide pool exploration rather than a swimming beach.
The remote Makena area surrounding Oneuli Beach offers minimal dining options, with the nearest restaurants located in Wailea approximately four miles north where upscale resort dining includes Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman offering Hawaiian regional cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients, Ko Restaurant at the Fairmont Kea Lani featuring plantation-era inspired dishes in a sophisticated setting, Ferraros Bar e Ristorante serving authentic Italian cuisine with sunset ocean views, and Morimoto Maui at the Andaz Resort presenting Chef Morimoto's signature Japanese-Western fusion menu. The Jaws Taco food truck operates in the Makena area providing casual Mexican fare, though hours can be irregular and visitors should plan to bring their own food and beverages for beach days at Oneuli. Kihei town, located about 15 minutes north, offers grocery stores including Safeway and Foodland Farms, plate lunch restaurants, shave ice stands, and beach supply shops for purchasing reef-safe sunscreen, coolers, and beach equipment. The Shops at Wailea provides upscale shopping, art galleries, and additional dining options including Lineage, Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar Store, and Pita Paradise, while the nearby Makena Golf & Beach Resort offers limited shopping and services.
Parking at Oneuli Beach consists of a small gravel lot accessed via a rough dirt road that can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles, with some sources indicating a five-dollar daily self-pay fee though others report no payment system in place, creating confusion about the actual parking requirements as of 2025. The parking area operates on a first-come basis and fills quickly during peak hours, particularly on weekends when locals and visitors explore the Makena coastline, with gate hours from 7am to approximately 7:45pm requiring visitors to exit before closure to avoid being locked in overnight. The crushed volcanic rock surface can be harsh on vehicle tires and creates a dusty environment, while the absence of any facilities including restrooms, showers, drinking water, or trash receptacles requires visitors to come completely self-sufficient and pack out all waste following Leave No Trace principles. No lifeguards patrol this remote beach, making ocean safety entirely the responsibility of individual visitors who must assess conditions, recognize hazards, and make informed decisions about water entry. The kiawe trees that provide scattered shade along the beach drop sharp thorns that can puncture feet and beach equipment, requiring protective footwear when walking through vegetated areas. The beachs geological significance as a young volcanic formation, its relative solitude, and its dramatic aesthetic make Oneuli a worthwhile destination for visitors seeking to experience Mauis volcanic origins and explore beyond the developed resort beaches, though the limited swimming opportunities and rough access mean this beach appeals primarily to those valuing scenery and geology over traditional beach recreation.
