Is Makena Cove Good for Families ?
Makena Cove can be a beautiful location for family photos, but it isn’t the right fit for every family - and that’s perfectly okay. Every location has its own strengths and choosing one that fits your family well makes for a much more enjoyable session.
Because the cove is surrounded by lava rock and has a fairly compact shoreline, I typically recommend it for families with older children who are comfortable around the ocean. It’s also a wonderful choice for couples or maternity sessions.
For families with toddlers or little ones who are still unsteady on their feet, I often recommend one of Maui’s larger beaches instead. While safety is always my top priority during every session, a location with wide stretches of soft sand can make it much easier for everyone to relax and simply enjoy the experience.
If anyone in your group has significant mobility concerns, Makena Cove may not be the best fit either. Reaching the beach involves walking over uneven ground and stepping down onto the cove, there are other locations on island that are easier to access.
That said, every family is different. If you’re not sure whether Makena Cove is the right choice, I’m always happy to help you compare locations and find one that best fits your family, comfort level, and the kind of experience you’re hoping for.
FAQ
Can we have a sunset session at Makena Cove ?
While sunset light can be gorgeous, I only schedule portrait sessions here at sunrise because of how crowded the beach becomes in the evenings.
How many people fit comfortably?
Couples and immediate families photograph wonderfully here. Larger extended families have more limited space than at some of Maui’s larger beaches.
Can we get in the water ?
Absolutely ! When ocean conditions are safe, ending your session in the water is one my favorite ways to finish a Makena Cove session.
Every Maui location has its own personality and Makena Cove is perfect for families and couples who love dramatic scenery in a smaller, more intimate setting. If you’re still deciding between locations, I’m always happy to help you compare options based on what you are envisioning.
Makena Cove Maui Photography Guide
A Small Cove With Big Views
Unlike many of Maui’s beaches, Makena Cove isn’t known for long stretches of sand. It’s one of the island’s smallest beaches, tucked between lava rock and greenery on the South Side of Maui. The combination of turquoise water, dramatic lava rock, and palm trees has made it one of Maui’s most recognizable photography locations.
Because of its size its size, though, it photographs very differently than many people expect. After photographing families, couples, and weddings here, I’ve learned that timing/knowing what this location does well, makes all the difference.
What Makes Makena Cove Special ?
✓ One of Maui’s most iconic beaches - Known for its dramatic scenery and recognizable views
✓ Black lava rock formations - The volcanic coastline creates a striking contrast against the bright blue water
✓ Crystal-clear turquoise water - Especially beautiful during calm summer mornings
✓ Towering palm trees - Adds that classic tropical Maui feel without overwhelming the landscape
✓ A small, intimate setting - Perfect for couples and immediate families looking for a cozy location rather than a wide-open beach
✓ Amazing sunrise light - The way the sun filters through the trees makes it one of my favorite sunrise locations on the South Shore ( if you choose an early AM start time you can get beautiful sunrise colors over the ocean )
✓ Easy access from parking - A short walk makes getting to the beach relatively easy simple for most families
While Makena Cove is beautiful at both sunrise and sunset, I photograph lifestyle sessions here almost exclusively in the morning. Since the beach is so small, even a modest number of visitors can make it feel crowded, and parking becomes much more challenging in the evenings. Sunrise offers a calmer experience making it the best fit for families, couples, and maternity sessions.
Accessibility & Parking
Makena Cove has a handful of parking spaces available alongside the road that front it, so arriving early is always a good idea. From the parking area, it’s about a one-minute walk to the beach through the path that leads you out onto the cove.
While the walk itself is short, reaching the cove does require walking over uneven ground and stepping down onto the beach. Because of this, Makena Cove isn’t the best choice for wheelchairs or anyone who would benefit from a smoother, more accessible path.
Ocean ConditionsOne of the things that makes Makena Cove so stunning is also what makes it so unpredictable. Ocean conditions can change dramatically from one day to the next, regardless of the season.
Some mornings the cove is calm with plenty of sandy beach to explore. Other days, large swells or high tides can leave very little beach exposed, making parts of the cove difficult- or even impossible- to access. I always keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will recommend another location if conditions aren’t safe.
If the ocean is calm and everyone in your group is comfortable, ending your session in the water can be such a fun way to finish the morning or evening. It’s never expected, but it’s always one of my favorite ways to wrap up a session when conditions allow.
