What Makena Landing Offers

Makena Landing is a small boat ramp and shore access point on Maui's south coast, roughly 15 miles south of Lahaina. The landing sits in a sheltered cove where the reef drops off quickly, making it one of the few places on Maui where you can reach deep water and structure without a long boat ride. The ramp itself is concrete, narrow, and can get crowded on weekends, but it provides direct access to a working fishery rather than a tourist beach.

The water here stays calmer than the exposed south shore elsewhere, especially in the morning hours. You'll fish mostly for reef species—snapper, grouper, trevally, and occasional larger pelagics if you venture beyond the immediate drop-off. Shore fishing is possible from the rocks and shallow reef, though boat access opens up the deeper structure where the better fish hold. The landing has no facilities beyond the ramp itself; bring water and plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • Makena Landing provides boat ramp access to south Maui reef structure without requiring a long run from a larger harbor.
  • Morning conditions are typically calmer than afternoon, and the ramp can fill up on weekends, so arrive early if you plan to launch.
  • The immediate reef holds snapper, grouper, and trevally; deeper water beyond the drop-off may hold larger pelagics depending on season and bait availability.
  • No amenities exist at the landing itself—fuel up, load ice, and fill water containers before you arrive.
  • Hawaii state fishing regulations apply, including size and bag limits that vary by species; check current rules before you fish.

Getting to the Ramp and Launching

From Lahaina, take HI-311 south toward Kihei, then continue on Mokulele Highway as it curves toward the coast. The landing is signed but easy to miss; look for the turnoff near mile marker 13 on the south side of the road. Parking is limited to a small lot adjacent to the ramp—spaces fill quickly on weekends and holidays. There is no attendant, no fee, and no overnight parking allowed.

The ramp itself is single-lane concrete, roughly 40 feet long, and slopes steeply into the water. It can be slippery when wet or covered with algae, so move deliberately and watch your footing. The ramp is usable at most tides, but launching and retrieving are easiest during mid to high tide. At low tide, the ramp becomes very steep and the water shallow at the base, which can make backing a trailer difficult. If you're unfamiliar with the ramp, watch a few other boats launch first.

What Fish Live Here and When They Bite

The immediate reef around Makena holds year-round residents: white trevally, bluefin trevally, red snapper, and grouper species. These fish respond to live bait—mostly small mackerel or akule—and to vertical jigging with metal lures. The bite is typically steadiest in the early morning, from first light through mid-morning, then slows as the sun climbs and the water warms.

Seasonal patterns matter here. Winter months (November through March) bring rougher conditions but can produce larger snapper and occasional wahoo or ono if you fish the deeper edges. Summer (June through September) is calmer but the reef bite can be slower; many anglers run farther offshore during summer to find pelagics. Spring and fall are transition periods when both reef and open-water species are present, making them productive times if conditions allow.

Live bait is more effective than dead bait at Makena because the current and structure mean fish see a lot of offerings. If you don't have live bait, metal jigs in silver or gold, worked vertically over the drop-off, will catch trevally and grouper. Slow-pitch jigging has become popular here in recent years and produces well when the bite is slow on conventional methods.

Boat Size and Conditions to Expect

Most boats using Makena Landing are 20 to 28 feet, though smaller center-console skiffs and even kayaks launch here. The immediate fishing grounds are close enough that you don't need a large, fuel-hungry boat. The trade-off is that smaller boats are more affected by wind and swell. South Maui can develop afternoon trade wind chop, so plan to fish in the morning and be back at the ramp by early afternoon.

The cove itself is protected, but once you clear the point to the south, you're exposed to open ocean swell and wind. Most anglers stay within a mile or two of the landing, fishing the reef structure and the drop-off. The water depth goes from 30 feet near the ramp to 100-plus feet within a short run, so you don't need to travel far to find deep structure. Swells from the south or southwest can make the landing uncomfortable for launching or retrieving, so check the marine forecast before you go.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Hawaii requires a valid Hawaii Fishing License for all saltwater fishing, whether from shore or boat. You can purchase a license online through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website or at local sporting goods stores. Licenses are available as daily, annual, or visitor options. Residents and visitors have the same regulations.

Bag and size limits vary by species and change periodically. Snapper species have specific minimum sizes (typically 10 to 12 inches depending on type) and daily bag limits. Trevally have no bag limit in most cases but do have minimum sizes. Grouper species are regulated separately. Check the current Hawaii fishing regulations before you leave the ramp—the rules are posted online and also available as a printed guide at most tackle shops. Violations carry fines and can result in loss of fishing privileges.

Respect private property around the landing. The area immediately adjacent to the ramp is public access, but the surrounding land is private. Stay on the ramp and in the water; do not trespass on neighboring properties.

Tackle and Bait Considerations

Bring conventional reels and medium-weight rods if you plan to fish the reef. Spinning gear works but is less efficient for vertical jigging and fighting fish in current. Spool with 20 to 30-pound braided line; the reef structure here is sharp and will cut monofilament quickly. Bring a variety of jigs—1 to 4 ounces depending on depth and current—and a selection of hooks for live bait rigs.

Live bait is your best bet, but you'll need to catch it or bring it with you. Akule (big-eye scad) and small mackerel are the standards. If you don't have a live well or bait tank, ask at local tackle shops whether they sell live bait or can point you to a bait station. Dead bait works in a pinch, but the bite will be slower. Bring more bait than you think you'll need; the reef here is productive enough that you'll go through it faster than you expect.

Nearby Alternatives and When to Fish Elsewhere

If Makena Landing is crowded or conditions are poor, other south Maui access points exist. Wailea Boat Ramp, a few miles north, is larger and more developed but also busier. Maalaea Harbor, on the west side of the isthmus, offers more amenities and calmer conditions in winter but requires a longer run to reach the same fishing grounds. Lahaina Harbor is the largest and most developed but is primarily a tour boat hub.

If the south shore is too rough, consider the west shore. Honolua Bay and other west-side spots are protected from trade winds and can fish well when the south is blown out. The trade-off is a longer drive from central Maui and different species composition—west-side reefs hold more snapper and fewer trevally than the south.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Makena Landing, or can I fish from shore?

Shore fishing is possible from the rocks and shallow reef near the ramp, but a boat opens up the deeper structure where larger fish hold. If you don't have a boat, focus on the rocks at dawn and dusk when trevally move into shallow water. A kayak is also an option and requires no trailer or ramp experience.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning, from first light through mid-morning, is most productive. The bite slows as the sun climbs and the water warms. Afternoon fishing is possible but typically slower. Plan to be off the water by early afternoon to avoid afternoon wind and swell.

Can I fish here year-round, or are there closed seasons?

The landing itself is open year-round, but some species have seasonal closures or restrictions. Check Hawaii's current fishing regulations for any species-specific closures. Winter can bring rough conditions that make launching difficult, but fishing opportunity is often good.

Is there a fee to launch at Makena Landing?

No, there is no launch fee. Parking is free but limited. The landing has no facilities, so bring everything you need—water, ice, fuel, and bait.

What should I do if I hook a large fish I can't identify?

Take a photo and note the location and depth. When you return to shore, show the photo to staff at a local tackle shop or the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources office. They can help you identify the species and confirm whether it meets size and bag limit requirements.