If you are seeking a far-away paradise where you or your other half can enjoy a spectacular and pleasing black sand beach, then Oneuli Beach, Maui County, Hawaii, is your top choice for that getaway.
Oneuli is one of the best secret beaches in Maui as it is hidden just below the Makena Caldera, which is a perfect quiet place for you if you can find it.
Located along Manila Analui Road in South Maui, right next to Makena Beach to the east. This beautiful untapped beach is true to its name as a black sand beach – One’uli means “dark sand.”
On the south end of the beach is the Wailea side of the Pu’u Ola’i cinder cone, a steep conical hill that has long erupted close to the beach but remains a beauty to see, and to the north is a coral-filled bay, perfect for snorkeling.
Where to Park
As you arrive at the park, you will see a sign for parking that says $10 for vehicles. Park hours at the beach are 5:45 a.m. until 7:45 p.m. As you arrive at the parking bay, there are no metres to pay there and it is a free ride for you to go and kick off your exploration.
Once you alight from your vehicle, you will see this amazing view of the glorious black sand beach, and you will like it more as you can see tiny islands at a distance. It can get pretty hot, though, for your feet, so make sure to pack some nice flip-flops or some reef shoes.
Some Things You Can Do at Oneuli Beach
One of the fascinating things to do at Oneuli Beach is snorkeling due to the coral-filled bay to the right side of the beach. You might find it interesting to know that this is one of the favorite spots of green sea turtles(honu in Hawaiian), small sharks, and manta rays.
Be careful when you are some metres deep into this part, though, as the current is sometimes not friendly. It is also a great spot to scuba dive. You can scuba dive and snorkel around the red cliffs of the cinder cone as long as you have a calm sea.
Also read: Little Beach, Maui: Complete Guide & Things to Do
Apart from snorkelling or scuba diving, if you explore this area well enough, you’d find for yourself some spot to bask in that calm wind, read books/magazines, meditate or for some romantic alone moments.
Although this Maui beach isn’t the best for swimming due to the rocky bottom near the edge, shore break, and occasional strong currents, be careful out there. There are no lifeguards and, sadly, no toilets.
What’s on the other side, you say? Another breathtaking view of the Maui wonder of the black sand beach is the conical hill where the beach lays its head. It is a great place for hiking if you have the strength to giddy up the trail. Up there, you can get a better view of the beach and surrounding islands.
Conclusion
Oneuli Beach is quite unique for its black sand beach but especially because it is well hidden and private, as you might miss it on your way to Makena State Park. It offers many breathtaking views: coral reef bay, the conical hill, seashell sand, some fauna, and the cinder cone.
Before you go, remember again that there are no facilities on this beach. Some nearby facilities to Oneuli Beach include a portapotty at the parking lot and a small gravel lot.
Remember to have some reef shoes as you explore this place of quiet moments.