Makena State Park Gets Green Light for Restrooms and Expanded Parking

The Maui Planning Commission voted 6-1 to approve a Special Management Area permit allowing new restroom facilities and expanded parking at Makena State Park. The revised plan includes turtle-friendly lighting limits and a mix of paved and pervious parking surfaces. Two restroom buildings with showers and additional parking will be built at the 164.4-acre park, […]
Maui Commission Delays Vote on Makena State Park Bathroom and Fee Plan

The Maui Planning Commission deferred a decision on proposed upgrades to Makena State Park, including permanent restrooms, showers, and toll booths charging out-of-state visitors. Testimony ran nearly nine hours and was sharply divided between supporters and opponents of the changes. Proposed improvements include two permanent bathrooms, outdoor showers, a water bottle refill station, and paved […]
Maui Planning Commission Defers Vote on Mākena State Park Bathroom Project

Multiple outlets reported that the Maui Planning Commission deferred a decision Tuesday on a state proposal to build permanent restrooms and other improvements at Mākena State Park, following a marathon hearing that stretched from 9 a.m. to after 6 p.m. The project, put forward by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, drew deeply […]
State Clarifies Big Beach Toll Booth Plans Amid Reservation System Concerns

Maui’s state parks administrator says toll booths planned for Makena State Park will only support existing fee collection, not implement reservation systems. This contradicts 2023 statements from DLNR about considering visitor controls at the popular beach. State parks administrator denies toll booths are for reservation systems or new access restrictions at Big Beach. Toll booths […]
DLNR Clarifies Makena State Park Upgrade Plans Amid Social Media Rumors

The state is clarifying its proposal to add restrooms, showers, and paved parking at Makena State Park after social media misinformation spread about the project. No changes are planned to beach access or visitor fees. Proposed upgrades include two restrooms, two showers, paved parking improvements, and staff infrastructure at Makena State Park. Access to the […]
County Begins Multi-Year Zoning Code Overhaul Process This Month

Maui County is starting a multi-year rewrite of its foundational zoning laws, beginning with presentations to the County Council and planning commissions in June and July. The County Council Housing and Land Use Committee will receive the first presentation on June 17 at 9 a.m. The rewrite aims to modernize zoning laws to reflect current […]
Hale Mahina Seeks County Approval for Beach Access Agreement

Hale Mahina condo association is asking for public support of their proposed agreement with Maui County to provide beach access through their property’s south side after determining north-side access would be unsafe. The property has not provided required public beach access for over 50 years and received a Notice of Violation. A north-side pathway opened […]
State Plans Infrastructure Upgrades at Mākena State Park Beaches

The state is proposing upgrades to Mākena State Park including permanent restrooms, expanded parking, and showers, but some locals worry the changes will alter the area’s wild character and lead to future restrictions. Proposed upgrades include expanding paved parking, replacing portable toilets with permanent bathrooms, and installing showers or foot rinsing stations. The $2.1 million […]
State Parks Plans Bathroom and Shower Upgrades at Mākena Beach

The state will propose improvements to Mākena State Park in June, including permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, and expanded parking to replace portable toilets and address safety issues. New comfort stations will replace existing portable toilets at both north and south parking lots. Outdoor showers will be added as a new amenity for beach visitors. Parking […]
State Parks Plans Restroom and Shower Upgrades at Mākena State Park

The state will propose improvements to Mākena State Park including permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, and expanded parking to replace portable toilets and address safety issues. Permanent restrooms will replace portable toilets at both north and south parking lots. New outdoor shower facilities will be added for visitors to rinse off. Paved parking areas will be […]