Restrooms
Not AvailableNo - nearest bathrooms are at Big Beach parking lot 1
Food & Drinks
Not AvailableNo
Parking
AvailableYes - entry fee of $10 per vehicle and $5 per person applies to non-residents
Nudity Policy
NOT REQUIREDNudity is not mandatory
The Good
- Secluded Oasis: Little Beach, nestled between the Makena caldera and the Pacific Ocean, is a hidden gem along the Wailea-Makena shoreline, often overlooked due to its secluded nature. Most people need to seek out this location.
- Swimming and Snorkeling: With gentler shore breaks than Big Beach, it's more suitable for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling in calm conditions.
- Unique Atmosphere: Previously home to the Sunday Drum Circle, the beach has a unique, free-spirited vibe, making it a very special destination in Maui. This is a relaxed beach and great place to have your first nude beach experience.
- Accessibility and Parking: Accessible via an overland trail from Big Beach, with clear navigation options available. Parking is available at Big Beach / Makena State Park.
The Bad
- Access Trail: The 0.3-mile trail from the parking lot to Little Beach is uneven and rocky in parts, requiring sturdy shoes especially when crossing lava rocks.
- Limited Official Hours and Fees: There are fees for non-residents ($10 per vehicle for parking and $5 per person for entry) and varying official opening hours. 5am till 7pm on weekdays and 5am till 4pm on weekends.
- Controversial Regulations: Signage forbidding nudity, alcohol, fires, and other substances conflicts with the beach’s traditional atmosphere and Hawaii’s public beach laws. Police are regularly here at 4pm on weekends to ensure the beach is closed.
- Morning Shadow: The Makena caldera can (at different months of the year) casts long shadow over the beach in the morning, making the afternoon a better time for sun exposure.
- Strong Currents and Waves: The ocean can be rough at times, presenting a challenge for swimming and water activities.
The Naked Truth
Little Beach in Maui, or as the locals call it, Puu Olai, is like stumbling upon a secret paradise. Tucked away behind Big Beach, the 0.3 mile trek to get there is a mini adventure in itself, but absolutely worth it. Once you're there, it's all about freedom and relaxation, with soft golden sand meeting the clear blue of the Pacific. This spot is super chill and respectful. Sure, it's not as vast as some other Maui beaches, but its secluded nature and the chance to catch some stunning sunsets make it a hidden treasure. Just remember, while it's historically clothing-optional, recent rules have made this a bit controversial. Still, if you're up for a laid-back, slightly off-the-beaten-path experience, Little Beach delivers big time.
Insider Tip
Try to come on a weekday when the beach is open till 7pm and you can watch the sunset (it closes at 4pm on weekdays). The mountains also cast a shadow over the beach in the morning.
Who's Here
Everyone! Lots of newbie nudies on vacation, along with well trodden local hippies of all ages. Most people are nude here.
Beach Surface
Soft sand and large rocks
Access Difficulty
Medium - 0.3 mile trail is uneven over lava rock
Photos
Our Visit
Contributor Review – Charlee Peterson
Local Expert. Visited 2023
Our latest beach escapade brought us to the legendary Little Beach in Maui, a secluded slice of heaven tucked between the Makena caldera and the Pacific. It's not as remote as Maui's Kaihalulu (Red Sand) Beach, yet it feels worlds apart from the busy 5-star resorts just up the road. Compared to the lengthy drive to Hana, accessing Little Beach is a breeze, making it an easily reachable hideaway for a day of sun and sea.
Contributor Review – Charlee Peterson
Local Expert. Visited 2023
Our latest beach escapade brought us to the legendary Little Beach in Maui, a secluded slice of heaven tucked between the Makena caldera and the Pacific. It's not as remote as Maui's Kaihalulu (Red Sand) Beach, yet it feels worlds apart from the busy 5-star resorts just up the road. Compared to the lengthy drive to Hana, accessing Little Beach is a breeze, making it an easily reachable hideaway for a day of sun and sea.
Little Beach, also known as Puu Olai, is a golden-sand oasis that manages to balance popularity with a sense of intimacy. The beach's fine, rock-free sand stands out as the best among Maui's numerous beaches. However when you're in the water beware of large lava rocks and shore breaks. Its modest size ensures you're never too crowded, yet there's enough buzz to create a lively atmosphere. The waves here are inviting - strong enough for fun in the water but usually gentle enough for everyone to enjoy. And when the sun begins to set, the whole beach is bathed in golden hues, offering one of the most stunning sunset views in Maui. Just remember that the beaches closes at 4pm on the weekend (way too early and a very controversial topic around these parts!). Read more about Little Beach politics and the current situation at the Friends of Little Beach site.
Little Beach is all about freedom and acceptance. The clothing-optional policy is embraced warmly, making it perfect for first-timers to the nude beach scene. You'll find yourself in the middle of spontaneous music and friendly chatter – a true community feel. Despite its reputation as a free-spirited haven, it's important to note that Little Beach experienced a closure in 2021 due to issues related to its famous Sunday Drum Circle, which has now been relocated to Chang’s Beach. Although the beach has reopened, there's now official signage that prohibits nudity, alcohol, fires, and other illegal activities. However, Little Beach still holds on to its essence as a haven for nude beach lovers, subtly defying the formal restrictions with an unspoken understanding among its visitors... just no drum circles anymore!
Reaching this secluded paradise involves a 0.3-mile hike from the Big Beach parking area, which charges $10 per vehicle and an additional $5 per-person entry fee for non-residents. The beach is accessible from 5 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 5 AM to 4 PM on weekends. The afternoon is the best time to visit, as the cove is beautifully illuminated, free from the morning shadows of the Makena caldera. Police will occasionally show up on the beach to ensure everyone exits the area at 4pm on weekends, but this happens less and less since the busy drum circle no longer happens here.
Our visit to Little Beach was an unforgettable experience. From its superb sandy shore to the dynamic yet relaxed atmosphere, it's a haven for anyone seeking both adventure and tranquility. We found Little Beach to be a testament to Maui's diverse culture, offering a deeply connecting and liberating experience. Check it out! The beach is arguable one of the best nude beaches in Hawaii and regularly makes worldwide top 10 lists.
Map
Getting There
Little Beach in Maui, nestled in the Wailea-Makena area, is accessible via Makena State Park, known as Big Beach. For non-residents, parking costs $10 per vehicle, with an additional $5 per person entry fee. The beach is open from 5 AM to 4 PM on weekends and till 7 PM on weekdays. The short trail is steep and a little slippery but only 0.3 miles long.
By Car: Drive south along Makena Road, turn right at the Makena State Park sign, and park. From Big Beach, follow the trail on the right leading to Little Beach.
By Public Transport: Take a bus to Wailea and then a taxi or ride-sharing service to Makena State Park. Follow the same trail from Big Beach to reach Little Beach.
Recommended Accommodation
There are no nearby clothing optional accommodations in Maui.
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