Our Visit
Contributor Review – Alina Ibragimova
Local Expert. Visited 2024
Pāʻia Secret Beach is a hidden gem on Maui’s north shore, offering a serene escape from the busier beaches. Nestled between Paia Bay and Baldwin Beach, this small, secluded spot is perfect if you crave a quiet, less crowded nude beach experience.
We’ve lived on Maui for 15 years and have visited this beach often. It’s known as the most popular locals’ nude beach in Maui, offering an authentic and relaxed vibe. The beach attracts a diverse crowd, mainly younger local hippies from the Paia and Haiku areas, solo sunbathers, and small groups of friends. Nudity here is common and most people take advantage of that, making it a welcoming place for everyone. On weekends, it’s a bit busier with more clothed visitors, including local Hawaiian families who might not appreciate the nudity as much. The vibe here is very chill and laid-back, with people mostly keeping to themselves but open to friendly conversations. The beach itself is quite small, with enough space for everyone without feeling crowded. The white sand, clear blue water, and surrounding ironwood trees create a stunning, tranquil setting. The best time to visit is in the morning before 11 am to avoid the wind, which picks up later in the day. There’s no shade on the beach, so umbrellas aren’t practical due to the wind. Despite this, many visitors come in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset, which can be hit or miss as the sun often hides behind clouds. When you do catch a clear sunset, it’s a beautiful and serene experience. Swimming at Paia ‘Secret Beach’ is fantastic during the summer when the ocean is calm and the waves are small. In the winter, however, the high surf can make swimming dangerous due to strong rip currents and powerful shore break waves. It’s essential to be cautious during these times, but the sight of whales breaching in the distance can make the winter visits worthwhile. On Fridays, the beach gets a bit more lively due to the drum circle at the Cove in Baldwin Beach. This weekly event attracts a larger crowd and can make parking more challenging, but it’s a fun and unique experience that’s definitely worth checking out. Paia town is within walking distance from the beach, offering a charming escape with its quaint shops, art galleries, and numerous restaurant options. Mana Foods, an epic health food store, is a great place to grab coffee, food, and snacks to bring to the beach. Paia is known for its hippy vibe, and you’ll encounter many interesting characters during your visit. While the town adds to the overall appeal of the beach, it’s important to be aware of the homeless population around Paia Bay and Baldwin Beach. Most of them are friendly, but there are some who might cause concern due to drug issues. It’s best to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables in your car. Despite these minor issues, Paia ‘Secret Beach’ remains a great spot for those looking to get away from the beaten path. Its proximity to Paia makes it convenient, while its secluded nature offers a peaceful retreat. The beach is beautiful, the water is inviting, and the mellow crowd adds to the laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, Paia ‘Secret Beach’ is a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature. If you’re visiting Maui and want to experience a quiet, off-the-radar beach, Paia ‘Secret Beach’ should definitely be on your list! Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!
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Getting There
Paia 'Secret Beach' is located on Maui's north shore between Paia Bay and Baldwin Beach. The beach is a short 5-10 minute walk from either Paia Bay or Baldwin Beach. Make sure to hide all valuables or lock up your bike securely at both locations. Here's how to get there:
By Car:
From Paia Town: Drive towards Baldwin Beach Park, which is about a 5-10 minute drive from Paia town. You can park at Baldwin Beach Park or Paia Bay, both offering free parking within a short walking distance to the beach. From Baldwin Beach Park, it's a 5-10 minute walk east along the beach to reach 'Secret Beach'.
From Kahului: Take Hana Highway (Route 36) east towards Paia. Once you reach Paia, follow the signs to Baldwin Beach Park. Park at Baldwin Beach Park and walk east along the beach to reach 'Secret Beach'. Make sure not to leave any valuables in your car, as there have been reports of theft in the area.
By Public Transport:
While there are no direct public transportation routes to Paia 'Secret Beach', you can use a combination of buses and walking. From Kahului Airport, take the Maui Bus (Route 35) to Paia. From Paia, it's a 10-15 minute walk to Baldwin Beach Park. From Baldwin Beach Park, walk east along the beach to reach 'Secret Beach'.
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