Little Beach

Maui Beach Guide

Little Beach

Little Beach is a secluded Makena State Park cove near Big Beach, known for soft sand, calm-condition swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, surfing and no facilities.

Little Beach
Little Beach

Little Beach, Maui

Little Beach is the only unofficial clothing optional beach on Maui, located right next to the more popular Big Beach. Both beaches are part of Makena State Park. If you have ever thought about trying nude sunbathing, this is the place to go. However, keep in mind that public nudity is illegal in Hawaii, but very little enforcement of this law is done at this beach, and many people who sunbathe on Little Beach do so without clothes. But if you want to keep your swimsuit on, it is ok too.

Little Beach is situated in a secluded cove and is bordered by two lava outcrops. It is also known as Pu'u Ola'i Beach, named after the cinder cone that backs the beach. It is a great swimming beach with a shallow sandy bottom. There's almost always a gentle shorebreak present that attracts bodyboarders and surfers. On calm days, the snorkeling conditions are excellent.

The views are also very nice here. The neighbor island of Kahoolawe is visible on the horizon, as is the smaller island of Molokini, a world-class snorkel and diving destination. There is a trail right behind Little Beach where you can have a nice beach stroll.

Visitor Reviews

Reviews and Ratings

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rated visitor review, plus 1 unrated comment.

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Bill Neylon

Tue Dec 24, 2019

I lived/camped on little beach for 5 months in 1969, best time of my life at 20yrs old. Four of us lived there before it became, along with big beach, overcrowded and off limits to camping. Some incredible things happened there, but that was then, annd I didn't return for thirty years. Funny, all three of my kids have lived in the islands, with my daughter and three grands still on Big Island. I love this place, aloha to all!

Terry Doudican

Fri Apr 21, 2017

Beautiful little beach. You have to climb over a "bluff" at the end of Big Beach. Well worth it. Nights are exceptionally fun when the locals start drumming!

Location, Parking and Directions

Little Beach is located off Makena Road in Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, within Makena State Park on Maui's south shore. Park at the first Big Beach parking lot, walk to the north end of Big Beach and follow the short trail over the lava outcrop to Little Beach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Little Beach located?

Little Beach is located off Makena Road in Makena State Park on Maui's south shore.

How do you get to Little Beach?

Park at the first Big Beach parking lot, walk to the north end of Big Beach and follow the short trail over the lava outcrop to Little Beach.

Is Little Beach good for swimming?

Swimming can be good when the ocean is calm. Avoid the water during rough surf, strong shorebreak or poor visibility.

Are there lifeguards at Little Beach?

No. The source page lists no lifeguards at Little Beach.

What facilities are available at Little Beach?

The source page lists no facilities and no lifeguards at Little Beach.