Little Beach

Little Beach is a small Makena cove beside Big Beach, known for golden sand, a short lava-rock trail, strong shorebreak, no facilities and no lifeguards.

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Little Beach

Little Beach, Maui

Little Beach is the best-known unofficial clothing-optional beach on Maui, located right next to the more popular Big Beach. Both beaches are part of Makena State Park. Visitors should follow posted rules and state park regulations, and anyone who prefers to keep a swimsuit on will fit in too.

Little Beach is tucked into a secluded cove and bordered by two lava outcrops. It is also known as Pu'u Ola'i Beach, named after the cinder cone that backs the beach. Swimming can be good when the ocean is calm, and the nearshore bottom is sandy. A shorebreak often forms here and can attract bodyboarders and surfers. On calm, clear days, snorkeling may also be possible.

The views are part of the draw. The neighbor island of Kahoolawe is visible on the horizon, as is the smaller island of Molokini, a well-known snorkel and diving destination. A trail behind Little Beach also gives visitors a short place to walk and take in the South Maui shoreline.

Key Features

Small Makena cove reached from the north end of Big Beach
Short lava-rock trail connects Big Beach and Little Beach
Golden sand, lava-rock points and sunset views shape the setting
No lifeguards, restrooms or showers are available at Little Beach
Use Big Beach facilities before walking over
Shorebreak and currents can make swimming and bodyboarding unsafe
The beach has a long clothing-optional reputation, but public nudity is not legal in Hawaii
Sunday evening gatherings have been part of Little Beach's reputation, though rules and enforcement can change
Parking is at Big Beach, followed by the walk over the point
Little Beach is known for its small cove setting, sunset views, tucked-away access and careful ocean awareness

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do visitors reach Little Beach?

Visitors walk to the north end of Big Beach and follow the short trail over the lava-rock point. The climb is brief, but the rocks can be uneven.

Why is Little Beach known as a clothing-optional beach?

Little Beach has had that reputation for decades because it is tucked behind the lava point from Big Beach. Public nudity is still not legal in Hawaii.

What makes Little Beach different from Big Beach?

Little Beach is smaller, more tucked away and reached by trail, while Big Beach has a larger sandy shoreline, parking areas and lifeguard towers nearby.

Why do people stay for sunset at Little Beach?

The cove faces west-southwest, with open water views and golden light on the sand, lava rocks and Makena shoreline late in the day.

What should visitors know about the Sunday drum circle?

Little Beach has been known for informal Sunday evening gatherings, but activity can vary and enforcement or closures can change. Check current local rules before planning around it.