Little Beach

Little Beach is a secluded cove in Makena State Park, known as Maui’s unofficial clothing-optional beach. Nestled beside Big Beach and backed by the Puʻu Olaʻi cinder cone, it offers soft sand, clear waters, and views of Kahoolawe and Molokini. Though public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii, enforcement is lax here. The beach is also popular for bodyboarding, snorkeling, and Sunday drum circles. It has no facilities and is accessible via a short trail over a lava outcrop from Big 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.

Key Features of Little Beach

Clothing-optional beach: Maui’s only unofficial nude beach, located within Makena State Park.
Secluded location: Tucked behind a lava outcrop and backed by Puʻu Olaʻi cinder cone.
Ideal swimming and snorkeling: Sandy bottom with gentle slope, good conditions on calm days.
Dramatic views: Panoramic sightlines of Kahoolawe and Molokini from the beach.
Accessible via trail: Short hike from the north end of Big Beach; not visible from the road.
Location: Makena Rd, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753

Reviews and Comments:


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!
Bill Neylon, Tue Dec 24, 2019


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!
Terry Doudican, Fri Apr 21, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

🩱Is Little Beach officially clothing-optional?

No, public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii, but Little Beach has become known for lax enforcement and is widely used as a clothing-optional beach.

🧭How do I get to Little Beach?

You must park at Big Beach and walk to the north end, where a trail over a lava outcrop leads to Little Beach.

🌊Is the water safe for swimming?

Yes, the beach has a shallow sandy bottom and gentle shorebreak, making it suitable for swimming on calm days.

🔇Are there lifeguards or facilities at Little Beach?

No, there are no lifeguards, restrooms, or facilities at Little Beach, so plan accordingly.

📸What else is Little Beach known for?

Aside from sunbathing, it’s known for Sunday evening drum circles, bodyboarding, and excellent views of Molokini and Kahoolawe.