Little Beach Maui – Nude beach!
Yes, there are nude beaches in Hawaii! If you are looking for a nude beach in Maui you won’t be disappointed with Little Beach. If it’s not your thing, then I highly recommend you avoid this beach because it DEFINITELY attracts nudists.
While it technically is illegal to lounge nude on Hawaiian beaches, it is not enforced on Little Beach. The result is that this gorgeous beach is therefore not for everyone. I’m definitely not a Hawaiian nude beach expert, but it is known as the best nude beach in Hawaii.
Make sure you are prepared before visiting this clothing optional beach in Maui!
Little Beach Quick Tips:
- Other Names: Pu’u Ola’i Beach, Makena Beach, Makena State Park Beach
- Water color: Turquoise Blue
- Sand quality: Amazing fine golden sand
- Known for: Being a nude beach in Maui (being directly next to Big Beach aka Oneloa Beach)
- Swimming conditions: Great
- Other names: Pu’u Ola’i Beach
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, showers
- Lifeguard: none
- Cost: $5 for non-Hawaii residents
- Parking: Large paid lot for $10, or free street parking. You access Little Beach through Big Beach in Makena State Park.
- Available tours: There are actually a ton of tours in the Makena area. Including snorkeling tours and kayak tours and more. Head here for more of my favorite tours.
Where is Little Beach located?
Little beach is located on the south side of Maui in Makena State Park. It is immediately next to Big Beach. You access Little Beach by walking to the end of Big Beach and then up and over a rock cliff. Don’t worry, there is a path and stairs cut up and over the cliff.
If you are driving here from the main Maui airport, it will take you about 40 minutes.
Nudity is illegal in Hawaii, Technically
Public nudity is illegal in Hawaii. That being said, it is NOT enforced on Little Beach.
This is probably the reason it is not publicized more openly as a nude beach because it is technically in violation of the law.
Consider This Your Warning
Consider this your warning, there will be naked people here!
It can be really easy to arrive at Little beach having no idea it is a nude beach. I did research before hand and did not find anything on it being a nudist paradise. I was shocked when I got to the top of the rock cliff.
From the top I saw a beautiful beach, but almost immediately I couldn’t focus since I was distracted by the copious amounts of nude sunbathers.
At the top of a cliff there is a sign that says “no nudity.” Ironically I saw a nude couple post with that sign with the gorgeous beach as a backdrop.
If you want to enjoy a similar aesthetic without the nudity head to Big beach right next door.
How to get to Little Beach
The best way to get here is to rent a car. If you don’t have a car rental you can rent a moped for the day, or take an Uber/Lyft. Uber/Lyft will be your most expensive option depending on where you are staying.
If you decide to explore the island by moped you can rent one here for up to two weeks at a time!
Little Beach parking and beach access
Makena State Park charges about $10.00 per vehicle to park. There is also a $5.00 entrance fee per person. Children three and under are free. If you are a Hawaiian resident it is also free. There were attendants in the parking lot checking that people were paying at the kiosks when I entered.
Accessing Little Beach
Once parked, you will take a small hike from Big Beach to Little Beach.
If you are facing Makena Beach (Big Beach) you will walk to your right. You will see a spot
What to expect at Little Beach
The vibe
While I would in no way say my experience is scientific, I would say the most common type of visitor is from the LGBT crowd and skews a little bit older.
Thankfully, I didn’t see any children on the beach.
Snorkeling at Little Beach
There are reefs just off the shore of the beach. This means that Little Beach snorkeling is one of the few places where you can check out the fish wearing nothing but your fins and mask.
Swimming Conditions
Much like Big beach, Little Beaches waves can get intense. Make sure to check the Little beach surf report before going.
Big Beach Vs. Little Beach Maui: What’s the difference?
There is a big difference between the Makena Beaches also known as Big Beach and Little Beach.
Put simply, Little Beach is a nude beach and Big Beach is not. Even though they are only separated by a thin rock cliff wall the experience in entirely different.
Big Beach is not a nude beach and you will find tons of families lounging and playing on the sand and in the waves.
Because I came from the famliy friendly experience of Big Beach, I was shocked by the nude scene of Little Beach just over the cliff. It was interesting, but definitely not my jam.
Big Beach and Little Beach are two of Maui’s most popular bodysurfing and bodyboarding beaches.
Conclusion: Is Little Beach worth visiting?
Plain and simply, it depends. Little Beach is a great beach for swimming, snorkeling, or lounging in the sand, but if you aren’t specifically targeting a nude beach in Hawaii then you can get just as amazing of a beach experience without all the extra skin.
I laughed when I discovered it but promptly went back to Big Beach.
Things to do near Little Beach Maui
- Big Beach – (2 minute walk away)
- Makena Cove – (5 minute drive away)
- Oneuli beach – Black sand beach!
Where to stay in Maui
Before booking a hotel on Maui there are a few things you need to know.
- The hotels in Maui are ALL very expensive. You will have a difficult time finding a hotel for under $200 a night.
- You have to book in advance. Like, far in advance. The hotels and rental cars book up super fast so make sure to plan ahead.
Best Option* Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa – We love this hotel! The location is perfect and only a 2 minute walk to the beach. There are 2 amazing pools at the property and so many amenities. The only downside is it is super expensive.
Best budget option* (if there is such a thing in Maui) – Hakuna Matata Maui Hostel
Four Seasons Resort in Wailea – This is one of the more expensive resorts on Maui, but it’s also one of the most fantastic. If you can swing it financially, highly recommend giving this place a shot. The hotel overlooks Wailea Beach and has 3 swimming pools and 3 restaurants on-site. If you are looking for the ultimate service, food, and pampering, then you should stay here. Check current pricing here.
Hotel Wailea – This hotel is fairly small, with under a hundred guest rooms. This, and the fact that it is far away from the road and any other noise pollution, makes it the perfect place to stay in peace and quiet.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa – Another amazing hotel and resort you are guaranteed to love.
What to Pack for Maui
- Quick Dry Travel Towel – This quick dry towel is amazing to travel with. It really will come in handy when you need extra room in your suitcase.
- Snorkeling gear – for obvious reasons.
- Hiking boots – I have two pairs of hiking boots that I love. My Columbia waterproof boots and my Salomon hiking boots. Highly recommend checking them both out!
- Sandals – LOVE these Teva’s! They are my new go to travel sandal. Shop my favorite Teva’s here. They are great to wear in the water snorkeling and also amazing for hiking in Hawaii.
- Dresses for Hawaii – Packing a few good dresses is essential for Hawaii. Dresses have become my go to on trips to help quickly put an outfit together. Revolve is one of my go to shops for beach dresses. ASOS also has great summer dresses.
- Shorts – Anyone who is traveling to Hawaii needs a good pair of shorts. Khakis are great for guys. For women, cute athletic shorts or denim shorts are perfect for a breezy summertime look. These Levi denim shorts are my current favorites! These high waisted athletic shorts have gone viral on instagram and for good reason, they are AMAZING.
- Sports bra – This SKIMS bra is the most comfortable sports bra you will ever wear! Trust me. I travel with 5 of them. Also, highly recommend checking out the SKIMS fits everybody bra is to die for as well.
- Agolde 90’s jeans – I actually can’t remember the last trip I have been on where I haven’t brought these Agolde jeans. I have them in multiple colors and sizes. Check out my full review here.
- Tank tops – Free people is my go to place to buy cute and affordable tank tops. I have this tighten up tank in almost every color.
- Hat – essential. Shop the newest hats at Nordstrom.
- Beach cover-up – Having at least one good cover-up is essential on any beach trip. I recommend ASOS, Nordstrom and Revolve as well.
- Tennis Shoes – I guess you could wear sandals hiking the trails in Maui but I would recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots. It can get narrow and slippery in parts. These New Balance shoes are amazing. Only problem is they sell out so fast! Blah. They look so cute with shorts too!
- Packing cubes – I always go to Urban Outfitters for my packing cubes. They have the cutest ones!
Planning a trip to Maui? Here are our best MAUI BLOG POSTS:
My husband and I have been to Maui a couple times and have written up more blog posts to help you plan your trip. These are my most popular blog posts and Hawaii travel guides to help you plan your trip. I hope it helps!
Maui general trip planning
Maui Beaches
- Guide to Visiting the Red Sand Beach– One of the best beaches in Maui!
- Hookipa Beach – (Best beach to see turtles in Maui)
- Makena Beach/Big Beach (One of my favorite beaches in Maui)
- Little Beach (also known as Oneloa Beach) – WARNING – nude beach.
- Oneuli Beach – Black sand beach
- Maluaka Beach – all around great beach
- Slaughterhouse Beach – (AKA Mokuleia Bay)
- La Perouse Beach (Bay) – great snorkeling tours here. Best if reached by boat.
Maui Hikes & Lookouts
- Sliding Sands Trail – (also known as Keonehe’ehe’e Trail) is one of the most unique hikes on Earth!
- Waihee Ridge Trail – Most Underrated Maui Hike
- Hoapili Trail – (Hike through lava fields in Maui)
- Dragon’s Teeth Hike
- Ohai Trail Loop – (Easy but Awesome)
- Leleiwi Overlook in Haleakala National Park – (Maui must see!)
Maui Waterfalls
- 6 Easily Accessible Maui Waterfalls – The Best and Most Easily Accessible Maui Waterfalls
- 7 Waterfalls in Maui That You Can Swim In – Must see!
- 13 WATERFALLS IN MAUI YOU CAN’T MISS
Everything else
- Nakalele Blowhole – (100 foot Maui blowhole)
- Olivine Pools in Maui – What you need to know before going