Little Beach

Naturism permitted

📍 Hawaii, USA

Little Beach on Maui is reported for clothing-optional use. Find Big Beach trail access, park hours, fees, facilities and practical tips for planning.

≋Beach details

CountryUSA

RegionHawaii

Naturism statusNaturism permitted

WaterbodySea / ocean

Place typeBeach

Surfacesand

Best season04-10

01020304 05060708 09101112

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Location

United States Hawaii

Naturism

Naturism permitted

Beach characteristics

Sea / Ocean beach Sand

Overview

Little Beach on Maui is reported for clothing-optional use and draws a mix of first-time visitors and regulars. The small sandy cove sits just north of Big Beach in Makena State Park near Wailea. Access is only on foot from Big Beach over a short uneven trail across lava rock. Nude use is common, although posted park rules prohibit nudity and nudity is not required. There are no toilets, showers or vendors at Little Beach. Afternoon generally brings more direct sun, while nearby high ground can shade the sand in the morning.

Visiting the beach

Little Beach is reached through Makena State Park. Park in the Big Beach lot, then follow the trail on the north side of Big Beach to the cove. The route is about 0.3 miles and crosses uneven lava rock, so wear sturdy footwear and allow extra time. The trail can be steep and slippery in places. State park opening hours apply and differ between weekdays and weekends, with earlier closure on weekends. Check posted signs for current hours before starting the walk and allow time to return before closing. Non-residents pay park parking and per-person entry fees at Makena State Park. Public transport does not reach the park entrance directly. Visitors commonly take a bus toward Wailea and continue by taxi or ride-share. Plan a half-day daytime visit tied to park hours and what you can carry. There are no toilets, showers, food vendors or drinking water at Little Beach. The nearest bathrooms are at the Big Beach parking lot. Bring water, sun protection, swim gear and a bag for waste, and pack everything out. Carry only what you need because everything must come back over the same rocky trail. The beach surface is sand with large rocks around the margins. Most of the sand is open, with little natural shade. Morning shadow from surrounding high ground is common, while the afternoon is generally sunnier. The cove often has a gentler shore break than Big Beach, but conditions can turn rough. Check surf before swimming, stay in comfortable depth and avoid rocks and strong currents. If surf looks rough, stay near shore and skip swimming.

Getting there

Access: Reached on foot from Big Beach via a short uneven trail over lava rock

Parking: Park at Makena State Park Big Beach lot; non-resident parking and entry fees apply

Public transport: Bus service to Wailea area, then taxi or ride-share to Makena State Park

Accessibility: Uneven rocky foot trail with limited accessibility; sturdy footwear needed

At the beach

Facilities

No facilities at Little Beach; nearest bathrooms at Big Beach parking lot

Naturist rules

Nudity at Little Beach is tolerated but not required, and posted rules prohibit nudity. Respect both first-time and long-time nude users by giving space on the sand. Keep staring, photography, loud behavior and unwanted approaches out of the visit. Give families and first-time visitors the same courtesy as regulars. Keep conversations quiet, avoid lingering near others, and follow posted conduct rules closely. Stay on established paths over the lava rock and avoid moving rocks or plants. Carry out all trash, including food waste. There are no facilities, so leave the sand clean for others and follow all park rules on hours, alcohol, fires and conduct.

Visitor overview

Little Beach is a small ocean cove with sand, bordering rocks and open sun through much of the day. Visitors should expect a social but generally relaxed atmosphere, with nude use common across the beach. The setting feels enclosed compared with Big Beach, yet it remains a public state park area. Access requires the rocky foot trail, and visits depend on parking availability and park hours. There are no services at the cove, so visitors carry water, sun protection, and swim gear from Big Beach. Parking limits and park hours shape how long visits last. Bring supplies, use sturdy shoes and plan around afternoon sun and changing surf.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Where is Little Beach on Maui?

Little Beach is a small cove just north of Big Beach in Makena State Park near Wailea, Maui. It is reached only by a short foot trail from Big Beach over lava rock. Parking is in the Big Beach state park lot.

Is Little Beach clothing-optional?

Little Beach is reported for clothing-optional use and most visitors go nude, but nudity is not required. Clothing-optional use is tolerated while posted park rules prohibit nudity, so visitors should understand the uncertain status before visiting.

How do you get to Little Beach?

Drive to Makena State Park and park at Big Beach, then walk the marked trail from the north end of Big Beach. The trail is about 0.3 miles over uneven lava rock. Wear sturdy shoes because sections are steep and slippery.

Are there toilets or food at Little Beach?

No. Little Beach has no toilets, showers, vendors or drinking water. The nearest bathrooms are at the Big Beach parking lot. Bring water, food, sun protection and a bag to pack out all waste for your visit.

When is the best time to visit Little Beach?

Daytime visits must fit state park opening hours, which differ between weekdays and weekends. Afternoon often has more direct sun because surrounding land can shade the beach in the morning. Surf can be rough at times.