Little Beach on Maui, Hawaii ranks among the most beautiful nude beaches in the world.
Also known as, Little Makena Beach, it snuggles against the western base of Pu'u
Olai, a 360 foot high cinder cone which can be seen for miles along the leeward coast.
The beach is a belt of fine amber sand, only 430 feet long. It is buttressed
at each end by lava rocks. Click on the images for a closer look.
Status -
Christian missionaries have insured that some Hawaiians are as
prudish as mainland fundamentalist bible thumpers. Until a recent Hawaii Supreme
Court decision, nudity was considered illegal on all Hawaiian beaches.
Unfortunately, the court decision is open to alternative interpretations and the legal
status of nude beaches in Hawaii is unclear. Fortunately, secular tolerance
has prevailed and the historic prohibition against nudity has not been enforced at Little
Beach since the 1980's.
Geodetic Coordinates -
20º 38' 07" North
Latitude (20.6353º)
156º 27' 07" West Longitude (156.4519º)
Directions -
| Located on the southwest leeward side of Maui, Little Beach is in
the Makena State Park. From north Kihei (KEE' hay) take
the Pi'ilani Hwy (Hawaii Route 31) south to its end in Wailea. You will be forced to
turn right onto Wailea Iki Drive. Go 0.9 mile and turn left at the traffic light
onto Wailea Alanui. Go 4 miles south to the Makena State Park. |
Click for map
|
As you drive Wailea Alanui will change name to Makena
Alanui. A mile past the Maui Prince Hotel, look for Emergency Telephone
#17 on the left. Turn right into the Makena State Park. Parking is
limited. Park in the lot or along the access road.
Do not leave anything of value in your
car! Not even in the trunk! While most people lock their cars, some leave them
unlocked in the hope that thieves will not break a window to check out the empty car.
| Walk west along the path (continuing the same direction as you
drove into the park) to Big Beach. At the beach, go north (right) to the end of Big
Beach and climb over the 30 foot high lava flow trail and down the other side to Little
Beach. The Big Beach side of the lava flow trail is a somewhat difficult climb
requiring the use of at least one free hand. The distance from the parking lot to
Little Beach is a little less that ½ mile. |
Click to enlarge with labels
|
What to Bring -
The climb over the lava flow will cause you to want to have at least
one hand free. A backpack is suggested. There are virtually no amenities on
Little Beach. Be sure to bring drinking water.
Necessities:
- Water
- Sunblock
- Towel and/or blanket
- Sunglasses
- Footwear for the hot parking lot pavement and the climb over the
rough lava flow (although many people go barefoot)
Nice to have along:
- Reading material
- Lunch
- Walkman
- Cell phone
- Watch
- Sun umbrella
- Beach chair
Notes -
- Although possibly illegal, there appears to be no problem with nudity
on Little Beach as of this writing. Observe the crowd and/or check with locals for
current status.
- There are trash cans at the parking lot.
- There are portable toilets on Big Beach where the path from the
parking lot enters the beach.
- The climb over the lava flow between Big and Little Beach may be
difficult for some people. Be sure to have at least one hand free to secure
handholds.
- Although people with tough feet may not need footware to climb over
the lava flow, the pavement in the parking lot can become VERY hot, especially in the
summer.
- The Hawaiian Sun can be VERY intense. Use sun block protection
appropriate for your skin color.
- There are no amenities on Little Beach. Be sure to bring
drinking water.
- Although surprisingly homogenous, gays tend to congregate at the
north (far) end and straights at the south (near) end of Little Beach.
- The sand is very fine and sticks readily to wet or oiled skin.
A towel, blanket, mat or chair will make for a more comfortable visit.
|
