Little Beach
Little Beach
4.5
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4.5
527 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
127
Average
43
Poor
10
Terrible
6
Rick H
El Paso, TX67 contributions
Mar 2022
Its’ a beautiful beach. Be prepared to pay about $15 per car plus $5 for each occupant. It’s a bit of a hike to the beach and then you have to climb up an over some lava rock hill to get to Little Beach. So don’t overload yourself. I wish we would have worn shoes more protective than flip flops for climbing over the lava rocks. Of course, some people did it barefoot, but I don't recommend that. There were about 100 sunbathers the day we went (3-7-2022, Monday). Take a beach umbrella, maybe a beach chair and water for sure. The hike is well worth it. We strongly recommend this beach, especially if it’s your first clothing optional beach experience. We were told the best time to visit and not worry about the local authorities, is during the week. Enjoy!
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel Fun
Murrieta, CA10 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We went for the novel, vacation experience. My wife and I are not experience nudists. But, who cares! It’s paradise, and we were on Maui to get away from normal life. We built some vacation memories! We were in Maui for our anniversary. And yes, we did the clothing optional thing. It was uncomfortable at first, but that was part of the experience. Sometimes, you get out of your comfort zone to bond with each other. Where else in the world can you do this except here?
We went on a Wednesday, and there were about 15 other couples on the beach. Some of them were gay couples, but most were heterosexual. Some of the ladies went topless, and some were fully nude. There was one couple in particular that we thought were adorable. They were (estimating) over 60 years old. They were Asian, and wore sunglasses, and they walked out to the water fully nude together. She looked like her skin had never seen the sun before. But, there was a postcard moment– they where they were facing the water together holding hands. It was romantic, it was sweet. They played in the surf together skinny-dipping for about 30 minutes without a care in the world.
There were young, couples and old couples, honeymooners, and a few singles. We did not feel like there were creepy, voyer single guys. But then, the crowd on the beach seemed to change over frequently. We stayed for two hours. it seemed like most people stayed for about an hour or so and left. So, there’s a high turnover.
The beach itself is wonderful! You can snorkel off to the right and see a moderate number of fish. You can surf as the surf is pretty mild. The water is turquoise perfectly clear.
We made memories on this beach, as did many other couples who were on vacation and visited.
We went on a Wednesday, and there were about 15 other couples on the beach. Some of them were gay couples, but most were heterosexual. Some of the ladies went topless, and some were fully nude. There was one couple in particular that we thought were adorable. They were (estimating) over 60 years old. They were Asian, and wore sunglasses, and they walked out to the water fully nude together. She looked like her skin had never seen the sun before. But, there was a postcard moment– they where they were facing the water together holding hands. It was romantic, it was sweet. They played in the surf together skinny-dipping for about 30 minutes without a care in the world.
There were young, couples and old couples, honeymooners, and a few singles. We did not feel like there were creepy, voyer single guys. But then, the crowd on the beach seemed to change over frequently. We stayed for two hours. it seemed like most people stayed for about an hour or so and left. So, there’s a high turnover.
The beach itself is wonderful! You can snorkel off to the right and see a moderate number of fish. You can surf as the surf is pretty mild. The water is turquoise perfectly clear.
We made memories on this beach, as did many other couples who were on vacation and visited.
Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisVancouver
Vancouver, Canada180 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We visited twice in November on Monday and Friday ( sign says closes at 7 on weekdays and 4 pm on sat and sun so we didn’t go on the weekend). It was the same as ever except for more oppressive signs stating no nudity an no several other things as well as a large open but lockable gate as you go up the lava path to cross from big to little beach. Signs say $10 to park and $5 per person to visit. We parked on the road outside the lot and never paid either. There are machines to pay for parking but no idea how to pay entry per person. No officials ever in sight. Very one was nude and chill at the beach and it was wonderful as in the past which was a relief. Everyone was respectful and friendly.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanqi You
8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
For years when we visit Maui, Little Beach is our almost daily destination. We book our lodging accordingly so we are close to it. We were there yesterday, a hostile metal gate was installed on the little climb to the beach. The new closing hours are week days at 7pm and weekends at 4pm. This shouldn't be allowed since Hawaii beaches are all publicly accessible and open 24 hours daily. We still enjoyed our 2 hour relaxation, but felt almost violated. Also, be aware there is a charge of $10 per vehicle and $5 per person to enter the park now for non-Hawaii residents. We parked on the road and hiked in. There is a sign to ask you to download an app so you can pay online. There is also a kiosk closer to the beach in the parking lot.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Los Angeles, CA281 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
I was concerned about getting over the rocky trail with my wife, but it wasn't as bad as what I've read. The gate at the start of the trail was still there but was open when we arrived early morning. The beach is literally in the shade of a small cindercone Volcano - at least in the morning. We had to wait for the sun to crest over the Volcano to get the chill off the beach.
The vibe there was very easy going and the people were respectful and pretty much kept to themselves even when it started to get a bit crowded - it is a little beach after all.
The water and waves were pefect. And if you've never swam in the ocean "unencumbered", I highly recommend trying it at least once in your life. I loved every minute there, so much so that we went back several times.
The vibe there was very easy going and the people were respectful and pretty much kept to themselves even when it started to get a bit crowded - it is a little beach after all.
The water and waves were pefect. And if you've never swam in the ocean "unencumbered", I highly recommend trying it at least once in your life. I loved every minute there, so much so that we went back several times.
Written April 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BoysInNY
Chicago, IL1,692 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Went here on my last trip to Maui years ago and brought friends to check it out this week — is as beautiful as I remember! The beach was closed during COVID-19 for a time but has officially reopened. On weekends it closes earlier now at 4pm (and if I recall on weekdays 7pm). I read this was a way of using COVID-19 to get a firmer hold on the beach by the county authorities (e.g., Sunday drum circle). Nonetheless, found it peaceful and friendly. Some people sunbathing naked, some gay people, some people just wanting to relax in an open and quiet setting.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philippe_DC
Washington DC, DC190 contributions
Nov 2020
Best experienced on Sunday afternoon for drummers sunset. If you are looking for out of the beatten path, fun, hippie style exprience, search no more. It is clothing optional, but you will feel comfortable even if you are not going nude yourself... it might even prompt you to try! Drummers, people dancing, jugglers with fire at sunset. We even got to sea whales jumping off the water from there (the only ones in our whole trip). Sooo good that we postponed our return to home to go back there the following Sunday :)
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven Z
2 contributions
Jan 2020
I have traveled to Maui many times over the years, and have always made Little Beach one of my favorite destinations on the island. My most recent visit in January, 2020, caught me with surprise. There is now a $5 parking fee for all non-Hawaii residents. I assume that if you have a rental car, it means you're not a local resident and you must pay the fee. There are attendants roaming the lot, so I can only assume they have some way of determining which vehicles are privately owned vs. rentals. Same-day tickets must be clearly displayed inside your windshield. I might also caution that the ticket machines only accept credit cards issued by US banks. The machines do NOT take cash or credit cards issued by non-US banks. I suspect it's possible to avoid paying the $5 by parking on the road outside the lot. I thought I would alert you to this so you won't get caught by surprise upon arrival. Overall, however, small price to pay for a day on Little Beach.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
steve s
Manchester, NH46 contributions
Apr 2020
I have been going to Maui every years for 28 of the past 29 (unable to go in 2020 due to the pandemic and quarantine restrictions.) I am now fully vaccinated and Maui is the number one destination on my list. Although I could theoretically go there now, a friend on Maui told me that Little Beach was closed. While I fully understand that the authorities need to enforce social distancing and safety at all areas, what bothers me is that one of the cited reasons for closure was "reckless and illegal behavior" at the beach, especially on Sundays. In all of the years that I have been going there, I have experienced nothing but peace and fun there. No one gets hurt. Everybody respects each other. Let's hope that as the virus wanes that officials will allow the black to reopen as the haven of tranquility and beauty that it has always been. Little Beach is a unique place and a wonderful experience. I plan to make my next trip to Maui only when the beach reopens.
Written March 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beckibecka
Aurora, CO564 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
So, I had read that this beach was one of the most beautiful on the island. I was with my husband, my mom, and my 2 daughters (kids). Nothing I read said anything about nudity. I should have done more research. We got there super early and had the beach to ourselves. As other people started to show up, we quickly realized that this is a nude beach, despite the no nudity signs. My husband and I really wanted to snorkel here, so went out. By the time we started back to shore the beach was covered in naked men. I don't have an issue with nudity, but I do wish they'd just label it a nude beach so we would have known. It really is a beautiful beach, but it's a bit ruined by all the saggy balls... At least we made some memories 😅
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be in Maui again in December. Just wanted to know whether Little Beach is still clothing optional and has anything else changed.
Written November 6, 2024
Little Beach is in Makena State Park. Little Beach is open 5am to 7pm on weekdays and 5am to 4pm on weekends. Clothing is generally accepted as optional, but not supported by any rule or law. The drum Circle group has been fighting in court to return. The parking fee is $10. and can be paid in advance online at Makena State Park or paid at the lot by scanning a QR code.
Written November 6, 2024
As of early December it was open. I don’t know since then.
Written February 5, 2021
What are the trail conditions?
Our first visit was in 2010 and all of the sand had scoured away during a storm and the trail was quite the adventure.
Next time we went was 2 or 3 years later and it was an easy walk to the cleft to go up and over.
Written September 13, 2019
Very easy little climb up the cliffs. Going there is not a problem, but if you leave it when it’s dark it’s a little dangerous. Make sure you have a flashlight available.
Written September 13, 2019
If by "time" you mean time of day I recommend early in the morning. That way you can pick out a spot you like! We would usually arrive about 10AM and hang until sunset. That being said if you arrive in the afternoon the beach is usually busy and full of people. Therefore, you can pick out a spot by people you think might be fun and interesting.
If you mean time of year I suggest January/February since the sand is cooler and the whales swim very close to shore. The beach is very nice this time of year!!
Written July 27, 2018
Depends on what time you'd like to be there. We found people are usually staking out their territory around 10-ish. And many have umbrellas - a good choice for the "parts" you don't want sunburned. Bring a picnic lunch and just enjoy yourself!
Written July 27, 2018
Sundays at sunset. A little bit like Mardi Gras in the sand. Be sure to take care not to leave anything of value on your beach towel. (The party can get quite raucous). Having a small flashlight (or your mobile phone flashlight if you have one) to get back down to Big Beach via the lava tube/path is a great idea.
Written January 8, 2018
Update to my question, Will be on a cruise that stops in Lahaina. Do I need to rent a car or is there transportation there?
Written May 26, 2015
oh yeah - Rent a car or find a friend with one. It's a good ride from Kahului to Kihei and then you have to get to Wailea. From there you head south down the coast a good distance and turn off on dirt roads - No Public Transport unless you have bags of gold for a taxi and then the wait. If you have time and the inclination - rent .... but remember that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and it's a long way for little return unless you like big butts and birthday suits ! Me ? I'd go to Lahaina instead. Just sayin
Written March 3, 2016
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