Little Beach
Makena, south Maui · United States
Maui's clothing-optional cove over the headland from Big Beach, with a gay end and a Sunday drum circle that turns into a party. Hawaii at its loosest.
Updated
- Status
- Tolerated
- Crowd
- Gay-popular
- Country
- United States
- City
- Maui
- Water
- Sea
- Rank
- #18 where the boys go
- Best time
- All year
- Confidence
- Medium
Find it
20.6318° N, 156.4478° WGood to know
Clothing-optional use is not legal in Hawaii; here it has been tolerated for decades, with periodic enforcement. Sundays are the safest bet.
The gay end
The far left of the beach is the gay end. Sunday afternoon is the drum circle and the crowd.
Crowd A clothing-optional beach for everyone with a gay end everyone knows about. Walk in the direction the guide says and you will find the boys.
Getting there
Park at Makena State Park (Big Beach), walk to the north end and over the lava headland. Five minutes.
The rules
Tolerated. Not designated, but going without swimwear has been the custom for years and is left alone. Rules and patrols can change, so read the signs when you arrive.
No photos of anyone, sunscreen everywhere, cover up the moment you leave the clothing-optional stretch, and head home with the light. Sunbathe, swim and keep the beach respectful for everyone.
Questions people ask
Beach questions
Where exactly is Little Beach?
Makena, south Maui, United States. The map pin is 20.6318° N, 156.4478° W.
What is Little Beach like?
Maui's clothing-optional cove over the headland from Big Beach, with a gay end and a Sunday drum circle that turns into a party. Hawaii at its loosest.
Which section of Little Beach is on the atlas?
The far left of the beach is the gay end. Sunday afternoon is the drum circle and the crowd.
How do I get to Little Beach?
Park at Makena State Park (Big Beach), walk to the north end and over the lava headland. Five minutes.
What access or enforcement note applies to Little Beach?
Clothing-optional use is not legal in Hawaii; here it has been tolerated for decades, with periodic enforcement. Sundays are the safest bet.
Where does Little Beach rank?
Makena, south Maui. #18 in the gay-popular beach ranking.
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Method
Status says what the law and the locals allow; crowd says who is on the sand. Both come from gay-travel guides, the national naturist federations and members who were just there, scored on sources, recency, crowd, legal footing and safety. How we rank. Pins mark the beach; the gay end is described above. Last reviewed September 2026.