Little Beach (Pu'u Olai), Maui
The verdict
- Best for: Visitors who want a smaller, more sheltered cove than Big Beach for swimming, snorkeling and a laid back, free spirited afternoon.
- Best spot: The rocky edges of the cove, where the snorkeling is best on calm, clear days and the reef fish gather.
- Know this: This has long been an unofficial clothing optional beach, so expect nudity; access is a short rock scramble from the north end of Big Beach.
Published 27 March 2026. Last reviewed 19 April 2026
Little Beach, set behind the Pu'u Olai cinder cone at the north end of Big Beach, is South Maui's worst kept secret. Where Big Beach is vast and exposed, Little Beach is a snug golden pocket, more sheltered, often clearer, and with reef along its rocky shoulders that makes for pleasant snorkeling when the water is calm. You reach it by scrambling over the rocks at the north end of Big Beach, a short climb that keeps the casual crowds away and gives the cove its tucked away feel.
The honest framing is twofold. First, Little Beach has been an unofficial clothing optional beach for decades, so you should expect nudity and a relaxed, bohemian crowd; if that is not for you, it is not the beach for you. Second, there is no lifeguard and no facilities on the cove itself, so you are on your own for safety and supplies. The water is usually gentler than Big Beach, but swell can still wrap around the point, so it is calmer rather than guaranteed calm.
It suits confident swimmers and snorkelers who want a more intimate, sheltered cove and do not mind the clothing optional tradition or the rock scramble to reach it. Families and anyone wanting full facilities and a lifeguard are better served by Big Beach next door or the Kamaole beaches in Kihei. For a similarly sheltered but fully serviced bay, Kapalua Bay on the west side is the gentler choice.
Clubs on this beach
Little Beach is a hidden cove inside a state park with nothing on the sand, so any serviced beach day comes from the Wailea resorts a short drive away rather than here.
No club on the sand
Little Beach is a tucked away cove with no club, bar or loungers; that seclusion is the entire appeal. Bring your own kit and treat it as a wild, free spirited swim and snorkel spot. For a serviced beach day with daybeds and food, the Wailea resort strand a short drive north is the place to look.
Wailea resorts nearby
A few minutes north in Wailea, the resort beachfronts and their restaurants provide the serviced side of South Maui, with loungers and dining mainly for guests. These are resort setups rather than a single beach club, and access, hours and any minimum spend vary by property and are to be confirmed.
Little Beach is reached on foot from Makena State Park in South Maui. Park at the first or second Big Beach lot, walk to the north end of Big Beach below the Pu'u Olai cone, and scramble over the rocky outcrop to drop into the cove on the other side. It is a short climb rather than a hike, but the rocks can be sharp and slippery, so wear proper footwear and take your time, especially with surf running.
There are no facilities on the cove, so use the restrooms and parking back at Big Beach and bring everything you need, including water, shade and snorkel gear. There is no lifeguard here, so swim and snorkel within your limits, keep an eye on the swell wrapping around the point, and get out if the water turns. Conditions are typical rather than guaranteed, so check the daily forecast before you go.
Reserve a beach club day in Maui
Little Beach is a hidden, free cove with no club service. Tell us your date, party and plan and we will help arrange a serviced beach day at a Wailea resort nearby. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Is Little Beach a nude beach?
Little Beach has been an unofficial clothing optional beach for decades, so you should expect to see nudity and a relaxed, bohemian crowd. It is a long standing local tradition rather than an official designation, and enforcement has varied over the years and is to be confirmed. If a clothing optional setting is not for you, Big Beach next door is the better choice.
How do I get to Little Beach?
Little Beach sits behind the Pu'u Olai cinder cone at the north end of Big Beach in Makena State Park. Park at a Big Beach lot, walk to the north end of the sand, and scramble over the rocky outcrop to reach the cove on the far side. It is a short climb rather than a long walk, but wear sturdy footwear as the rocks can be sharp.
Is Little Beach good for snorkeling?
Yes, the snorkeling is best along the rocky edges of the cove on calm, clear days, when reef fish gather around the lava. The cove is more sheltered than Big Beach, which helps the visibility, but swell can still wrap around the point. There is no lifeguard, so snorkel within your limits and only when the water is calm.
Is there a lifeguard at Little Beach?
No, there is no lifeguard stationed on Little Beach itself, unlike Big Beach next door, which is patrolled during the day. There are also no facilities on the cove. You are responsible for your own safety, so swim and snorkel within your limits, watch the swell and conditions, and bring your own water and supplies.
When is the best time to visit Little Beach?
The calmer summer months from April to October are generally best for swimming and snorkeling, when the cove is most sheltered. Winter swell can wrap around the point and stir the water. Mornings are quietest and clearest, and the cove has long been known for a relaxed gathering on Sunday afternoons, though that tradition has changed over time and is to be confirmed.
