Mekena State Park, Kihei, Maui, HI 96753
Weather: 9
Little Beach is located on the "dry side" of the island of Maui. It get's an 10 because of the warmth and consistent warm weather year round. The thing about Hawaii is that no matter what ,the forecast says sunny or cloudy or rainy, you could have them all on any given day, so always be prepared. June and July is when we were there and it was beautiful!
Legal/Acceptance: 9
No beach in Hawaii is technically legally nude. But like all nude beaches, they are difficult or a long walk to get to, so it's just accepted because of it's remote location. This beach is just up over the lava cliff from Big Beach. It's not so hard to climb, but it's literally a little beach compared to Big Beach, so perhaps that's why it's accepted as clothing optional.
Trail/Access: 8
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The access to this beach is through the Mekena State Park entrance. There is ample parking and a short hike to the big beach. Please were sandals. They have trees on either side of the lath that drop thorns. Then go right when you get to the sand and walk all the way to the lava hill. It's about a 5 min walk. If the tide is in, you might get a little wet getting to the start of the trail. Then its a short climb over the lava to the little beach on the other side.
Privacy: 2
This is a reallllllllly small beach (hence the name). It's also very popular. Since it's on the "dry side" of the island it also has better weather. It's located in a State park, so it has ample parking and the walk to it is easy. All these things make for a busy beach with lots of locals and visitors. At the sunset, usually on the weekends but sometimes during the week, there is a large group of drummers that come.
Nude Etiquette: 5
The atmosphere in Hawaii islands is really so different than on the main land. We found people in general to be cordial, polite and considerate. In other words, there weren't a lot of creeps. Little beach does have some overly friendly people that want to talk and sometimes sell you marajuana, but they didn't seem creepy, really.
"Creeps or Pervs" are the guys that stare or position themselves to to another person to get a good view. They also may touch themselves inappropriately. They can give a vibe even if they are doing nothing observably pervy.
"Creeps or Pervs" are the guys that stare or position themselves to to another person to get a good view. They also may touch themselves inappropriately. They can give a vibe even if they are doing nothing observably pervy.
Sand comfort: 9
Some beaches can have rocks, lava or shells as the land that meets the water. Most people prefer soft sand. It's easy to walk in and fun to lay in. Little Beach has really soft golden sand. As you can see, the birds love it, too! It's a pleasure to spend the day on this sort of beach.
**Bring shoes to go for a walk. The surrounding trees have thorns that drop. The missionaries planted them to help get the local Hawaiians to wear shoes, back in the day. It worked! They hurt without shoes.
**Bring shoes to go for a walk. The surrounding trees have thorns that drop. The missionaries planted them to help get the local Hawaiians to wear shoes, back in the day. It worked! They hurt without shoes.
Water Temp: 9
It's tropical waters are constantly warm ranging from 75-80+ depending on the time of year.
Shade Option: 5
There are some trees down at the end, but mostly you need an umbrella. On the islands, winds can suddenly gust out of no where.
If an umbrella is needed for your spot, please try a deadman anchor to help stabilize it from blowing away. (This is done by taking a bag and filling it with sand and tying it to the umbrella pole with a rope. Then placing the sand bag into the wind to hold the umbrella. It also helps to angle the umbrella into the wind with the bag to maximize the stability.
If an umbrella is needed for your spot, please try a deadman anchor to help stabilize it from blowing away. (This is done by taking a bag and filling it with sand and tying it to the umbrella pole with a rope. Then placing the sand bag into the wind to hold the umbrella. It also helps to angle the umbrella into the wind with the bag to maximize the stability.
Family Friendly Waves: 5
The waves crash right at the shore and can knock you over they are so strong. But once you get through them, its pretty consistent. Not super safe for small children.
Amenities: 4
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This beach is off the road with a nice parking lot. it has trash, a food stand on occasion and outhouses.
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Extra Reviews:
Snorkling: 8
Snorkling is really good here, but only gets an 8 because the water is not calm and there are a lot of lava rocks. I'm a little scared of waves and deep water, so I stayed on shore. A friend who now lives on the island who is an avid scuba diver, took us to were the turtles hang out. There we saw a shark, too.
Wild Life Safty: 6
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There are many things to be aware of at this beach. The weather is so nice that other creatures think so, too. The mongoose nibbled on my nose while I took a nap. They are curious and bold when hungry. There are lots of creature under the water, too, but you have to go North, around the lava corner, to see most of them. Beware as the waves are strong. Also don't touch the turtles even if you get close enough. It's against the law.
Sunset Location: 9
It's not exactly facing due West, but it's pretty close. Depending on time of the year, it could possibly set behind the little island off the cost of Maui.
