Sunbathing topless is completely legal everywhere in Hawaii, but can be a little tricky for naturists. If you’re on Kauai and want to get rid of those nasty tan lines, check out these three unofficial naturist beaches on Kauai!
1. Kauapea Beach
Also known as Secret Beach, Kauapea beach is located between Kalihiway and Kilauea on Kauai’s north shore. It is one of the most popular unofficial clothing-optional beaches on the island. Towards the end of the beach is where you will find some topless or naked sunbathers.
To get to the beach, you must hike around 5 to 10 minutes from the parking lot at the Kauapehea Beach Trail Head. The trail can be steep and slippery. Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes. Swimming can be dangerous as the surf is rough.
Activities at Kauapea Beach:
- Hiking
- Sunbathing
- Beachcombing
- Watching wildlife
- Surfing
2. Paliku Beach
Paliku Beach (also known as Donkey Beach in English) is a secluded beach on the eastern side of Kauai. It is an excellent spot for sunbathing and sometimes surfing. However, swimming is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers due to the large waves.
The parking spot is between the 11 and 12-mile markers right off Hukio Highway. Walk through the tree tunnel towards the beach. Its private location makes it a perfect place for clothing-optional beach goers and nudists, who like to avoid attracting attention. The beach was once the best nude beach on the island. Unfortunately, the new land developers didn’t want to dissatisfy their high-end clients, so anti-naturism laws here were upped. However, you may still spot some naturist between the trees somewhere!
Activities at Paliku Beach:
- Sunbathing
- Surfing
- Bodyboarding
3. Larsen Beach
Like many other beaches in Kauai, Larsen Beach is not officially naturist-friendly, but it is more tolerated due to its remote location. The beach is situated on the northeastern shore of the island. There is no proper road leading to the beach. You have to park at the end of the dirt road, then hike down for about 10 to 15 minutes through a steep hill. Wear hiking shoes!
Swimming is only possible at certain times, as the waves are rough, and the currents are unpredictable. Privacy is not an issue here, as many bushes and trees provide much-welcomed cover and shade! You can always put up an umbrella for a little more privacy when in doubt. The more you go south, the more people in birthday suits you see!
Activities at Larsen Beach:
- Sunbathing
- Beachcombing
Local Naturst beach groups on Kauai
Kauai Naturists is a social group of people who support using public beaches on Kauai for clothing-optional recreation.
We do not know of any resorts or accommodation options on Kauai that explicitly permit naturism. If you find some, let us know!
Legality
The answer to whether naturist on Hawaii’s beaches is legal in the first place is, unfortunately, somewhat complicated. It also depends on your definition of naturism.
Topless sunbathing is always legal.
Topless sunbathing is permissible by Hawaiian law because there are no state laws or regulations that prohibit women from going sunny side up. While there are strict laws against lewdness or indecent exposure, these do not extend to the act of going topless on a public beach.
On most beaches, however, it is quite rare to see topless sunbathers. If you do decide to go topless on a crowded beach, be prepared that you might draw the attention of other vacationers.
Complete naturism is banned on state beaches.
The state of Hawaii has an obscenity code that bans nudists from sunbathing on state beaches. However, this has never stopped locals or visitors from getting rid of those nasty tan lines, as there are several non-state beaches where naturists can sunbathe easily. And even on public beaches on Kauai, these laws are rarely enforced.
Etiquette for naturist beaches on Kauai
If it is your first time sunbathing as a naturist in public, please read through the following basic etiquette to avoid making yourself or others feel uncomfortable.
- Beaches in Hawaii are often crowded, so be respectful of other people’s space. Nudists are often very comfortable with their bodies and with being close to others, but not everyone is. Give people their space.
- Don’t be a creep and avoid staring or pointing at others.
- Naked or not. Avoid flying drones up close to people.
- Respect the local culture and customs. Be respectful of people’s modesty and don’t do anything that would make someone feel uncomfortable.
