Maui is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and there are plenty of options for those who want to enjoy them “au natural”. You probably heard of little beach, but there are also a handful of other beaches that are worth visiting if you enjoy sunbathing on nudist beaches!
1. Little Beach
Until today, Little Beach still holds the title of Maui’s most famous clothing-optional beach. Despite the signs prohibiting nudity , it’s never enforced and is generally well-tolerated by other beachgoers. You also won’t stick out like a sore thumb since many people are sunbathing in their birthday suits! If you fancy tranquillity while sunbathing, avoid going on Sunday, as it can get very crowded.
This beach is located next to the more popular Big Beach. To reach the beach, take the first entrance of Big Beach, and walk to the north end of the beach. Then, hike upwards for around 5 minutes through some outcropping lava rocks.
Activities at Little Beach:
- Swimming
- Beachcombing
- Lunch or dinner on the wooden jetty
- Drum circles on Sunday
- Watching fire shows after sunset
- Climbing
- Surfing
2. Paia Secret Beach
Located on Maui’s north shore, between Paia Bay and Baldwin Cove, Paia Secret Beach is an unofficial clothing-optional beach less crowded than Little Beach. It is not the most photogenic beach, but it is pretty secluded and has easy access. The west end of the beach is where you’ll see more naked beachgoers. The east side of the beach is more of a family-friendly spot, especially on the weekend.
The best way to get to the beach is to park at Paia Bay, then walk through the small wooded area bordering the west end of the bay. You can also access the beach by walking the path from Baldwin Cove.
Activities at Paia Secret Beach:
- Watching turtles
- Swimming
- Beachcombing
- Watching the sunset
3. Baldwin Cove
Adjacent to Paia Secret Beach is a long white sandy beach, Baldwin Cove. It is the best spot on the island for bodysurfing and bodyboarding. Watch out for the surf when swimming, especially during the winter months. In contrast to Paia Secret Beach, nudists is not very common on this beach. However, topless sunbathing is generally accepted.
The beach has relatively easy access. From Paia, exit the town and head west on Hana Highway. Look out for signs on the right side of the road.
Activities at Baldwin Cove:
- Watching turtles
- Bodysurfing
- Drumming circles
- Acro yoga
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Snorkeling
- Tidepooling
4. Kaihalulu Beach
Also known as Red Sand Beach, Kaihalulu Beach is one of Maui’s hidden gems! This secluded beach is surrounded by cliffs and is popular for its red-colored sand. The rock formations create tiny tide pools that you can explore. Although the beach is not officially clothing-optional, you will spot naturists sunbathing anyways!
The hike requires a steep hiking trail on the side of cliffs. Stay away if you’re not a confident hiker or scared of heights. Also, make sure to wear proper hiking shoes.
Activities at Kaihalulu Beach:
- Hiking
- Tidepooling
- Swimming (beware of the surf!)
- Snorkeling (beware of the surf!)
- Taking sunrise photos
Naturist resorts and accommodation options on Maui
- Tropical Breezes Naturist Guest House is a private, comfortable naturist guest house located in two locations on Maui. The first location is around 10 minutes from Little Beach in Makena, and the other is in Kihei.
- Maui Sun Club was once a popular naturist retreat offering accommodations on the eastern side of Maui. Unfortunately, it has closed down since mid-2006.
- If you know of any nudist accommodation options, please let us know in the comments 🙂
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 nudity is banned on state beaches.
The state of Hawaii has an obscenity code that bans naturists 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 Maui, these laws are rarely enforced.
Etiquette for nude beaches on Maui
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. Naturists 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.
