Overview
When we started planning our time on Maui, Hawaii, we knew we wanted to see as much of the island as possible. Maui has so many incredible beaches, scenic drives, volcanic landscapes, and outdoor adventures that it would have been easy to spend the entire trip relaxing near our hotel. But that wasn’t really our plan. We wanted to get out and explore, and Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi, better known as Little Beach, was one of those places that made it onto our list because it offered something a little different from the larger resort beaches.
Little Beach is located in Mākena State Park on the southwest side of Maui, immediately adjacent to Oneloa, commonly called Big Beach or Mākena Beach. The beach sits at the base of Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi, a prominent volcanic cinder cone that creates a dramatic backdrop along this part of the South Maui coastline.
Getting to Little Beach is part of the experience because you don’t simply drive up to a parking lot and step onto the sand. The traditional access is from the north end of Big Beach, where a short, rocky section leads around Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi to the smaller beach.
The scenery is beautiful, with golden sands, lava rocks, turquoise water, and views back toward Big Beach. Nearby Oneuli is Maui’s well-known black sand beach, making this section of Mākena State Park a particularly interesting place to explore if you want to see several different coastal landscapes in one stop.
Before you go, however, check the current Hawaiʻi State Parks information. Hours, fees, access, closures, and park rules can change. As of September 2026, Little Beach has different closing hours on weekends than on weekdays.
History
Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi is the prominent volcanic cinder cone that separates Little Beach from the larger Oneloa, or Big Beach. The cone is one of the features that gives this part of Maui such a distinctive landscape, with volcanic rock meeting the Pacific Ocean and creating a dramatic backdrop for the beaches.
Mākena State Park encompasses this stretch of the South Maui coastline and includes some of the island’s best-known undeveloped beaches. The park is described by Hawaiʻi State Parks as a scenic wildland beach park characterized by Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi and the large white sand beach at Oneloa. The park covers approximately 164.4 acres.
Little Beach also has a reputation quite different from most Maui beaches. For years it has been known for its bohemian atmosphere and clothing-optional sunbathing. It is sometimes described online as an “optional beach,” but visitors should understand that public nudity is prohibited under the applicable park rules. State Parks has specifically posted regulations addressing nudity, alcohol, drugs, and fires at Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi.
The beach has also experienced periods of closure because of large gatherings and violations of park rules. In January 2021, Hawaiʻi State Parks temporarily closed Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi after large Sunday parties involving hundreds of people. State officials cited Sunday afternoons and evenings, drum circles, illegal alcohol, illicit substances, public nudity, and people in close contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media posts from the previous Sunday were used by officials to estimate that roughly 400 people had gathered.
State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said the closure was an extraordinary action taken out of an abundance of caution. DOCARE officers had repeatedly visited Little Beach on Sundays and issued citations for alcohol violations. Officials also discussed the need for more permanent solutions to manage the area.
That historical illegal closure period should not be confused with today’s normal access. Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi reopened in March 2021 with adjusted weekend hours and additional management measures.
Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi (Little Beach) Plan
One of our favorite things about traveling to Maui, Hawaii, is that there is always another beach, lookout, trail, or scenic drive to explore. Rather than spending our entire vacation in one area, we wanted to see as much of Maui as we could.
That meant building in stops along the way instead of treating every destination as a full-day activity. Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi was a great example because Little Beach can be combined with Big Beach, Oneuli Black Sand Beach, and other South Maui attractions.
We could explore the coastline, spend some time at the beach, take in the volcanic scenery around Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi, and then continue on to our next Maui adventure. For us, that is one of the best things about exploring Maui—you can turn several smaller stops into one really memorable day.
Getting There
Location
Maui is one of the major islands in the Hawaiian Islands and is located in the central Pacific Ocean. The island is known for its diverse landscapes, from beaches and volcanic mountains to lush valleys, waterfalls, forests, and scenic coastal roads.
Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi, or Little Beach, is located on the southwestern side of Maui in the Mākena area. It is part of Mākena State Park and sits immediately adjacent to Oneloa, commonly called Big Beach.
The park is reached from the South Maui area via Mākena Alanui Road. Depending on where you are staying, you may be traveling from Wailea or Kihei using roads such as Wailea Alanui Drive or Wailea Ike Drive before continuing south toward Mākena.
This location makes Little Beach especially convenient if you’re staying around Wailea or Kihei and want to spend a day exploring South Maui.
Best Time to Go
Maui is a year-round destination, so there isn’t really one bad time to visit. The best time for your trip depends on what you want to do.
For a beach day at Little Beach, mornings can be a great choice if you prefer cooler temperatures, fewer people, and plenty of daylight for exploring. Current State Parks hours for Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi are 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The parking area has its own operating schedule, so always check the current park information before heading out.
If you’re interested in snorkeling, calm conditions are always worth watching because Maui’s beaches can experience changing surf, currents, and powerful shore break. Hawaiʻi State Parks specifically warns that shore break at Mākena can be very dangerous.
Winter can also be an exciting time to visit Maui if you want to combine beach days with whale watching, while summer generally brings warmer, drier conditions to many parts of the island.
Regardless of when you visit, always check the current ocean conditions before getting in the water.
Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi (Little Beach)
Who Can Go?
Anyone who is comfortable with the access conditions can visit Little Beach, but this isn’t the easiest Maui beach for everyone.
Getting there traditionally involves walking from the Big Beach area and navigating a short rocky, uneven section near Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi. Because of that, visitors with mobility limitations, young children who aren’t steady on uneven ground, or anyone uncomfortable scrambling over rocks may find the access challenging.
Little Beach is also important to understand before you arrive because of its long-standing clothing-optional reputation. While you may see references to a clothing-optional beach in social media posts or older travel articles, public nudity is prohibited under park rules.
The beach can also have a different atmosphere than a typical resort beach, so it is worth knowing what to expect before making it part of your Maui itinerary.
What You'll See
The first thing you’ll notice is Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi itself. The volcanic cinder cone rises above the coastline and is responsible for much of the dramatic scenery around Little Beach and Big Beach.
You’ll also see:
- A beautiful sandy beach tucked into a small cove
- The Pacific Ocean stretching beyond the shoreline
- Lava rocks and volcanic outcroppings
- Turquoise water on clear days
- Views back toward Big Beach
- Tropical vegetation along the coastline
- The distinctive South Maui coastline
- Rocky areas along the shoreline
- Opportunities to look for marine life when conditions are appropriate
- Nearby views of the larger Mākena Beach
- The volcanic landscape surrounding the cinder cone
Little Beach can be a great place to enjoy Maui’s coastal scenery, and calm conditions may provide opportunities to see tropical fish and other marine life.
If you’re hoping to see green sea turtles, remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The same goes for coral reefs and other marine life—you may see them in the water around Maui, but conditions, visibility, and location all matter.
And don’t let pretty turquoise water fool you into assuming it is always safe for swimming, snorkeling, or boogie boarding. Mākena State Park warns that shore break can be very dangerous.
We were so busy enjoying the beach and the gorgeous views, this was the only photo we took at Puʻu ʻOlaʻi Beach
What to Bring & Wear
Because getting to Little Beach involves walking and some uneven terrain, I’d dress for more than just sitting on the sand.
I recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals
- Water shoes
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Snorkeling gear if conditions are good
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Small beach bag
- Light cover-up
Good footwear is especially important for the rocky section between Big Beach and Little Beach. You don’t want to start your Maui beach day with sore feet—or a twisted ankle.
Water shoes can be especially helpful if you’re planning to explore around lava rocks or rocky areas, although footwear should never be considered a substitute for paying attention to surf conditions.
Also remember that State Parks currently says there is no drinking water available at Mākena State Park, so bring your own water.
Where to Go
The easiest way to think about getting to Little Beach is to first find Mākena State Park and the Big Beach area.
From South Maui, follow the road toward Mākena and use Mākena Alanui Road to reach the park. Once parked, make your way toward Oneloa, or Big Beach.
Little Beach is located beyond the north end of Big Beach, around the Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi outcrop.
The traditional route involves walking along Big Beach toward the end of the beach and then crossing a short, rocky section over the point to reach Little Beach. The exact condition of this access can change, so follow current signs and instructions at the park rather than relying solely on an older blog post or social media post.
The traditional route involves walking along Big Beach toward the end of the beach and then crossing a short, rocky section over the point to reach Little Beach. The exact condition of this access can change, so follow current signs and instructions at the park.
This is one of those Maui destinations where the journey is part of the fun. You aren’t simply pulling into a parking lot and stepping onto Little Beach. You get to walk along Big Beach, see Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi up close, and then discover the smaller beach on the other side.
If access is restricted or the area is marked as a closed area when you visit, do not cross barriers or enter. Park conditions and access can change.
How Long Does it Take?
The actual walk to Little Beach is short, but your total visit can take as long as you want it to.
The walk from the Big Beach parking area to Little Beach is generally a matter of minutes rather than a long hike. The route involves uneven terrain, so the amount of time you need will depend on your footwear, conditions, and how comfortable everyone in your group is with the rocky section.
I’d allow at least an hour if you simply want to see Little Beach and take some photos, but a couple of hours is much better if you want to relax, enjoy the scenery, or explore when ocean conditions permit.
I’d allow at least an hour if you simply want to see Little Beach and take some photos, but a couple of hours is much better if you want to relax, enjoy the scenery, or explore when ocean conditions permit.
And since Big Beach is right there, you can easily turn this into a longer South Maui beach stop.
Just keep the current Little Beach closing time in mind. State Parks currently lists a 4:00 p.m. closing time on Saturdays and Sundays and a 7:00 p.m. closing time on weekdays.
Cost
Mākena State Park currently charges non-Hawaiʻi residents $5 per person, while children age 3 and under are free. Nonresident parking for a standard vehicle is currently $10 per vehicle. Hawaiʻi residents can enter and park free with valid Hawaiʻi identification.
There is no separate Little Beach admission fee listed apart from the applicable Mākena State Park entrance and parking charges.
The park now uses paid parking, with visitors able to pay at parking kiosks or through the park’s designated online payment system.
Fees, hours, parking procedures, and rules can change, so check the official Hawaiʻi State Parks information before leaving your hotel. This is especially important if you’re driving a rental car and planning several South Maui stops in one day.
Tips for Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi (Little Beach)
- Check the current park status before you go. Little Beach has experienced temporary closures in the past.
- Check the current hours. Little Beach currently closes at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and at 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.
- Check ocean conditions before swimming, snorkeling, or boogie boarding. Mākena State Park warns about dangerous shore break.
- Wear shoes with good traction. The route from Big Beach involves uneven, rocky terrain.
- Bring your own drinking water. State Parks currently lists no drinking water at the park.
- Don't assume the water is calm because the beach is sheltered. Ocean conditions can change quickly.
- Visit earlier in the day if you want cooler temperatures and plenty of time to explore.
- Know the park rules. Little Beach has a long-standing clothing-optional reputation, but public nudity is prohibited under park regulations.
- Respect posted park rules and other visitors.
- Don't leave valuables in your rental car.
- Combine Little Beach with Big Beach. Since the beaches are adjacent, you can easily see both during the same South Maui outing.
- Consider adding Oneuli Black Sand Beach to your itinerary if you want to see another distinctive beach within Mākena State Park.
- Bring snorkeling gear only if conditions are appropriate. Rocky areas may provide opportunities to see marine life when the water is calm and visibility is good.
- Give yourself extra time if you're exploring with kids. The rocky access can take longer with little ones.
- Pack out what you bring in and help keep this beautiful part of Maui clean.
- Check the official Hawaiʻi State Parks page before leaving your hotel for the latest hours, fees, closures, and safety notices.