Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
April to October
About Pāʻia Secret Beach
Pa'ia Secret Beach is a short, hidden cove on Maui's North Shore between Pa'ia Bay and Baldwin Beach Park, just west of Pa'ia town. It is separated from the main Pa'ia Bay beach by a small vegetated point and is reached on foot, so it is far quieter than its neighbours. The sand is coarse and golden, the shore is dotted with lava rock, and a few trees and bushes give limited shade. At the eastern end a graffiti-covered World War II pillbox and nearby rocks enclose a shallow pool that suits small children; outside it, North Shore riptides can be strong. The beach is unofficially clothing-optional: nude sunbathers mostly use the western end, away from the pillbox, and one local guide calls it the island's most popular locals' nude beach. Local families sometimes fish here at weekends. There are no lifeguards, toilets or showers on the beach. High tides cover much of the sand.
Getting there
Park at Lower Pa'ia Park / Pa'ia Bay off Hana Highway (about 0.2 miles' walk) and walk west along the beach, then over the small vegetated point at the far end. Or park at Baldwin Beach Park (about 0.3 miles) and walk east along the red dirt path beside the rock sea wall. Vehicle access on the gated road is for residents with a key only. Restrooms and showers are at the beach parks. Not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a peaceful, often empty beach with a laid-back local nude crowd at the west end, and families using the pillbox pool at the east end. Common tips: watch for riptides, go at lower tide, bring water and shade, and cover up on the walk out. Some note it can be windy.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Hawai'i has no officially designated nude beaches and public indecency laws apply; nudity here is tolerated informally. Guides ask visitors to undress only on the beach and dress before leaving because of nearby temples and youth facilities.
Naturism at Pāʻia Secret Beach sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 20.9154, -156.3886
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is Pa'ia Secret Beach a nude beach?
Unofficially, yes. Nudity is most common at the west end; it is not legally designated.
How do I get there?
Walk west from Pa'ia Bay over the small point, or east from Baldwin Beach Park along the red dirt path.
Are there facilities?
Not on the beach. Restrooms and showers are at Pa'ia Bay and Baldwin Beach parks.
Is it safe for kids?
The shallow pool by the pillbox suits children, but riptides outside it are strong and there is no lifeguard.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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