Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to September
About Polo Beach
Polo Beach is the local name for the shoreline at Makaleha Beach Park in Mokuleia, on the far western end of Oahu's North Shore, off Farrington Highway near the Mokuleia polo field. For decades it has been Oahu's best-known informal nude beach. It is a long, quiet stretch of clean, soft sand with a reef offshore, sea turtles in the shallows and big surf breaking farther out in winter. The nude area is reached by walking along the sand away from the park entrance; guides describe one side as the traditional unofficial nude stretch and the other as quieter and more remote, and the crowd is a mix of gay and straight naturists. The beach has a contested history: nude sunbathers cited there won the 2000 Hawaii Supreme Court case State v. Kalama, and in 2015 the City removed a sign that specifically banned nudity, but in 2016 residents complained publicly about nudity and sexual activity and lobbied for enforcement. There are no facilities at the nude end, so bring water and food.
Getting there
Take Farrington Highway west from Waialua toward Mokuleia; the beach park is on the ocean side near the polo field (68 Farrington Hwy). Park along the road or in the beach park area (free), then walk along the sand to the nude stretch; one guide describes the approach path as overgrown. No public transport this far west, and the walk on sand is not wheelchair accessible. Winter surf can be heavy; summer is calmer.
What visitors say
Reviewers describe clean sand, inviting water with turtles and reef snorkelling, and a welcoming, respectful mix of LGBTQ and straight visitors in the nude area. Weekdays are quieter and walking farther gives more privacy. Locals and some visitors have complained about sexual activity in the trees and nudity near families and horse riders, and naturists say these claims are exaggerated, so opinions are split. There are no facilities, so visitors bring everything and pack out rubbish.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Hawaii has no designated nude beaches and Honolulu's parks director said in 2016 that state law (HRS 707-734, indecent exposure) applies; under State v. Kalama (2000) a conviction needs an intentional exposure likely to cause affront, usually a complaint from a member of the public. The 2015 sign change removed the specific nudity ban but did not legalise nudity; sexual conduct is prosecuted.
Naturism at Polo 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. 20.9077, -156.4165
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 nudity legal at Polo Beach?
Not officially; Hawaii has no designated nude beaches. Since State v. Kalama (2000) non-lewd nude sunbathing rarely results in conviction unless someone complains.
Where is it?
At Makaleha Beach Park in Mokuleia on Oahu's North Shore, off Farrington Highway near the polo field. It is not the Polo Beach in Wailea, Maui.
Are there facilities?
No restrooms or food at the nude end; bring water, shade and food.
Is it safe to swim?
Summer is usually calm inside the reef; winter brings big surf and currents.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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