The sheltered cove behind Big Beach at Makena
Little Beach (Puʻu Olaʻi) sits in a cove on the north side of the Puʻu Olaʻi cinder cone, just beyond Big Beach at Makena State Beach Park. Access requires a short scramble over a rocky path from the north end of Big Beach. There is no separate parking lot.
The small, sheltered cove has limited water circulation compared to the open ocean at Big Beach. After rain, bacteria can linger longer in enclosed areas. However, the lack of development and streams nearby means runoff contamination is minimal. The main concern is natural bacteria from the many visitors in a small area.
Little Beach is widely known as a clothing-optional beach, though this is not officially sanctioned. Sunday sunset gatherings draw large crowds. The beach is much smaller than Big Beach and can feel crowded. Swimming conditions are generally calmer than Big Beach due to the protection of the cinder cone.
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Safe to Swim Hawaii provides water quality information based on publicly available DOH data and seasonal patterns. This is not medical or safety advice. Always check current conditions, obey posted signs, and use your own judgment before entering the ocean. Privacy Policy
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
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