Archive-name: nude-faq/beaches/Hawaii
Last-modified: Fri Sep  6 1996
Posting-Frequency: monthly

  This is one of seven volumes of the "REC.NUDE FAQ: Naturist Site Reports".
  These are posted on the first of each month.

  This volume covers Hawaii.

  This FAQ answers one question which has an infinite number of variations:
  Where is a nude or clothing-optional beach/resort/campground/B&B/etc.
  near where I am or where I will be?  To answer that, this FAQ lists
  some brief information on some nude or clothing-optional sites that are
  frequently mentioned on rec.nude.  General information on family-oriented
  nude recreation can be found at either of
    ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/nude-faq
    http://www.oxy.edu/~mop/recnude.faqs.html
  Also check out these Naturist home pages:
    http://www.webcom.com/~rngerber/naturist/naturist.html
    http://www.realtime.net:80/~kr4ah/
+ And please read the Free Beach Etiquette page:
+   http://www.sss.org/naturist/misc/Etiquette.html

  This FAQ can't be a replacement for a more thorough source such as
  the World Guide or others listed in the general FAQ mentioned above.
  If you don't see any CO sites on this list which are near you or want
  more information about those listed here, feel free to ask on rec.nude
  (the FAQ maintainer is not a very good source for such information).
  The maintainer of this FAQ takes no responsibility for the accuracy
  of the information contained herein.  Updates to these entries are
  greatly appreciated; this FAQ is only as good as you make it.

  The latest copy of this FAQ may be found at any of:
   ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches (North America)
   ftp://ftp.sunet.se/pub/usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches (Eupope)
   http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/nude-faq/beaches/top.html
  Archives may also be retrieved by sending e-mail to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu
  with a body that only contains one or both of the following lines:
send usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches/*
send usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches/North-America/*

  + - and | in the 1st column mark additions/deletions/changes from last month.

  (c) Copyright 1995 Richard M. Mathews.  Copyrights for contributions
  to this document may be retained by their authors who may or may not
  be named below.  Permission is granted to freely distribute this in
  whole or in part provided that it is without profit or service fees
  and that this notice remains attached.

  In this issue:
  	HONOKOHAU BEACH, BIG ISLAND
  	LITTLE BEACH, MAUI
  	KALALAU VALLEY BEACH, KAUAI
  	SECRET BEACH, KAUAI
  	DONKEY BEACH, KAUAI

----------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: HONOKOHAU BEACH, HI

  HONOKOHAU BEACH, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is mentioned in the
  World Guide, and I visited it for the first time last Saturday morning.
  There is a long sandy beach, unusual for the Big Island.  The sand is
  a mixture of bits of black lava and white coral, making for a grey or
  tweed sand beach.  The sand has medium coarseness for Hawaii, but is
  coarse by California or Caribbean standards.  At the ends of the beach
  stand some trees for shade, but you must arrive early to claim these
  spots.  The sand goes into the water to about thigh depth, then gives
  way to rock.  The surf is particularly mild due to the combination of
  the beach's location on the leeward side of the island, and the reef
  100 to 200 yards offshore.  The beach is backed by a squishy-bottomed
  brackish water pond popular with ducks and other shorebirds.

  When we arrived about 8:30 am, one woman and six men in parties of 1 to
  2 were already there.  All were nude except for one man sunbathing at
  the farthest end of the beach.  Two of the men played with a Frisbee.
  There was also a fully dressed birdwatcher scoping the ducks on the pond
  behind the beach.  We stayed until about 10:00, by which time 8 more men
  and 4 women had shown or were showing up.  One woman, just arriving as
  we left, was bringing a guitar and two large drums out to the beach.

  To get there, go north a couple miles from Kailua-Kona toward Keahole
  airport or south from the airport toward Kailua, and turn west on the
  marked and paved road to the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor.  Just as
  you arrive at the marina property, turn right, and follow the road
  counter-clockwise around the fence.  When the pavement ends, it looks
  like the road continues into the bush, but the road is marked with
  "Keep Out" and "Dog Bites!" signs.  Don't go here.  Instead, turn
  left into the marina, and proceed through the drydock and repair
  area, and continue to follow the right edge of the harbor itself out
  to the end of the road, where there is a small parking area.  Here
  there is a "Don't Block Driveway" sign.  Beyond the sign is a small
  squatter's beach encampment on the edge of an old Hawaiian fishpond,
  and the ruins of the most recently constructed of Hawaii's old heiaus,
  or temples, which was built by King Kamehameha I at the outset of his
  campaign to conquer all the islands.  The squatters have several dogs
  tied up and barking their brains out.  Walk past the encampment and
  a quarter mile over lava (under water at high tide) to the strand
  beyond.  I understand there is a fresh/brackish water bathing pool
  called Queen's Bath some distance beyond the beach, but we didn't
  have time to explore out to it.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=ito

  	[Original from David Herberg <HERBERG_DAVID@tandem.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: LITTLE BEACH, HI

  LITTLE BEACH (or Little Makena) is a bit south of the town of Kihei on
  the south west coast of Maui.  Very laid back, a mixture of nude, gay,
  and textile.  Currently no law enforcement problems.  Sandy beach,
  moderate waves, wooded backdrop.  Gawkers and harassment are rare and
  are dealt with by the regulars.  Many local people as well as tourists.
  No lifeguards.  No showers.  A toilet on the nearby textile beach.

  Support group:
  	The Friends of Little Beach
  	PO Box 403
  	Kihei, Maui, HI  96753
  They put out a newsletter at irregular (aproximately quarterly) intervals.
  Write for a subscription.  (Donation for postage (at least) suggested).

  To get there:
  * From Kahului (airport area): Take Mokulele highway (route 350) south
  toward Kihei, and then turn off onto Piilani highway (route 31).
  * From the Lahaina, Kaanapali or Kapalua areas (northeast Maui): Take
  highway 30 south toward Kihei and join Piilani highway south as above.

  Next:
  From Piilani highway, turn right at the end onto Kilohana drive and left
  onto Wailea Alanui drive.  Note: If the proposed extension of Piilani
  highway has been finished, Kilohana drive may no longer be the end.
  Follow Wailea Alanui Drive (which becomes Makena Road) past condos,
  golf courses, and hotels.  Exactly one mile after the entrance to the
  Maui Prince Hotel (a white hotel roughly 5 stories high), look for a
  turnoff to the right.  Don't be fooled by the turnoff .85 miles after
  the hotel.  There is a small parking area at the end, but unless you
  are very early or fairly late it will be full.  Park wherever you can
  and walk to the beach.  This is "big beach", a very nice beach in spite
  of being textile.  Walk toward the right until you get to some rocks.
  Depending on the state of the tide and beach erosion, the water may
  be well back from the climbing spot or you may have to get wet getting
  there.  The climb is about 12-15 feet and very easy to make.  From the
  top, there is a gentle slope down to little beach.  ENJOY!!!  Please
  take your trash out with you.

  Suggested place to stay if you don't like resort hotels (Personal
  endorsement from Rich Greenberg):
  	Contact Roberta Dalson
          PO Box 1698
          Kihei, Maui, HI  96753
          808-879-7818
  She has several houses (2 to 4 people), and several single rooms to rent.
  Located at the south end of Kihei.  Two of the houses (adjacent to each
  other) are private enough for nudity in the yard.

  Aproximate drive times:
  From north end of Kihei to:
  	South end of Kihei - 10-15 mins
  	Kahalui, airport - 20-30 mins
  	Lahina - 20-30 mins.
  	Kaanapali - 30-40 mins
  	Kapalua - 40-50 mins
  	Little Beach - 20-30 mins
  Kihei is a few blocks e-w, several miles n-s along the coast.  South
  Kihei Road is the main n-s road thru town.  Piilani highway parallels
  it just east of Kihei.  Kihei is NOT a major resort area as is Lahina,
  Kaanapali and Kapalua.  Its a pleasant place to visit, shop, eat, or
  stay.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=ogg

  	[Original from Rich Greenberg <richg@hatch.socal.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: KALALAU VALLEY BEACH, HI

  KALALAU VALLEY BEACH on Kauai has traditionally been mostly nude (at
  least sometimes) and very gorgeous.  There is now a live-in "ambassador"
  who is supposed to enforce the rules which include "no nudity".  The
  reality is that this ambassador is very laid back and not much has
  changed over the past 13 years.  Nudity is still officially illegal
  but generally tolerated.  When the enforcement rangers come into the
  valley, campers must wear clothes, but this is only a couple days out
  of the month.

  It takes 11 miles of grueling hike (typically over 2 days) each way,
  but it is worth the pain.  You can also hike most of the 11 miles nude
  (except for hiking boots).  At least you could in the past.  For the
  less ambitious, you can stop after about 2 miles at Hanakapi'ai; but
  nudity is not allowed there or on those 2 miles of trail.

  To get to Kalalau, you take the Na Pali (literally, the cliffs) coast
  trail from Haena to Kalalau.  Na Pali coast is a narrow, undulating
  strip of land between the ocean and the cliffs that tower above.
  Sometimes the trail is along the water and sometimes it ascends
  1000 feet above the ocean.  There is a lot of slippery rock and
  almost no level ground at all.  It dives into several canyons as
  it follows the contours, offering opportunities to visit tropical
  waterfalls and sample wild guava and mountain apples.  Other places,
  the trail provides breathtaking views above the water.  It ends up
  at one of the most idyllic beaches in Hawaii.  The trip in and out
  follows the same path, unless you opt for a helicopter or boat ride
  one way.  (Helicopters apparently are not landing there now except
  for emergencies, and the boats run from May 15 to September 15.)

  Seasoned mainland hikers report being surprised by the degree of
  difficulty.  It took a distance runner, somewhat experienced backpacker,
  and lover of being pushed to the limit about seven and half hours to
  walk the 11 miles on the way in with a full pack (supplies for 9 days),
  and five hours to walk out.  For a motivated hiker, Kalalau is heaven.
  This is not only because of its pristine jungle and rugged beauty,
  but because the trail is so difficult.  Beyond Hanakapi'ai one finds
  only other motivated hikers.  This is a very pleasant change from the
  typical Hawaiian tourist scene.

  Permits are necessary for the three campgrounds on the Kalalau trail,
  and only five nights out of each 30 day period are allowed.  No more
  than one night at Hanakoa and Hanakapi'ai at a time. Permits are free
  and are available in advance from:
  	Dept. of Land & Natural Resources
          Division of State Parks
          P.O. Box 1671
          Lihue, HI 96766
          (808) 241-3444

  Memorial Day to Sept. 15 is high season on the trail.  After 9/15
  it's no longer legal, due to rough seas, to land boats on the beach
  at Kalalau.  This restriction seems to significantly reduce use of the
  trail, because it's no longer possible to take a boat into Kalalau and
  then walk back out, a popular practice.  Also, the threat of autumn
  rain seems to scare people off.

  All that said, if you're reasonably fit and have a sense of adventure,
  it is a place you don't want to miss.  Consider giving yourselves 2
  days to walk in, 2 to stay at Kalalau, and a day or a day & a half to
  walk out.

  Bring the following: Broken in hiking boots with ankle support, tent
  with rain fly, ensolite pad, hiking staff, umbrella or rain gear,
  flashlight, bug juice, rucksack, first-aid kit, water bottles, and
  food.  A sleeping bag is not necessary; a good substitute would be
  a cotton sleeping sack such as for Youth Hostels.  Expect frequent
  rain, maximum temperature of 80 F, minimum temperature of 65 F, and
  high humidity.

  Drinking water should be treated by boiling, iodine, or filter.  Expect
  to drink up to a gallon per day because of the heat and humidity.  Clean
  cuts promptly since infections are common in the tropics.  Be wary at
  stream fordings, as the water level may rise rapidly.  It also lowers
  rapidly.  If the crossing looks threatening, just wait.  When crossing
  use the hiking stick as a third leg.

  Hanakapi'ai beach is a 90 minute, 2 mile hike from the trailhead.  From
  there it is 4 miles, 4 to 5 hours, to Hanakoa.  From Hanakoa it is 6
  miles, 4 to 6 hours, to Kalalau beach.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=lih

  	[This was pieced together from contributions
  	from many people, but thanks in particular to
  	Alex.Sobolev (asobolev@emdeng.DaytonOH.NCR.COM)
  	for collecting much of this information]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: SECRET BEACH, HI

  SECRET BEACH is on the north end of Kauai, west of the Kilauea Lighthouse.
  It is the most lushly foliated beach I found on the island, with the
  sheer cliffs adorned with hundreds of different species of fern, moss,
  epiphites, and others.  The beach itself is rather clean, but very
  inhabited by "homeless" counterculture types - there were thirty or so
  tents and tarps dotting the beach, but only about twelve people (sexes
  mixed equally); of these, only five appear to be residents, the rest
  people on vacation and a few well-heeled locals.  The water is playable,
  but quite rough; the path to the beach is very slippery, muddy and steep.
  You pass through a guava grove and are assailed with the sweet smell of
  the tropics.  No directions prepared me for the change that seems to have
  occurred there - the land 'on top' has been developed:  Take the Kilauea
  Lighthouse road to Kauapea Road... there are now two plots of land with
  gates, fences and "KEEP OUT" signs... but (!!), these people have left a
  ten-foot public access path to the beach!  You will see the gap between
  the properties and continue at your own risk!  Wear knobby-soled boots.

  In December, '94, the following additional information was posted:
  Fooled me. The info on so-called "Secret Beach" is outdated, as far
  as the reports which I have seen. The houses on Kauapea Road are rather
  ritzy with signs reading "Private Driveway--KEEP OUT!" or words to that
  effect. Asking a man working in the yard there yielded the information
  that someone drowned last year, which in our litigious society means
  automatic restrictions or closures.  In this case, the access to the
  beach was somehow barred, so now people run across a field farther
  down the road or something. I don't know why they run; maybe to avoid
  being shot?

  And another opinion:
  My last time on Kauai was in Spring 1991.  The access on Kauapea Rd.
  did seem difficult by then, so we took another way.  After making
  the right off the highway (headed north or west, whatever) we made
  an immediate left and then the first right, drove to the end to a
  parking area, walked to the left next to a horse pasture fence, and
  went on a steep downhill in the woods (sometimes MUDDY) to the beach.
  Somebody had the tires stolen off their rental car in that lot while
  we were using the beach; watch out for "spotters", and don't leave
  valuables.  Some land had been cleared near the road to the lot and
  who knows what development has gone on since then.  Maybe Hurricane
  Iniki flattened some of it.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=lih

  	[Original from Carlo Milono <cmilono@netcom.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: DONKEY BEACH, HI

  DONKEY BEACH was almost as striking, but our experience was a bit
  dampened by some local gawkers in a pickup... this place is *much*
  more accessible.  It is also (it seems) a gay beach, so my wife felt
  a bit like an intruder.  The water is very rough so only attempt to go
  in with a group - we are both strong swimmers, but it was intimidating
  anyway.  To reach this beach, head north from Kapaa through Kealia toward
  Ahahola... just before the 12 mile marker, you will see a guardrail (now
  being replaced)... park just before this and you will find numerous trails
  through either a gully or through a cane field.  There is a dirt road
  that you will intersect and head south... there is the beach.  There
  were eight others on the beach, consisting of four male couples.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=lih

  	[Original from Carlo Milono <cmilono@netcom.com>]

End of nude-faq/beaches/Hawaii Digest
*************************************

Richard M. Mathews	| On the fourth day of telecommuting, I realized
richard@west.sun.com	| that clothes are totally unnecessary.  -- Dilbert
