The first step to getting naked on the beach is to confirm that you are at a nude beach. I don’t judge, but if you’re naked on a regular beach you might end up on some sort of list. Once you find a proper nude beach, all that’s left to do is take your clothes off.
My first nude beach experience was at Kahena Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kahena is known for its black sand, bare butts, and “Sunday Funday.” Every Sunday you can find naked hippies as far as your eye can see. This includes people of all ages—entire families and people old enough to be your grandparents are not excluded. At first, it was awkward. The second my shorts hit the ground I ran to the water before anyone could see but the truth is, no one was paying attention.
“Nudity quickly becomes unremarkable when generally practiced.” -Martha C. Nussbaum
Once in the warm, deep blue water, any hesitation I had disintegrated, and all I felt was freedom. I felt free from the restrictions of clothes, but more importantly, I felt free from judgment. With so many people exposed, there was a shared vulnerability that I had never experienced before. My chest floated to the surface as I laid on my back allowing the waves to move me up and down, and I became increasingly comfortable in my own skin. Once I was finished swimming I retreated back to my shorts, but only to prevent sand from getting in places I didn’t want it to.
For six Sundays straight I returned to Kahena beach and I compiled this list of dos and don’ts…
- DO wear sunscreen—certain bits of you have probably never seen the sun.
- DO wear shorts in the sand—you can guess why.
- DO bring snacks—this is how you make friends.
- DON’T feel pressured to take your clothes off—but know that I highly recommend it.
- DON’T stare—this gets easier after the first day.
