Maui’s famed golden sands bring sun-seekers and beachcombers to the coast to soak in the sun and waves. But one not-so-golden shore sat on Maui’s remote east coast calls all manner of beachgoers to one of the most famous state parks in all of Hawaii. Hosting jet-black sands, stunning views, and countless other unique features, Waiʻānapanapa State Park is the crown jewel of the east coast and a must-visit road trip destination in Maui. So, with that said, buckle up. We’ll take you through everything you need to know to enjoy visiting this beloved Maui state park.
Table of Contents
- What’s So Special about Waiʻānapanapa State Park?
- How to Get There
- Things to Do
- Where to Stay
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park FAQs
- Get Great Deals on Airfare: Let Next Vacay Find You the Cheapest Flights to Waiʻānapanapa State Park
What’s So Special About Waiʻānapanapa State Park?
Truth and myth combine to create the surreal reality of Waiʻānapanapa State Park, a sprawling 122 acres of shifting landscapes, colors, and panoramas. Lava tubes, freshwater caves, and a natural stone arch are just the beginning of the wonders found here. Eerie black sand draws visitors to the beach in every season, while teeming tide pools bleed red several times a year.
With so many enchanting and enigmatic features, it’s clear why Waiʻānapanapa is one of the most popular Maui state parks.
Many see the park as a quick stop off the famous Hana Highway. However, the treasure trove of marvels in Waiʻānapanapa State Park ensures those who stay longer don’t regret a single second of their trip here.
How to Get There
The journey to Waiʻānapanapa State Park is almost as rewarding as the destination. Tucked into the remote Maui east coast, Waiʻānapanapa sits off the notoriously beautiful Hana Highway. The breathtaking road winds along hairpin curves and staggering cliffs, unveiling a highlight reel of some of Maui’s most stunning sights.
Your journey to Waiʻānapanapa State Park will depend on where you’re staying. If you’re lodging in the charming town of Hana, you’ll travel just three miles north to get to your destination.
However, most visitors coming to Waiʻānapanapa State Park typically stay in popular towns on the south coast (Kihei and Wailea) or the west coast (Lahaina, Ka’anapali, and Kapalua). While this is a much more scenic drive, it’s also a longer one that can take at least two to three hours to complete. With no buses or public transportation to Waiʻānapanapa, you can rent a car or join a tour bus.
The long drive may tempt you to blow through Hana Highway to reach your final destination at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. However, Heavenly Hana is the perfect place to slow down and set your clock to Maui Time. Practice the spirit of Aloha (the breath of life) and soak in the unparalleled beauty of east Maui.
Things to Do
While Waiʻānapanapa is known for its famous black sand beach, visitors will attest that the park is more than just a pretty face. From shore fishing to cliff jumping and lounging on the beach, Waiʻānapanapa promises unforgettable experiences for visitors who make the trip to east Maui.
Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping is thought to have originated on the cliffs of Maui, and while the island has many excellent sites along the Road to Hana, the jump at Waiʻānapanapa is a must-do.
Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of the freestanding outcropping located 200 feet offshore from the black sand beach. The Y-shaped lava rock formation offers two jump points, one situated roughly halfway up the rock and the other at the pinnacle.
On calm days, the gentle waves allow strong swimmers to make their way to the outcropping. Frothing waves limit visibility, but when the ocean is still, jumpers have a clear view into the water, allowing them to spy the rocks below and judge the safety of the jump.
Once you’ve chosen your dive spot, don’t forget to look around. The unique view of the black sand beach, lush greenery, and stunning ocean are what make this jump so unique.
The Blowhole
Waiʻānapanapa is full of natural wonders, and the blowhole is one of them. An unassuming feature of the lava shelf, the blowhole isn’t very eye-catching. On calm days, that is. But visitors lucky enough to catch the blowhole as it goes off are in for a spectacular show.
It all comes down to the right combination of high tide and high surf. When these elements combine, magic happens. Water erupts from the blowhole in a forceful display of Mother Nature at its finest.
However, because it’s Mother Nature at work here, the show is best experienced from a distance. Standing too close, you may find yourself drenched at best, but the force of a strong spray could knock you off your feet if you’re not careful. Check out local swell charts if you want to know the best time to see the blowhole in action or sneak up for a closer look.
But no matter how calm the waters appear, don’t get too close and never stick your head directly over the blowhole, or you may have a different trip to Hawaii than you pictured.
Pa‘iola Bay (Honokalani Beach)
Undoubtedly, the highlight of Waiʻānapanapa State Park is the black sand beach. The only true black sand beach not found on the Big Island, people are drawn to the state park to wonder at this natural marvel. Blue waves crashing against a black shore surrounded by lush green foliage create one of Maui’s most captivating pictures.
Stepping foot on the black sand beach will quickly reveal that the shore is more pebble than sand. Small black rocks cover the beach. It’s not quite the soft welcome that makes you want to lay out your towels for a stay, but you’ll find many people doing just that.
The rough surf can make swimming or playing in the water tricky, even for strong swimmers. Consequently, you’ll often find Honokalani uncrowded, with visitors making a quick stop for photos before continuing on.
Despite the lack of convenience, or perhaps because of it, Honokalani’s beauty shines all the more radiantly. You’re bound to find those lingering at this magical spot to soak up the sun and surf.
Hiking
You’d be remiss in thinking that the black sand beach is the only imperative stop here at Waiʻānapanapa. As one of the most beautiful Hawaii state parks, the hiking trails here are an absolute must-do activity.
Waiʻānapanapa is the entry point for two impressive trails that follow the King’s Highway. This footpath was reserved for Hawaiian royalty and royal messengers and is believed to have once encompassed the whole island. Unfortunately, much of that path is gone, but you can walk a small piece along the Kipapa O Kihapiʻilani Trail, which is split into two sections.
Ke Ala Loa O Maui Trail
Starting at the north end of the black sand beach, Ke Ala Loa O Maui Trail shadows the old King’s Highway toward the airport. Although this ancient Hawaiian coastal trail extends over two-and-a-half miles, the main sites, including the black sand beach and lava tube cave, can be seen less than a mile in.
Further along the trail, you’ll find other wonders, like the Kapukaulua burial site and Pukaulua Point. The latter is home to a burial mound and sacred heiau (religious temple).
Pi’ilani Trail
This short trail winds south, following the coastline to offer stunning views of the sea cliffs and black sand beach. From the coastal walk, you have a clear vista of gorgeous sea arches battered into shape by the waves and even the blowhole.
But traveling further along the path will unveil a stunning native hala forest and an ancient pictograph, a rare and precious sight on any Hawaiian Island.
Where to Stay
Pulling yourself away from the mind-blowing sights and fun activities inside Waiʻānapanapa State Park can be hard. The solution for all that is to stay someplace nearby, so you can take your time exploring everything Waiʻānapanapa has to offer.
Wai’ānapanapa State Park Campground
You’ll find few better places to stay on Maui than the Wai’ānapanapa Campground. No other views come close to the Maui sunrise washing over the stunning park scenery and dazzling ocean waters.
Tent camping rates are $20 per night for Hawaii Residents and $30 per night for non-residents. The same fees apply for campervan camping.
However, if you’re not a fan of roughing it, you’re not alone. The park also offers cabin rentals, though these require a two-night minimum stay. That said, cabins can be rented for one night if only a single night is available. Rentals are $70/night for Hawaii residents and $100/night for non-residents. This is a perfect option for people who like the idea of camping without actually having to camp out.
And you can rest a bit more easily knowing that the park’s pest control services check the cabins and restrooms monthly.
Heavenly Hana Paradise
With a name like Heavenly Hana Paradise, you’re bound to have high expectations, and this place delivers. Your own island oasis awaits amid beautiful coconut palms and pineapple trees. While it’s no state park, Wai’ānapanapa is just minutes down the road, so treat yourself to a refreshing night’s sleep in amenity-filled accommodations before heading out for another adventure-filled day.
Hana-Maui Resort
Nestled in the heart of Hana, Hana-Maui Resort is a luxury boutique hotel. Unlike the sleepy town of Hana, the resort is full of everything you’d expect from a 4-star hotel, including an onsite restaurant, spa, pool, and more. With oceanfront properties, you can spoil yourself with jaw-dropping views and impeccable service just minutes away from Wai’ānapanapa.
Bamboo Inn on Hana Bay
Another attractive accommodation option in Hana, the Bamboo Inn on Hana Bay, offers a taste of “old Hawaii.” Instead of shopping malls and high-rise hotels, guests are treated to the quiet splendor of Hana with a charming location, lovely breakfast spreads, and beautiful sunrise views.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park FAQs
Before you head out to Waiʻānapanapa State Park, you’ll want to prepare for your trip accordingly. What do you need reservations for? Can you go swimming at the beach? Lest you show up unprepared, here are some things you’ll need to know.
Are Reservations Needed for Waianapanapa State Park?
In an effort to preserve the land and prevent overcrowding, all visitors to Waiʻānapanapa State Park have to make a reservation. These can be booked up to two weeks in advance or one day prior. For non-residents, the entry fee is $5 per person; parking reservations cost $10 per vehicle.
Waiʻānapanapa is only the second state park in Hawaii to implement a reservation system, but it can only help the park and your travel plans.
Before the pandemic, the park suffered from high tourist traffic, which affected the community, visitor experience, and the park itself. With the reservation system in place, the park can better mitigate traffic flow.
So, while you won’t just be able to pick up and go, reserved time slots guarantee you can enjoy the park at its best. It also makes planning your Hawaii trip itinerary all that much easier with a set time carved out to bask in the beauty of Waiʻānapanapa State Park.
Can You Swim at Waianapanapa?
We can’t fault you for wanting to take a dip in the glistening waters of Honokalani Beach, but beachgoers must beware. Swimming at Waiʻānapanapa State Park is possible only when the waters are extremely calm. Therefore, the best time to steal away for a swim is in the summer.
The dazzling blue waters at Honokalani Beach are enticing, but the unassuming sea hides a strong rip current. Additionally, the shore drops off abruptly into deep waters, often catching beachgoers off-guard. You’ll have much better luck enjoying the view here and going for a swim at one of the many incredible swimming beaches Maui is known for. But if you can’t say no to a quick dip, plan your visit between April and September, when the ocean waves are much calmer.
Do I Need Reservations for Road to Hana?
The best things in life are free; that also applies to the Road to Hana. With no fees or reservations, visitors can take their time exploring the many marvelous stops along the Road to Hana for free. The only stop requiring a reservation or a fee is Waiʻānapanapa State Park.
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