Best Black Sand Beach in Maui: How to Visit Wai’anapanapa State Park

A stop at Wai’anapanapa State Park in Maui is a must on your Road to Hana itinerary! At Wai’anapanapa State Park, you’ll find the best black sand beach in Maui, a sea cave, a few trails to hike, and sweeping views of the area! The contrasting blue water with the black lava rock makes this a stop you won’t forget.

Some might suggest this is one of the best stops on the Road to Hana, and we agree. You can even reserve a spot to camp here. Find out more below on getting reservations to visit, how to get to Wai’anapanapa State Park, and what to do when you arrive. Don’t miss this epic black sand beach in Maui!

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Reservations and Need to Know Info

• All non-residents must purchase parking and entry tickets to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park.
• Each parking voucher is valid for one vehicle, and the number of entries corresponds to the total number of passengers in that vehicle.
• Reservations can be secured up to 30 days in advance online here. Reservations are released one day at a time at midnight Hawaii Standard Time.
• As of 2025, the cost to enter is $5.00 per person with a $10.00 parking fee. No refunds are given for no-shows or late arrivals.
• Reservation time slots are as follows, and you may reserve more than one time slot to enjoy Wai’anapanapa State Park for a longer period:
  • 7:00 am – 10:00 am
  • 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
  • 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
  • 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

We recommend getting your reservations as soon as you know when you’ll visit because entry tickets may sell out fast during the high season! Plan to arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation time slot. If you arrive 30 minutes into your time slot, park staff may deny access and/or parking to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park.

Getting to Wai’anapanapa State Park

Located at mile marker 32, Wai’anapanapa State Park is on the far end of the Road to Hana if driving east and just a quick 2 miles from Hana Town heading west. When you arrive on the Road to Hana, turn onto Honokalani Road, and you will reach the entrance to the park. There is a small sign across the road, but it’s easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention.

• From Kahului or Kula, it’s a 2-hour drive.
• From Kihei/Waimea, it’s a little over 2 hours.
• Plan to spend 2.5 hours in the car coming from Lahaina.

Weather in Wai’anapanapa State Park

The weather should be great during your visit here! With temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s, how can you go wrong with a visit to this amazing park and black sand beach in Maui? Park yourself on the beach and enjoy the sun, water, and amazing scenery.

🚙 Read next: Take an Epic Road to Hana Tour using this amazing itinerary.

Safety and Weather in Wai’anapanapa State Park

• Cell phone coverage may depend on your service provider, and we had service while visiting.
• Food & Gas: Make sure you bring your own food and snacks, and have plenty of gas during your adventure on the Road to Hana. There are plenty of snack stops on the way and a gas station in Hana Town.
• Water Sports: Make sure to use and apply sunscreen often. While enjoying the water in Hawaii, please wear reef-safe sunscreen. Please help protect our ocean ecosystems. Get our favorites here!
• Ward off those pesky mosquitoes with the best bug spray!
• Water: It’s recommended to carry at least 1 liter of water for every 5 miles you are hiking. Why carry a plastic or large water bottle when you could carry a water bladder?
• Pets are not permitted at Wai’anapanapa State Park.

The Best Black Sand Beach in Maui

First, park your car and get settled in! There are a few parking lots at Wai’anapanapa State Park and staff will be there to guide you to a lot with spots to park your car. We recommend visiting the black sand beach first to relax, take in the views, and go for a swim.

There are restrooms and showers to get changed. If you plan on swimming and snorkeling, be aware of the ocean conditions as there can be strong currents, falling rocks, and other hazards. Be sure to swim clear of the lava rock sea cliffs because an encounter with one would not be pleasant!

🚙 Looking for a Road to Hana tour? Leave the driving to someone else and check out these great tours! Or, drive yourself and use the Self Guided Audio Tour below:

Sea Cave

Next, check out the sea cave on the eastern side of the beach. This is just a short walk from the beach to the cave, and you’ll likely see others checking it out. Head through the cave to the other side, where the end meets up with the ocean. Be careful on the rocks here, or a rogue wave could get you.

Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail – moderate – 3-6 miles, out and back or point-to-point

Finally, go on a hike at Wai’anapanapa State Park! There are limited trails here that will lead you to a nice walk along the coastal cliffs of this amazing park. For a short route, head to the trail on the western side of the black sand beach.

When facing the ocean from the beach, this trail is on your left. The hike will lead you up into the cliffs for a nice birds-eye view of the surrounding area. Across the water, you’ll even spot the natural sea arch. As you hike, be sure to be respectful of local gravesites along the way. Please do not disturb these areas.

If time allows and you are looking for a longer hike, take this trail on the eastern side of the black sand beach heading southeast. Technically, you can hike this trail all the way to Hana Town, but in some places, the trail is not well-marked.

This section of the trail has loose rock, dramatic cliffs, and might be a little bit harder for those who don’t hike a lot. If hiking to Hana, the trail ends just southeast of Hana Airport. Just remember, if you hike all the way to Hana Town, you’ll have to hike back or hitch a ride!

🌴 Read next: Explore the gorgeous Pipiwai Trail at Haleakalā National Park!

Camping at Wai’anapanapa State Park

Cabins, tent camping, and bringing your campervan are great ways to enjoy some extra time at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Here is a bit more information on the three options:

• Cabins: These great accommodations have a 2-night minimum and can hold up to 6 people. Only those on the permit are permitted to stay in the cabins. Bedroom and kitchen furniture, an electric hotplate, a microwave, and a refrigerator are located in each cabin. However, linens, pillows, towels, dishes, and cooking and eating utensils are NOT provided. Permits must be obtained at least 7 days in advance of your date of arrival.
• Tents: Tent camping permits are offered for up to 10 people per permit. You must bring your own tent, and there are no assigned campsites, but a lawn that you can set up on. All campers must be listed on the tent camping permit at the time of booking!
• Campervans: Bring your own campervan, but just make sure you have a designated campervan or on-vehicle-mounted tent. Sleeping in a car, truck, or SUV does not count and is not permitted.

For resident and non-resident costs and to make your reservations, visit the website here.

Don’t want to Camp? Stay in Hana!

Check out some of the best options for an overnight stay in Hana:

• Hana-Maui Resort: Expensive, but amazing! Oceanfront bungalows with close proximity to epic hiking areas in Maui.
• Hana Kai Maui: A nice beach oasis with apartment-style accommodations, including daily housekeeping and kitchens.
• The Guest Houses at Malanai in Hana: 2 fully furnished, ocean view homes near Hana, close to Hamoa Beach and Venus Pool.

➡️ Read more: Take an epic day trip on the Road to Hana!

Final Thoughts

We had a great time exploring Wai’anapanapa State Park. This park really does have the best black sand beach in Maui. You can’t forget your camera here for sure! We spent some time on the beach, explored the cave, and went on a short walk along the cliffs for a nice view of the area.

This is a must-visit location that you have to make sure to visit on your Road to Hana itinerary. We only ended up booking one time slot here, but we would have loved to stay longer. I guess we’ll just have to return to paradise and visit Wai’anapanapa State Park again!

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