By far the most popular beach on the Road to Hana is at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Also known as Black Sand Beach, this beach is so popular that it requires a reservation to get in. Fortunately, it is very beautiful, and its black sand is said to be the best on Maui.
Reservations
First, you should know that Wai’anapanapa State Beach requires a reservation that is purchased in advance. Reservations sell out quickly, and we saw two cars in front of us in line turned away because they thought they could buy one at the gate. Reservations are released 30 days in advance and there is a $10 parking fee, plus a $5 entrance fee per person. Children 3 and under are free, as well as Hawaii residents. Check the Wai’anapanapa State Park website for all the details on reservations.
Things to do at Wai’anapanapa Beach
Wai’anapanapa Beach is beautiful for several reasons. First, there are unique features on this beach that can’t be found anywhere else. For example, a sprawling sea arch spans a massive stretch of water just offshore. There is a small tunnel in the black rock that walks out like a picture window over the smashing waves. There is a booming blow hole that splashes right up on you at the right tide time. Of course, there is also the unique black sand on the beach.
Second, though this beach is not the best in Hawaii, (in fact, it’s quite small, and the sand is coarse black lava rock), it is worth the visit. There are grounds for a picnic, several short walking trails, and all the unique features mentioned above. The beach is only about 75 yards long and doesn’t have a lot of vertical distance between the waters and the rocks that surround it. The sand is black and quite rough, and there were places where it was more pebbly than silky. So don’t go to this beach and expect a sprawling beach to lounge about on like Waikiki.
Where to Explore
Instead, expect to do a little exploring. Parking is on the hill above the beach, so walk down and left until the trail ends. There is a place to go out on the rocks (don’t go past the sign) and check out the waves crashing into the rocks. If the tide is right, there is a bellowing blow hole that you’ll find pretty quickly.
The beach requires a walk back up, and then some stairs down to the black sand. As you step foot on the beach, turn immediately right into a low hole in the rocks. This narrow tunnel takes you just a few yards down to the window. Take a few pictures, but don’t spend too long as this is a popular place.
Spend time on the beach, and then cross to the opposite side and walk out to the point for the best view of the sea arch. You can see it easily from the beach, but you get a fuller view from the point, which is only about a quarter of a mile walk.
What to Take
- Your reservation
- Good shoes: you’ll be walking on lava rocks in some spots and flip flops aren’t the best.
- Towels and swim items
- Sunscreen
