Tucked along Maui’s lush eastern coastline, Waianapanapa State Park is famous for its striking black sand beach, lava caves, sea arches, and scenic coastal trails. Located just outside of Hana, it’s easily one of the most memorable stops along the Road to Hana.
I’ve visited Waianapanapa State Park more times than I can count – from sunrise walks along the rugged coastline to nights spent in the park’s oceanfront cabins – and it remains one of my favorite places on Maui.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Maui’s crown jewel, Wai’ānapanapa State Park, including reservations, entrance fees, things to do, the black sand beach, hiking trails, and tips from my many visits.
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Waianapanapa State Park Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Just outside Hana in East Maui, Hawaii
- 🌴 Famous For: Black sand beach (Pa’iloa Beach), lava caves, sea arches, coastal trails, and blowholes
- 🎟️Reservations for park entry and parking are required for non-Hawaii residents and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
- 🕑 Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- 🚿 Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, cabins, campground, and walking trails
- ⏳ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (for fewer crowds and softer light for photos)
- 🎋 Nearby: Hana Town, Hamoa Beach, Wailua Falls, and the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park
💰 Entrance and Parking Fees:
- Non-Hawaii residents: $5 per person
- Children ages 3 and younger: Free
- Parking: $10 per vehicle (non-residents only)
- Hawaii residents: Free with valid Hawaii driver’s license or state ID
About Waianapanapa State Park
Located along the Road to Hana, Wai’ānapanapa State Park sits on Maui’s remote eastern coastline just outside Hana Town. Traditionally written as Wai’ānapanapa, the park’s name is commonly translated as “glistening water.”
The park protects more than 120 acres of volcanic coastline filled with lava cliffs, sea arches, blowholes, anchialine pools, native hala forest, lava tubes, and Pailoa Black Sand Beach. Waianapanapa also holds significant cultural and historical importance.
According to Hawaiian legend, Princess Popo’alaea hid from her cruel husband, Chief Ka’akea, inside one of the area’s freshwater caves. Visitors should treat the park’s caves, heiau, burial sites, and other cultural features with care and respect.
Whether you stop for a few hours while driving the Hana Highway or stay overnight in one of the park’s cabins, Waianapanapa offers a fascinating look at Maui’s volcanic landscape and Hawaii history.
Do You Need Reservations for Waianapanapa State Park?
Yes, advance reservations are required for all non-Hawaii residents visiting Waianapanapa State Park. This includes both park entry and parking. Visitors who arrive without a confirmed reservation will be turned away.
Reservations can be made through the official website up to 30 days in advance. New dates are released daily at midnight Hawaii time, and same-day reservation are not available.
I recommend booking as soon as your date becomes available, especially during weekends and busy travel seasons. The current reservations periods are:
- 7 am to 10 am
- 10 am to 12:30 pm
- 12:30 pm to 3 pm
- 3 pm to 6 pm
You must arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation period and leave by the end of your scheduled time. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to reserve consecutive time slots.
For most travelers driving the Road to Hana, the 10 am to 12:30 pm reservation works best because it allows time for a few stops along the way.
Waianapanapa Entrance and Parking Fees
- Entry Fee: $5 per non-Hawaii resident
- Parking: $10 per noncommercial vehicle, per time slot
- Children ages 3 and younger: Free
- Hawai’i residents: Free with valid Hawaii driver’s license or state ID
- Bring: A printed or digital copy of your reservation confirmation. If digital, make sure to screenshot your reservation as cell service will be spotty.
🌺 Travel Tip: Overnight cabin and camping reservations include parking and admission for the guests listed on the permit, so a separate day-use reservation is not required during your stay.
Things to Do in Waianapanapa State Park
There’s much more to Waianapanapa than just snapping a photo at the black sand beach (though that’s a must!).
Give yourself time to explore the sea caves, lava formations, scenic hiking trails, blowholes, and protected anchialine pools throughout the park.
Visit the famous Pailoa Black Sand Beach
Pailoa Beach is the star of Waianapanapa State Park and one of the most recognizable black sand beaches on Maui. Its black sand and smooth volcanic pebbles were created as waves gradually eroded the surrounding lava rock.
A short staircase leads down to the small beach, which is framed by lava cliffs, tropical greenery, and a sea cave. Walk along the black sand and pebbled shoreline,, explore the nearby sea cave, or find a safe place to watch the waves crash against the volcanic coastline.
Do not remove any sand, rocks, or natural materials from the beach. Swimming here isn’t always safe due to strong currents, rough surf, and lack of lifeguards. Always check ocean conditions and warning signs before getting in the water.
Explore the Sea Cave
At one end of Pailoa Beach, you’ll find a small sea cave carved into the surrounding rock. You can carefully step inside during low tide, but avoid entering during rough surf or when waves are reaching the cave.
Waianapanapa also contains freshwater caves connected to the Hawaiian legend of Princess Popo’alaea. Treat these culturally significant areas with respect and follow all posted signs regarding access.
See the Waianapanapa Blowhole
Follow the coastal path beyond the main beach to find one of Waianapanapa’s blowholes. When the ocean conditions are right, waves force water and mist through an opening in the lava rock, creating an impressive spray.
Stay on the designated trail and never stand directly over or beside the opening. Blowholes can be unpredictable, and sudden waves can make the surrounding rocks extremely dangerous.
Hike the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail
- 🥾 Distance: Roughly 3 miles round trip
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate (exposed to the sun)
- 🎒 Bring: Water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
Often called the Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Pi’ilani Trail, the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail follows Maui’s rugged volcanic coastline from Pailoa Bay. The route crosses uneven lava rock and offers beautiful views of the Hana coastline, offshore islets, native hala trees, and the slopes of Haleakala.
Along the way, the trail passes the park’s cabins and ‘Ohala Heiau, along with gravesites and other culturally significant areas. Remain on the established route and stay outside areas marked by low stone walls or platforms.
This is my favorite coastal trail on Maui and is especially enjoyable after spending the night inside the park. If you’re visiting during a day-use reservation, make sure your time slot gives you enough time to complete the hike – or reserve consecutive slots if necessary.
See the Lava Arch and Anchialine Pools
Along Wai’anapanapa’s coastline, you’ll find a natural stone arch shaped by years of waves and erosion. It’s one of several volcanic formations visible from the park’s coastal paths.
The park also contains protected anchialine pools – landlocked pools of brackish water connected to the ocean through underground passages. These fragile ecosystems are home to tiny red shrimp known as ‘ōpae ‘ula.
Do not swim in, enter, or disturb the pools. Stay on the designated paths and admire them from a respectful distance.
Stay Overnight in the Waianapanapa Cabins or Campground
Although most people visit Waianapanapa as a stop on the Road to Hana, but staying overnight lets you experience the park during its quieter early-morning and evening hours. The park offers basic cabins and tent campsites within walking distance of the coastline.
I’ve stayed here many times, and waking up to sunrise over the ocean is one of my favorite experiences in East Maui. An overnight stay also gives you an early start for exploring the best things to do in Hana and the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.
Overnight reservations include park entry and parking for the guests listed on the permit. Cabin reservations must be made at least seven days before check-in.
✨ Want to stay overnight? Check out my complete guide to Staying in the Waianapanapa Cabins for photos, amenities, reservation information, and tips from my stay.
How to Get to Waianapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa State Park sits just along Hāna Highway, about 10 minutes before Hana Town when driving from Kahului. Near mile marker 32, turn into Waianapanapa Road and follow the narrow road for about one mile to the park entrance and parking lot.
The park is easy to find using Google Maps, but download your directions before leaving because cell service becomes unreliable along the Road to Hana.
The drive itself is an adventure – lush rainforests, waterfalls, bamboo forests, and ocean views make the journey every bit as memorable as the destination. Without stops, the drive takes about 2-2.5 hours from Kahului and 3 from South or West Maui.
However, most travelers spend considerably longer because of the waterfalls, overlooks, beaches, and other Road to Hana stops along the way. Plan your stops carefully so you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your Waianapanapa reservation period.
🚙 Driving the Road to Hana? Download my free Road to Hana map to plan your stops and arrive at Wai’ānapanapa in time for your reservation.
Tips for Visiting Wai’anapanapa State Park
After visiting Waianapanapa State Park more than a dozen times, I’ve learned a few things that can make your visit easier and more enjoyable.
- 🕑 Choose your time carefully: Early morning and late afternoon generally offer softer light and a quieter experience. If you’re driving the Road to Hana, make sure your reservation time leaves room for stops along the way.
- 📸 Explore beyond the beach: Some of my favorite photo opportunities are along the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail, where the black lava rock contrasts beautifully with the ocean and surrounding greenery.
- 👣 Wear sturdy shoes: The lava rock paths are rocky, uneven and can be slippery, especially if it’s recently rained (which happens often in Hana). Wear secure sandals or hiking shoes if you plan to explore beyond the main beach.
- 🧴 Pack essentials: There’s very little shade along the coastline, so bring reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks (no food vendors here), a hat, sunglasses, and towel if you plan to swim or sunbathe.
- 📵 Cell service is spotty or non-existent: There’s limited cell service in Hana or inside the park, so download directions or maps before you go.
- 🌊 Check Ocean Conditions: Pailoa Beach can experience rough surf, strong currents, and powerful shorebreak. Follow posted warnings, never turn your back on the ocean, and avoid swimming when conditions are unsafe.
- 🧘🏼♀️ Respect the land and local culture: Waianapanapa is more than a pretty park – it’s a sacred Hawaiian site with deep cultural meaning. Stay on marked trails, don’t enter the anchialine pools, and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
- Wai’anapanapa State Park has picnic tables and outdoor showers.
Waianapanapa State Park Tours
Would you rather visit Waianapanapa State Park on a tour instead of driving the Road to Hana yourself? That’s a great option – especially if you’d rather sit back, enjoy the views, and not worry about navigating all those winding one-lane bridges.
Many Road to Hana tours include a stop at Waianapanapa State Park, giving you time to explore the famous black sand beach, walk through the lava caves, and learn about the area’s history from a local guide.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to secure your park reservation, since most tours handle entry permits and parking for you. The Road to Hana is extremely winding, so bring your preferred motion-sickness remedy if needed.
📌 Here are a few popular Road to Hana tours to check out:
Waianapanapa State Park Vlog
Would you rather see what it’s like to visit Waianapanapa State Park? Check out the video above to watch us explore the famous black sand beach and soak up the raw beauty of Maui’s rugged east coast.
And if you enjoy our travel content, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel or give the video a thumbs up 👍 it really helps us keep creating free, helpful travel guides and vlogs for you to enjoy.
🎥 Watch our Maui series on YouTube
Final Thoughts
Even after countless visits, Waianapanapa State Park still takes my breath away. It’s a place I always brought visiting friends and family and remains one of my favorite stops along the Road to Hana.
Give yourself time to explore beyond the black sand beach – and if you have the opportunity to stay overnight, do it. Waking up to the sounds of the ocean is an experience you won’t forget.
East Maui Travel Guides
✏️ I lived on Maui nearly 14 years and Maui is where I’m Jess Traveling was born. Needless to say, I’ve written about all the awesome things to see and do around Maui.
- Maui Travel Guide – The big guide of everything you need to know about Maui and planning your trip.
- Best Stops on the Road to Hana– The best stops along the road to Hana (written by a local).
- Best Things to do in Hana – 10 epic adventures to have in Hana.
- Where to Stay in Hana – Best accommodations in Hana for all budgets.
- Haleakala National Park Travel Guide – Everything you need to know about Haleakala NP including the remote Kipahulu District in East Maui.
- Best Stops on the Backside Road to Hana – Drive the off-the-beaten-path road to Hana town and Waianapanapa State Park.
Maui Travel Guides ↓
📍Planning a trip to Maui? Check out the guides below for more inspiration and helpful tips to plan your ultimate getaway to the Valley Isle.
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