Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Experience the surreal beauty of Wai'anapanapa State Park, a coastal gem with black sand beaches, lava tubes, and dramatic volcanic cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the surreal beauty of Wai'anapanapa State Park, a coastal gem with black sand beaches, lava tubes, and dramatic volcanic cliffs.
"Incredible and astonishing! Black sand beach was truly wonderful."
🎯 Book Reservations Early
Mandatory for out-of-state visitors! Book online up to 30 days in advance.
🚗 Prepare for the Drive
The Road to Hana is long and winding. Start early, pack water, and download offline maps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Black Sand Beach
Pailoa Beach
Experience the surreal beauty of jet-black volcanic sand contrasting with turquoise waters and lush green cliffs.
Sea Caves and Lava Tubes
Coastal areas
Explore fascinating lava tubes and sea caves carved by the ocean, offering a glimpse into the park's volcanic origins.
+1
Coastal Hiking Trails
Along the coastline
Hike scenic trails offering breathtaking ocean views, blowholes, and opportunities to spot seabirds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Entry in Advance
+2Prepare for the Road to Hana
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Reservations Early
Mandatory for out-of-state visitors! Book online up to 30 days in advance.
🚗 Prepare for the Drive
The Road to Hana is long and winding. Start early, pack water, and download offline maps. +1
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The surf can be strong and rocks slippery. Water shoes are essential for exploring caves and tide pools.
📱 Download QR Code
Ensure your entry QR code is downloaded offline, as internet access is unreliable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Reservations Early
Mandatory for out-of-state visitors! Book online up to 30 days in advance.
🚗 Prepare for the Drive
The Road to Hana is long and winding. Start early, pack water, and download offline maps. +1
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The surf can be strong and rocks slippery. Water shoes are essential for exploring caves and tide pools.
📱 Download QR Code
Ensure your entry QR code is downloaded offline, as internet access is unreliable.
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Waves can be powerful. Be cautious, especially with children, and never turn your back on the ocean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the astonishing beauty of Wai'anapanapa State Park, particularly its unique black sand beach and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The sea caves and coastal trails offer ample exploration opportunities. However, the mandatory reservation system and limited parking can be a significant hurdle, and the powerful ocean surf requires caution.
"Incredible and astonishing! Black sand beach was truly wonderful. There is an amazingly scenic hiking trail going both ways from the beach with blowholes, crashing waves, and many spots to go down and explore some lava rock tide pools! Then the beach itself. I expect just some dark colored sand, but no, the sand, the rocks, the cliffs all entirely black. The lava tube and lava caves were all awesome! The only issue is that there are a very limited number of parking spaces, and you need to buy a permit online well in advance to get one. The work around that I found for that is they also have camping permits for tent campers. And waking up to watch a sunrise over the black sand is one of the most surreal moments of my life."
Dylan Reynolds
"Love this place. Endless amounts of opportunities to explore. Great place to just let loose and wonder around. Probably want to keep tabs on the young kids and those who can't swim. It is a strong surf (check out my video for that), and you will definitely want to be aware of your surroundings. We didn't get in the water as we just explored caves, trails, and little critters (see my picture of a spider😎).
I highly encourage you get tickets in advance. I also mean you must have tickets in order to enter. What I also mean by this is that you need tickets to get in unless you are a resident. You pay per vehicle AND per person. We payed 22 dollars and change. 10 for the car and five per person. The park entrance monitor was very grouchy and seemed hostile 😁. But I said good morning, asked her how she was doing and got a great smile out of her! But she will kick you out if you are not on time and or don't have tickets. I also recommend downloading your QR code BEFORE you leave to the park. Internet is horrible and you will not get in without the QR code from the receipt emailed to you.
Parking is horrendous and will cause headaches if you don't get there on time or during your shift. We got lucky and were able to grab two morning tickets, 7-10am. The tickets are sold in three time slots, morning, afternoon and evening. Also be aware that if you are driving to that beach you will be driving the "road to Hana". Be prepared for a long drive (took us 2.5 hours to get there and depends on where you are staying) and plan accordingly. You can just go for an hour or so or parts of your scheduled time frame but you will want at least an hour to explore.
The sand was awesome and I really liked the different types of sand. You had more rock towards the back and it got more sand like as you got closer to the water. My two videos will show you what I mean. Don't take the rocks or sand, there is a sign posted to keep people from taking it. When we go back we will definitely go again, and also try and snag a smile. Definitely worth the trip and expensive, just preparing and getting there takes away a star so four stars."
Casey Swain
"Visited Wai'anapanapa States park as part of the road to Hana tour, I did with my partner in May 2023 and we both loved it. The setting is stunning with views looking down towards the black sand beach. There is plenty of wee trails that you can walk. The is a lava tube you can explore at the beach the black sand is surprisingly quite fine specialy at the waters edge. Waves were quite large when we were there don't know if it's like that all the time though. There is ample parking even though it is quite busy, there is restrooms and plenty pic-nic areas. It's a must if your staying in Maui to Visit Wai'anapanapa state park whether you driving of visiting as part of a tour. I highly recommend visiting here and would love to do it all agian Steve all Gianni Jacqui fae fife."
steven clegg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wai'anapanapa State Park is located at the end of Wai'anapanapa Road, off the Hana Highway (Route 360) at mile marker 32. Many visitors opt for guided tours or rent cars. It's recommended to start your journey early to maximize your time and avoid the worst traffic.
The Road to Hana is known for its narrow, winding roads with many sharp turns and one-lane bridges. While challenging, it's manageable for most drivers with caution. Renting a smaller vehicle can be easier. Many visitors find it rewarding, but if you're uncomfortable with such roads, consider a guided tour.
Many travelers suggest starting very early (around 6 AM) to beat the crowds and have more time at each stop. Consider downloading an audio guide or using a navigation app that provides Road to Hana commentary.
Prioritize your must-see stops, as it's impossible to see everything in one day.
No, out-of-state visitors absolutely need a reservation to enter Wai'anapanapa State Park. You will be denied entry if you do not have a confirmed reservation.
The drive from Kahului to Wai'anapanapa State Park typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you make along the Road to Hana. It's a journey that requires planning and an early start.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are mandatory for all out-of-state visitors to Wai'anapanapa State Park.
The cost typically includes a per-vehicle fee for parking, which covers entry for all passengers. As of recent information, this can be around $10 per vehicle. There might also be a per-person fee for non-residents.
It's best to check the official park website for the most current pricing.
Reservations are usually sold in three-hour increments. Common time slots include 7-10 AM, 10 AM-12:30 PM, 12:30 PM-3 PM, and 3 PM-5 PM. Getting the early morning slot (7-10 AM) is highly recommended for a less crowded experience.
If you arrive without a reservation, you will be denied entry. Park staff are strict about enforcing this rule to manage visitor numbers and protect the environment.
While it's possible to get same-day reservations if slots are available, it's highly unlikely, especially during peak seasons. Booking well in advance is strongly advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park's main draw is its stunning black sand beach, Pailoa Beach. +1 You can also explore lava tubes, sea caves, coastal hiking trails with blowholes, and admire the dramatic volcanic coastline.
+2
Swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents and powerful waves. There are no lifeguards on duty. Visitors with young children or weak swimmers should exercise extreme caution or avoid swimming altogether.
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for exploring the trails and caves.
Yes, exploring the lava tubes and sea caves is a popular activity. Be mindful of your surroundings, as they can be slippery and the ocean surge can be unpredictable.
Yes, the park provides restrooms and picnic areas for visitors. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The black sand beach itself is incredibly photogenic, especially during sunrise or sunset. The dramatic sea stacks, coastal cliffs, and the entrance to the lava tubes also offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Early morning, around sunrise, offers soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the black sand beach. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light.
No, it is strictly prohibited to take rocks or sand from the beach. There are signs posted reminding visitors of this rule. Doing so is considered disrespectful to the natural environment and can result in fines.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Hawaii's state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the official Hawaii State Parks website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance the colors of the black sand and ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider water shoes for little feet. 🚗 Day-Trippers
+1 Given the mandatory reservation system, ensure you book your entry slot well in advance. +1 Aim for an early morning reservation to allow ample time for the drive and exploration without feeling rushed. Be prepared for the long drive and consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's designated areas. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The best light is often found during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, though early morning reservations are key to capturing these moments with fewer people. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Black Sand
Some believe the black sand has exfoliating properties, making it a natural spa experience. Visitors are reminded not to take any sand or rocks from the beach, as this is prohibited and harms the delicate ecosystem.
Exploring the Volcanic Features
The park also boasts blowholes that dramatically spray water into the air, especially during high tide.
Navigating the Road to Hana
+1 The road itself is a significant part of the adventure, characterized by its numerous hairpin turns, narrow bridges, and dense foliage. To make the most of the Road to Hana and your visit to Wai'anapanapa, it's crucial to plan ahead. Starting your journey early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid crowds and allow ample time for exploration.
Downloading offline maps and perhaps an audio guide can enhance the experience, as cell service is often unreliable along the route. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit