On the Road to Hana you’ll see two parts of Wai’anapanapa State Park during your drive. Each of these stops is very special, very beautiful and worth planning when you’re driving the Road to Hana. Since Wai’anapanapa State Park is located in such a remote place, be sure that you’ve done your due diligence in advance to secure your entry for the park (more on that below).
The Black Sand Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park is probably the most popular attraction along the Road to Hana. This beach is very different from the Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the Big Island, but equally worth visiting. If you have any questions about planning your visit or would like to provide your own tips relating to the Road to Hana, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help other plan their aloha trip to respectfully visit these beautiful places.
Waterfall Swimming at Pua’a Ka’a Wayside
Most visitors are driving the Hana Highway, aka the Road to Hana, starting at the north and winding down around the southeast corner of Maui. If that’s you, the first part of Wai’anapanapa State Park that you’ll come to is the Wayside. Here you’ll find restrooms, a few picnic tables and lots of mongoose. There’s more to this stop though, as across the street is a small but beautiful waterfall.
Note: The Pua’a Ka’a Wayside is free to visit per the Hawaii DNR website, but you’ll see there are signs stating that you need to have a reservation for entry to Wai’anapanapa State Park just to the south. I don’t know that anyone is enforcing that, but there is a sign that contrasts what the state website says.
To enjoy the Pua’a Ka’a Waterfall area, park on the east side of the highway and carefully cross the street. There are some trails and guardrails to keep people safe, so be mindful about what you choose to do. You’ll see where there is safe access to the waterfall pool, where you can swim at the splashdown. The water isn’t warm, but it’s beautiful and fun. This is a quick waterfall stop, as you have a ways to go before you’re actually at Wai’anapanapa State Park and its famous black sand beach.
The Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach
Having been to many black sand beaches around Hawaii, I think the Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is one of the more unique ones. After you park, you’ll have the chance to walk the bluff and check out the bay and the black sand beach below. A short walk down the stairs and you’ll be toe-deep in the dark lava sand. Once down at the beach there’s not a ton of room to set up for a beach day, but you can easily set yourself up off the sand and head into the water. On a really sunny day the black sand is hot and the water is really cool, so the contrast feels great, and it’s a very unique beach experience.
The pull of the current isn’t too bad, so if you’re a strong swimmer, you should have no problem. We keep our kids back at the wave break for their safety, but on calm days it’s quite swimmable.
Also down at beach level is a is a small sea cave / sea arch area to explore. Proceed with caution, as the waves do come up into the cave area. It’s neat to see the black sand meeting the lava flow (extinct) and the turquoise waves crashing against it all while you’re sheltered in the cave. If the waves are bigger, this can be dangerous so be mindful and smart about going in here.
Being Prepared for Wai’anapanapa State Park
When you visit Wai’anapanapa State Park, you do need a reservation if you’re not kamaaina. You can make your reservation 30 days in advance and for a specific time, much like booking your entry for Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail on Kauai. You’ll be able to book a 90 minute visit slot and the gate keepers are serious about it. They will not let you in early and they will make sure you understand about the timing. That’s okay though, as Wai’anapanapa State Park isn’t huge and if you’re not camping or kamaaina you won’t need more than 90 minutes here.
Parking for Wai’anapanapa State Park Stops
For the Pua’a Ka’a Wayside, parking is allowed in the designated spots only. This is ON the Hana Highway so you are already very limited with how much space there is. When you get to Wai’anapanapa State Park and the black sand beach, there’s much more space, but because it’s such a popular spot, you will need to park smart and allow others space as well. The gatekeepers at the beach entrance are good about not letting in too many cars which prevents parking issues, but the space is indeed limited.
If you are planning a camping trip all around Maui, there are actually tent campsites, campervan sites and cabins that can be reserved at Wai’anapanapa State Park (the site is complicated, but it’s doable). They’re located just to the south of the Black Sand Beach, but are walking distance via the trails from the beach area. For cabin people, there are 12 available but they book months in advance so be sure to plan it!
More Things to Do on Maui
Some people visit Maui over and over and love every minute on the island while others visit once and that’s enough. We’re in the middle of that, but always enjoy out experiences all around the island. I see Maui as the island for beaches and hiking, with some wonderful state parks and, of course, Haleakala National Park. Others see it as a place to check into a resort and vege out for a week. You do you, but at least go experience some of what makes Maui such a beautiful, fun place to explore.
Here are our top picks for things to do when you’re visiting Maui:
- Beach days all around the island
- Snorkeling at Olowalu
- Hiking at Haleakala National Park (skip sunrise, people)
- Drive the Road to Hana or Northwest Loop (no need to do both)
- Visit Honolua Bay Magical Enchanted Forest (north of Lahaina)
- Visit the Maui Ocean Center
- Whale watching from November to March
- Relaxing and enjoying the vibes of Kihei, Wailea or Paia (Lahaina when it’s more recovered)
Here are more ideas for things to do on Maui:
Where to Stay on Maui
My favorite part of Maui to stay is Kihei. I like the location being convenient to any sort of trip plan, and being an actual town with regular businesses and neighborhoods, it’s a great place to find good dining options AND be close to the beach. Wailea is quite a bit fancier and the Paia is much more mellow with fewer option. Lahaina has always been a popular place to stay on Maui, but since the fires it’s been in slow recovery. There are still resorts around Lahaina, but the town is still undergoing full reconstruction.
Having said that, check out the map below for ideas of where to stay on Maui and the types of accommodations you’ll find.
I hope you’ll consider visiting the Wai’anapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana. It’s one of the prettiest places on Maui and a great stop after driving on the winding highway. If you have any other questions about visiting Maui or planning an island hopping adventure, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a beautiful Hawaii trip. Aloha!
