Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Hana, HI
A black sand beach, sea caves and lava arches on the Road to Hana. Entry and parking must be reserved.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park covers about 50 hectares near Hāna on the east coast of Maui, Hawaiʻi, at mile marker 32 of the Hāna Highway, roughly ten minutes from town. The name means “glistening fresh water”. Pāʻiloa Beach is made of black sand formed from ground-down lava.
There are also sea caves, blowholes and a sea arch. Lonely Planet describes two large lava-tube caves about a five-minute walk from the car park and a coastal path over ancient lava stepping stones. Tiny red shrimps live in the freshwater caves and pools and at times tint the water reddish; according to legend, Princess Popoalaea was killed here by her husband, Chief Kaʻakea.
Visitors who do not live in Hawaiʻi must reserve entry and parking online in advance; booking opens 30 days ahead via gostateparks.hawaii.gov (as of October 2026). The Hāna Highway is narrow with single-lane bridges; from Kahului allow 2.5 to 3 hours. The coastal path is about 3.4 km (2.1 miles) there and back and follows an old royal trail. The park has toilets, camping and cabins (check availability in advance) but no restaurants or shops. Swim only in calm seas, take no sand or stones, and leave drones at home.
- Nearest town
- Hana, HI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 20.7870, -156.0010
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Waiʻānapanapa State ParkCampsite0 mi from Waiʻānapanapa State ParkTentsFree
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Waiʻānapanapa State Park
- Kīpahulu CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Waiʻānapanapa State Park
- Hosmer GroveCampsite15 mi from Waiʻānapanapa State Park
- Polipoli Springs State Recreation AreaCampsite23 mi from Waiʻānapanapa State Park
All campsites in Hawaii · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Waiʻānapanapa State Park?
Waiʻānapanapa State Park is in Hana, HI, at GPS 20.7870, -156.0010. It is about 9 mi from Kīpahulu.
Can you camp near Waiʻānapanapa State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Waiʻānapanapa State Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Waiʻānapanapa State Park?
Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Road to Hana, Maui and Single-lane bridges, bamboo forest and sunrise above the clouds – by campervan along the Road to Hāna and up Haleakalā.
What is there to see near Waiʻānapanapa State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Haleakalā Summit (17 mi), Pololū Valley Lookout (44 mi), Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (54 mi) and Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (54 mi).
When is the best time to visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)