Wai'anapanapa State Park, State park with black sand beach in Hana, United States.
The park extends over 120 acres of volcanic coastline, featuring Pa'iloa Beach with its black sand formed from crushed lava rocks.
Native Hawaiians established more than 34 archaeological sites within the park boundaries, including burial grounds, temples, and cave dwellings over centuries.
The name Wai'anapanapa translates to glistening water in Hawaiian, referring to the natural freshwater pools that form within the coastal caves.
Entry to the park requires advance reservations, with different fees for Hawaii residents who can enter free with valid identification and non-residents.
The park contains anchialine pools, which are landlocked water bodies with underground connections to the ocean, supporting native red shrimp populations.
Location: Maui County
Website: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm
GPS coordinates: 20.78580,-155.99700
Latest update: May 30, 2025 14:51
The Hawaiian Islands offer beaches with white, black, and red sand, formed through volcanic activity and coral erosion. Coastal areas display tide pools, sea caves, and lava formations. Inland, hiking trails lead through rainforest valleys to waterfalls and historic Heiau temples, which served as ceremonial sites for the Polynesian inhabitants. The volcanic geology has created lava tubes, craters, and calderas that are now accessible to visitors. Botanical gardens preserve native plant species, while archaeological sites like ancient settlements and petroglyph fields provide insights into pre-European history. The islands also feature limestone caves with marine fossils and reefs suitable for snorkeling.
Haleakalā
27.4 km
Hana Highway
26.5 km
Haleakalā Observatory
27.9 km
Red Sand Beach
4.1 km
Pipiwai Trail
14.3 km
Kahanu Garden
4.6 km
Makahiku Falls
14.5 km
Haleakalā Wilderness
19.5 km
Hana Beach Park
3.6 km
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
20.8 km
Kaia Ranch Tropical Botanical Gardens
3.8 km
Ke'anae Arboretum
17.7 km
Crater Historic District
21.4 km
Loaloa Heiau
20.8 km
Hāmoa Beach
7.5 km
Waimoku Falls
13.4 km
Haleakalā Visitor Center
27.5 km
Park Headquarters Visitor Center
26.2 km
Honokalani Black Sand Beach
760 m
Piilanihale Heiau
4.6 km
Waipu
23.6 km
Mather Plaque in Haleakalā National Park
26.1 km
Kapueokahi Beach
3.2 km
Kaihalulu Beach
4 km
Leleiwi Overlook
24.5 km
Mokulau Beach
20.2 km
Paʻiloa Beach
756 m
Wai‘ānapanapa State Park
370 mReviews
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