Hana Bay Beach Park in Hana, Maui, Hawaii

Wai'anapanapa State Park

Hana, Maui

Wai'anapanapa State Park, Hana

Pronounced as "why-a-napa-napa" which means "glistening waters", this is Maui's one-of-a-kind "black sand" beach and a must-see for any Hana visitor. The jet-black lava rock that permeates the landscape is a reminder of the islands' volcanic origins. The beach itself is made up of small pebbles and grains that are broken-up lava rocks, smoothed and shaped by the ocean over hundreds of years. The bay is beautifully scenic, with black cliffs, lush greenery and bright blue ocean and the sky. There are great walking opportunities along its edges on rugged trails that extend for miles east and west. Don't miss the fresh water caves accessible via loop trail from the parking area furthest on the left. Be ready for a surprisingly cool and refreshing feel if you choose to swim in the one with the clean deep water, as this spring-fed pool is noticeably colder than the ocean.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Black lava rock land- and seascapes, unique black sand, fresh-water cave, blow hole, and cliffside hiking trail.
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, lava tube and cave exploring, swimming (ocean conditions are dangerous seasonally), fishing.
LIFEGUARD: NO
WARNINGS!: DO NOT TAKE LAVA ROCK! It is considered a very bad luck to do so, and desecrates the site for the future visitors. Be careful while entering the ocean here. High surf creates strong undertow. If you go in for a swim when calm waters prevail, be prepared for a quick change of depth just past the surf-line where the ocean floor rapidly drops off.

AMENITIES: Restrooms, showers, soda vending machines, plenty of parking, payphone, and multitude of sunny and shaded picnic tables.

State parks website link:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm

This is a 122 acre state park with plenty of parking and full amenities, and a popular tourist stop for good reason. It is Maui's only pure black sand beach and its character is truly unique. Lava rock spires jut out into crystal-clear waters, and there is a blow hole that gets active during high surf. During milder wave activity the lava tube at the closer end of the beach by the bottom of the stairs is easily visited. Look for the flow of people ducking in and out of the cave entrance. Once inside it expands to about 15 feet overhead and just as wide.

Swimming is very irregular here, during the winter months large surf can make the bay and beach dangerously inundated with currents and undertow. Summer months are usually the only times the ocean is tranquil here.

Hiking is rugged due to the lava stones that make up the trail. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for this journey. The trail runs in both directions from the park. To the left, it meanders along the edge of the bay to a scenic point with small blow hole. The longer walk starts at the end of the pavement to the right, along the railings and past the roped-off gravesite. Follow the grass trail for about 100 yards, then the trail turns to crushed lava rocks and gets more secluded as it leads away from the parking areas and down along the cliffs for at least half-a-mile.

To avoid the crowds on sunny days, visit Wai'anapanapa before 10 am or after 3 pm, and you will have a much more serene experience. On overcast or partly rainy days the park can be almost empty during the peak hours.

Closest town: Hana
Directions:
From the Hana town, take the Hana highway west (towards Road to Hana) looking for signs 1.8 miles out of town. Honokalani road is the turnoff and the park is 0.2 miles down, at the end of the road. Parking areas begin at the end of of Honokalani road and continue over 200 yards to the left into two other parking areas. The far left parking area has the best access to everything.

If making the stop on the drive to Hana (before reaching Hana town), keep your eyes on the lookout for the Hana airport turnoff, drive past "Airport Road" for a half-mile and look for "Wai'anapanapa" sign on the right. Turn left on Honokalani Road approximately 100 yards past the sign. Go to the end of Honokalani road and look for the parking lot of your choice.

Hamoa Beach

Hana, Maui

Just outside of Maui's eastern-most little town of Hana there is an exquisite beach called Hamoa. This stunning expanse of sand surrounded by verdant hills and black cliffs is so picturesque, it has made several top-ten lists for world's most scenic beaches'. It has a special blend of "salt and pepper" sand consisting of white coral grains and microscopic black lava rock pebbles, contrasting beautifully with the aqua hues of the ocean. Facing east across the turbulent Alenuihaha channel, the ocean here can be rough and hazardous for swimming so be careful and observant of conditions on the day of your visit.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Postcard-perfect beach for Hana side of the island. Absolutely spectacular.
ACTIVITIES:Swimming, bodyboarding, walking, and experienced-level-only outer bay surfing.
LIFEGUARD: NO
WARNINGS!: Hidden sand bar about 50 yards out can create an inside push on the waves which adds to currents and injury potential from body surfing or diving under waves into shallow water. The locals at Hamoa often offer helpful advice in regards to hazards and places to avoid here.
AMENITIES: Public shower along the access path, public restrooms behind Travasa resort cabana.

Hamoa is a must-see for any Hana stay or visit. A scenic drive of just 2.5 miles from town and you are transported back into classic Hawaiian style to this jewel of a beach. Stone walls line the road near the beach entrance, and signals the look for roadside parking, there is no designated parking lot, and you will see many creative ways people leave their cars. The beach access is a paved walkway adjacent to the paved pull-out area with the small bus stop shelter. As you walk down the path, note the showers on the left at the edge of the beach. There are several pavilions recessed from the beach that are part of the Travasa resort and are exclusively for the usage of their guests. However, beaches are public and open to all. Travasa is nice enough to let non-hotel guests use the restrooms, just follow the signs for the public bathrooms around the corner of the building.

Unlike beaches of Maui's West and South sides, Hamoa never gets very crowded, for you have to conquer the road to Hana to get here. At 200 yards in length, sheer length of this beach is very inviting for walks in between swims. Ample shade of the old trees that grow by the cliffs all along the beach protects from the worst of the mid-day sun.

Ocean conditions fluctuate here from calm to fierce, so swimming here is best approached with caution. The safest entry for swimming is to the left where the beach bends toward the cliffs below the roadway. It stays relatively calm there. From the middle of the beach to the right there is often a predominant shore break due to a sandbar that pushes the waves up. The local kids make these waves look rideable but they are fearless and very experienced. Same goes for the outer bay break, it can be great surfing for the experienced rider.

Closest town: Hana
Directions:
From Hasagawa's store in the center of Hana town. Head south out of town on the Hana highway also known as route 330 and drive 2.5 miles through the pasture land turning left on Haneoo road. (Make note that Haneoo road is a looping road, we recommend the second entrance to it which means you will drive 1 mile past the first entry and take the second entry for easier access to Hamoa.) Once you turn onto the second Haneoo road you will drive downhill a half a mile and look for road side parking. The walkway down to the beach is adjacent to the bus stop pull out which will be amidst the rock walls. Parking is roadside, if congested park on the upper roadway above the driveway service entrance.

Koki Beach

Hana, Maui

This beach is a short drive from Hana town and is centered among several Hawaiian heritage sites. Beautiful crescent of soft sand curves along the bottom of a striking red-and-yellow-striped cinder cliff, with an off-shore islets dotting the horizon. The ocean conditions fluctuate here, and currents can be prevalent. Usually water is safest in the summer; avoid swimming during high surf during mid-autumn through late-spring. It is best to see if locals are in the water. Do not hesitate to ask them about the conditions. This beach is remote with no lifeguards.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: A favorite amongst locals, the beach feels quite secluded if you set up to the left end. The beach is not long, but it's a nice walk towards the base of the gorgeous red cinder cliffs on the left.
ACTIVITIES: Seasonal swimming based on wave conditions. Advanced surfing and body surfing off-shore.
LIFEGUARD: NO
WARNINGS!: Practice good judgement and caution. There is often a sand bar about 50 feet into the ocean that creates a false sense of security, beware as it often amplifies the currents and you can suddenly find yourself being swept out.. This beach is where the most drownings occur on the East side, as the sign in the tree will inform you. If in doubt, don't go out!
AMENITIES: single picnic table with a traditional palm-frond roof.

When facing the ocean, the red cinder cliffs to the left form the base of a cinder mountain historically known as "Kai iwi o Pele", significant as being the resting place of the goddess Pele. These days we know the area more as the south end of an ocean-front parcel of land owned by Oprah. Locals are pleased that she has no plans to develop the area, making her a bit of a celebrity conservationist. Look out along the ocean in the distance and you will see a natural sea arch known as "Leho'ula" which is the remnant of lava tube broken apart by waves over time. There are many of these on Maui, but this is one of the most visible. To the far right of the beach is a small island known as " 'Alau Island", with a small coconut grove and birds circling above it. 'Iwa, also known as Frigate birds, adopted it as a sanctuary from the invasive egg-eating mongoose.

Koki is a northeast-facing beach, so if the wave action appears rough here, take some pictures and stay out of the water. Once you have had your fill, visit Hamoa beach approximately half-a-mile further down the same one-lane road past Hamoa Village, Haneoo Road. Drive extra slowly in this area as there is no lane separation and plenty of local traffic. Just past the Koki beach, as the road gets close to the ocean, look for low rock walls in the water. These are Hawaiian aquaculture ponds used as traditional fish farms in the old times. Some work is being done to restore them. These kinds of ponds used to be present throughout the islands. Over time neglect and ocean damage has erased many of them from existence.

Closest town: Hana
Directions:
From Hana town center (near Hasagawa's store and the gas station) proceed on route 330 aka Hana highway heading south for 1.5 miles looking for a street on the left called Haneoo Rd. Take left and go 0.2 miles downhill to the beach on your left. Look for roadside parking where available once you are near the beach.

Red Sands Beach

Hana, Maui

Perhaps one of the more mysterious and least understood spots in the small town of Hana is Kaihalulu Bay or "Red Sands Beach". Though not very safe or easy to reach, many make the trek to find out that the beach is not made of sand at all, but instead consists of small red cinders. The small cove at Kaihalulu is surrounded by a mountain of volcanic remnants known as a "cinder cone". The mountain is highly unstable and crumbing into the sea all around this location. The traditional Hawaiian name for this place "Kaihalulu" which translates as "roaring sea" and the ocean conditions can be hazardous, proceed with caution if you choose to enter the water.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: A one of a kind location where a crumbling volcanic cinder cone meets the sea in a stark landscape that looks more like the Mars, then Hawaii.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, shallow water snorkeling close to shore.
LIFEGUARD: NO
WARNINGS!: The access to this beach is extremely hazardous, crossing landslides, 30 to 50 foot cliff drop offs, and jagged lava rocks. There is the only one way in and should be attempted at your own risk, and avoided if you are unsure. Be aware of the small pinecones under the ironwood pine trees, they are round and can act like marbles under foot. Also understand that there is no lifeguard at the ocean front and hazardous currents can exist especially along the divider between the open ocean and the cove fronting the beach.
AMENITIES: None, but two nearby parks have restroom facilities.

Finding this beach is a bit of a puzzle, as it has no clearly marked trail and has no signage except for a few warning signs well off the roadway. The obvious draw here is the unusual nature of this beach, though not the safest or easiest to reach beach in Hana, it is a beautiful sight. The secret to the red sands is the fact that the entire beach, and surrounding mountain is a cinder cone remnant to a long ago coastal volcanic eruption. The unstable cinder cone is slowly crumbling along the oceanfront creating a beach and small cove with jagged lava rock jetty formation blocking the open ocean waves from reaching the beach.

The classic Red Sands adventure involves some members of your group "chickening out" which is completely understandable. It is a dangerous place, not an easy hike, and requires complete confidence in your balance and physical abilities. If a someone's intuition tells them to rest and wait for you along the trail, let them do so, as there are several Hana beaches that are much more easily accessible. See Hamoa Beach, Koki Beach, or Waianapanapa Beach for alternatives in the area.

Photographers love this beach more then swimmers, as there are no bad pictures you can take here. The striking red and black lava stones seem to amplify the hues of the blue ocean making for surreal pictures.

Once you reach the beach you will find that it is not soft, it is actually crunchy and more of a layer of small particles of lava rock. This continues under the surface of the water and lines the bottom of the cove which can amplify the sound of the small waves reaching the shore. Generally a trip to Red Sands is short lived, the raw natural elements of wind, waves, and sounds make for a bit of over stimulus. The thought also dawns on you that the very beach that you sit on was created by the land all around you collapsing, perhaps not the place to linger for a long period of time.

Directions:
Once in Hana town follow HI-route 330 aka Hana Highway toward town center. Look for a road called Haouli Rd. Turn on Haouli Road toward the ocean and at the stop sign intersection turn right onto Uakea Road and look for parking roadside. You may have to go to the end of Uakea and turn around as to park on the roadside opposite the housing.
The ballpark across the street is the only restroom and you may choose to make a visit before walking out to the remote location. On the ocean side of Uakea Road adjacent to the old Hana school buildings there is a rectangular grass field with yellow gate. The trail access begins about 20 yards into the field along the tree line on the right side.

Honomanu Bay

Hana, Maui

Honomanu Bay's stunning black sand beach is a landmark along the legendary Road to Hana that most visitors hope to catch a glimpse of from the road high above, but very few actually make it down to the bay as it is not easily accessible. However, it is definitely possible to set foot on the beach without too much hassle, and the rugged landscape and surreal views make it worth it.

AT A GLANCE:
Honomanu Bay is located on the ocean side of Hana Highway about halfway between Paia and Hana, near mile marker 14. The road passes high above the bay, and passerby can get beautiful views of the bay and black sand beach at two points along the road itself, one about a mile before mile marker 14 and one a bit after.

Just after mile marker 14 there is a sharp left turn onto a rough, unpaved dirt access road that runs down to the bay. The road is unmarked and unnamed, and technically "off limits" to tourists with rental cars as most rental companies prohibit drivers from taking rental cars off-road. When there has been rain or bad weather, the road can get very hazardous. However, when weather conditions are good and the road is dry, it is hardly a challenge to get down. If in doubt or if you are prohibited from this road by your rental car agreement, you can simply pull off to the side of the highway adjacent the access road and walk down to the bay. Depending on the time of day, a couple of other cars or white tour vans will likely be parked along the side of the road here.

The bay is most often frequented by local fishermen and, when conditions are good, surfers. It is not a good area for swimming due to sharp reefs and strong currents. The meaning of the Hawaiian word "manu" is shark, and true to its name, the bay is also known to be frequented by sharks.

To the far side of the beach is a freshwater stream that runs down from the mountains and into the ocean. Depending on the season, it often creates a large freshwater pool on the beach that is a great and safe swimming spot.

There are no lifeguards or facilities of any kind on the bay, and visitors most likely will not have cell phone reception.

Address:
Hana Highway, near mile marker 14.

Directions:
From Paia, head south on Highway 36 (Hana Highway). Honomanu Bay will be to the left, just after mile marker 14.