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 fo…