Waiʻanapanapa State Park

The Basics

The showpiece of Waiʻanapanapa State Park is Paʻiloa Beach, but the park’s attractions don’t stop there. In addition to basking on the black-sand shores, you can explore lava tube caves, hike a coastal trail that leads from the park to Hana, and pay your respects at a historic burial site.xa0

Explore Waiʻanapanapa State Park on a Road to Hana driving tour, which allow you to focus on the scenery rather than the road. Most tours cover the park’s black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and overlooks, plus the town of Hana.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Waiʻanapanapa State Park is free to enter and also offers free parking.
• The park has numerous campsites and cabins. Campgrounds have bathrooms, drinking water, and showers.
• Cabin reservations must be made three days prior to check-in and wheelchair-accessible cabins are available.
• Bring water shoes—the black-sand beach is not as soft as some of Maui’s other beaches.

How to Get There

The state park is located on the Road to Hana at mile marker 32—just before the town of Hana. You can make the 5-hour drive from Kahului yourself or hop on a tour and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the views.

When to Get There

Waiʻanapanapa State Park is a great place to cool off in the midday heat or watch the sunset over the ocean. Keep in mind that the park is on the windward side of the island, so you should be prepared for rainstorms year-round.

Driving the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is a famous coastal road that takes you through more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) of verdant jungle, sharp curves, and narrow bridges. In addition to countless ocean vistas, the route encompasses Waikani Falls and Wailua Falls. Along the highway, you can find roadside stands selling snacks and fruit, so bring cash in small denominations.

Ways to explore

The showpiece of Waiʻanapanapa State Park is Paʻiloa Beach, but the attractions don’t stop there. In addition to basking by the ultra-blue water, you can hike to sea arches and ancient temples, then learn about the legends behind the park’s many caves. Note that unless you’re a Hawaii resident, you’ll need to make a reservation to visit the park.

Explore Waiʻanapanapa State Park on Road to Hana driving tours, which let you focus on the scenery rather than the road. Most tours cover the park’s famous beach and other Hana Highway highlights, such as Hoʻokipa Beach Park and Wailua Falls.

Accessibility

Due to the uneven terrain and physical activities required, most Waiʻanapanapa State Park tours are not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Some tours have minimum age requirements, so check the fine print before booking for a family.

What to pack

Sunscreen, bug spray, beach towel, cash for vendors and tour guide tips

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes for exploring the park on foot, plus a swimsuit and water shoes if you plan to swim at Paʻiloa Beach.

Not allowed

Pets, smoking, alcohol, disturbing wildlife and natural features

Amenities

Restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables, showers

Address

Waiʻanapanapa State Park is located on the northeastern coast of Maui, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) outside the town of Hana. A highlight along the picturesque Hana Highway, it’s most often reached by car.

Driving

Coming from Kahuili, take the Hana Highway east to the state park, entering at 135 Waiʻanapanapa Road. Note that you’ll need to reserve a parking permit, as well as entry to the park, in advance.

Public transportation

There’s limited public transportation along the Road to Hana, so if you’d prefer not to drive yourself to Waiʻanapanapa State Park, the best option is to join a guided tour with transportation included.

Best times to visit

The park gets busiest around the middle of the day, so reserve an early morning or late afternoon entry time for a more peaceful experience. Whenever you visit, arrive promptly to make the most of your 3-hour reservation.

Best days to visit

As one of the top sights on the Road to Hana, Waiʻanapanapa State Park is always busy—go whenever your schedule allows.

Best months to visit

Aim to visit the park in April, May, September, or October, when you’ll skip the summer and winter crowds while also experiencing Maui’s outdoor activities in the dry season.