Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach

Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach is a Hana Coast beach inside Wai'anapanapa State Park, with black sand, lava cliffs, sea caves, coastal trails, reservations and no lifeguards.

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Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach, Maui

Wai'anapanapa State Park lives up to its Hawaiian name meaning "glistening water." Right off Hana Highway, Wai'anapanapa Beach, also known as Pa'iloa Beach, is situated in the midst of the beautiful 120-acre Wai'anapanapa State Park. This beautiful black-sand beach is a Maui must-see and the perfect spot for an unparalleled photo opportunity.

Nestled between black lava cliffs and framed by tropical flora, Wai'anapanapa Beach provides dramatic contrasts and colorful surroundings. The black-sand beach was created by a lava flow several hundred years ago.

Swimming is only possible here when the ocean is calm. When the surf is up, rip currents can form in the bay. Another thing to do while here is explore two spring-fed sea caves. A short loop trail in the park leads to them.

Wai'anapanapa State Park is one of the places on the island where camping is allowed. However, a permit is required. More info about camping.

Key Features

Black-sand beach inside Wai'anapanapa State Park near Hana
Also called Pa'iloa Beach
State park setting with lava cliffs, sea caves, sea stacks and coastal trail views
Entry and parking reservations are required for many nonresident visitors
Park hours are generally 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
No lifeguards are posted at the beach
Swimming depends on calm ocean conditions and clear water
Paths and stairs lead from the park area down to the beach
Camping requires a state park permit
Hana Bay, Hamoa Beach and Koki Beach are nearby Hana-area beaches

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wai'anapanapa mean?

Wai'anapanapa is commonly translated as glistening water. The name points to freshwater features in the area, including pools and caves, not only the black-sand beach.

Why is the sand black at Wai'anapanapa?

The dark color comes from basalt lava rock broken down by waves and weathering. Many pieces are coarse grains or small pebbles rather than soft powdery sand.

Is Pa'iloa Beach the same beach?

Yes. Pa'iloa Beach is the black-sand cove inside Wai'anapanapa State Park. Many visitors know it simply as the black sand beach near Hana.

What is the Princess Popo'alaea story?

A traditional story connects the park's freshwater caves with Princess Popo'alaea, who hid there from her husband. The story is part of the cultural memory surrounding the caves and pools.

What makes the coastal scenery unusual here?

The park has black lava cliffs, sea stacks, a natural arch, blowholes, hala trees and freshwater pools close together, creating a compact view of Maui's volcanic shore.