Everything You Need To Know About Wai’anapanapa State Park - the Black Sand Beach in Hawaii
Wai’anapanapa State Park in Maui, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful black sand beaches you’ll ever see. But there are so many things I wish I knew before going - so here’s everything you need to know before going to the beautiful black sand beach in Hawaii.
How To Get Here To Wai’anapanapa State Park
You’ll have to drive by Road to Hana Wai’anapanapa State Park and I highly highly recommend not driving a Tesla here and getting a four-wheel drive with an extra tire. We ended up getting a flat tire on the road here and ended up having to hitchhike on the way back.
Make sure you get a four-wheel drive car with an extra spare tire in the back! The Road to Hana journey is no joke.
Is Waianapanapa State Park worth visiting?
Waianapanapa State Park can be quite far from where you’re staying in Maui, Hawaii and will take some time to get to. Therefore, you need to plan a whole day to visit - so is it worth visiting? Absolutely. This black sand beach is so breathtaking, beautiful, and one of a kind. You can camp here, explore the cave tunnels, or just relax on the black sand.
2. Do You Need Reservations To Visit Wai’anapanapa State Park?
You cannot enter the park without making reservations in advance and they sell out quickly so make sure to do that before you go. I recommend selecting the earliest or latest reservation time to avoid the crowds.
You can make reservations here
Entry for Wai’anapanapa State Park is $5.00 per person and parking is $10.00
3. Can You Swim at Waianapanapa State Park?
The waves are crazy at Wai’anapanapa State Park, so make sure you stay on the shore! If you swim out, you might get stung by jellyfish-like me and a little boy who was there at the same time. They look like huge red marks that burn - almost like a rash but will disappear within 1-2 hours.
4. Don’t Bring Any Sand Home
Legend has it that bringing ANY sand home from State Park in Hawaii is said to carry a curse. Visitors who have removed any sand or rocks have experienced a series of unfortunate events, or accidents and have said to have returned the sand. Out of respect for Hawaiian culture, and tradition, and in case of bad luck, don’t remove any sand or rocks from the beach.
5. Why Is The Sand Black?
The black sand in Wai’anapanapa State Park was formed from volcanic activity. Basalt, a type of volcanic rock flowed rapidly, as it cooled it shattered into tiny little pieces eventually forming the black sand beach.
6. What To Bring to Wai’anapanapa State Park
Make sure to bring some sunscreen, it gets really hot and the reflection of the sand can make it feel even hotter. This one if my favorite one.
And here it is! Everything you need to know before visiting Wai’anapanapa State Park. If you’re visiting Hawaii, check out my ultimate guide for first-time visitors, tips, tricks and everything you need to do.
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