State Park · Hawaii
Maui's most striking coastal scene: a black lava sand beach, sea arches, freshwater lava-tube caves, and a section of the ancient King's Highway trail, all within 122 acres three miles from Hana.
Field briefing
Waiʻānapanapa State Park rewards early starts and water math.
Before you go
Non-residents must book a timed entry slot through the Hawaii state parks portal at midnight exactly 30 days before their visit date. Slots go fast. The beach is the big payoff but worth pairing with the cave swim and at least a mile of the coastal King's Highway trail for the blowhole and sea arch. Camping and cabin guests get early and late access after day visitors leave, making an overnight stay here one of the best sleep spots on the Road to Hana.
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
75-82F
Warm and humid with occasional showers, 75 to 82 F. The lush vegetation is at its greenest and crowds begin building through spring break.
Pack Reservation secured 30 days in advance, water shoes for the rocky beach entry, and a rain jacket for afternoon showers.
Warmest and driest window for the windward coast, with trade winds keeping temperatures manageable. The busiest season.
Pack Reserve at midnight exactly 30 days out, reef-safe sunscreen, and footwear for lava rock scrambling.
Still warm with more frequent tropical showers as the trade winds shift. Crowds ease slightly from summer peak.
Pack Rain shell, quick-dry clothing, and water shoes for the coastal trail over wet lava.
Rainy season on the windward coast brings frequent showers and occasionally heavy surf. The black sand beach and caves remain dramatic in any weather.
Pack Waterproof jacket, grippy shoes for slick lava, and a flexible plan if the coastal trail is wet and exposed.
Honokalani Black Sand Beach (Paʻiloa Beach)
The park's centerpiece: a beach of jet-black basalt sand backed by sea cliffs, with vivid contrast between the dark sand, turquoise water, and dense hala forest. Swimming is possible but watch for shore break and seasonal rip currents.
Lava tube caves
Two freshwater lava tube caves sit a five-minute walk from the parking area, filled with clear water and accessible for a swim in the dark interior. Hawaiian legend holds that the caves are the resting place of Princess Popo'alaea.
Coastal trail (Ke Ala Loa O Maui) and blowhole
A 3-mile round-trip lava coastal path follows part of the ancient Piilani King's Highway built in the 15th century, passing a sea arch, blowhole, and dramatic cliffside views north toward Hana Bay.
Tent camping and cabins inside the park
The park holds 12 state cabins and tent camping areas, making it the only place to sleep directly at the Road to Hana destination. Bookings open 30 days out through explore.ehawaii.gov.
Put the access rule first: shuttle, parking, timed-entry, or reservation windows should decide the order of the day. For one day in Waiʻānapanapa State Park, make Honokalani Black Sand Beach (Paʻiloa Beach) the non-negotiable, add Lava tube caves only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Coastal trail (Ke Ala Loa O Maui) and blowhole as the flexible finish.
Turn Waiʻānapanapa's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around exposure
Start with Waiʻānapanapa State Park's sun, water, and route demands.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Tune water, pack weight, route time, and overnight warmth before the day gets locked in.
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Waiʻānapanapa State Park packing list
0 of 20 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
Checklist mode
20 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
The buying guides that match what Waiʻānapanapa asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Tent camping and 12 cabins are available inside the park, reserved through explore.ehawaii.gov. The town of Hana, three miles east, has the Travassa Hana resort and limited rental options. Camping in the park is the highest-value overnight on this side of Maui.
Camping reservations
Waiʻānapanapa offers one of the most sought-after camping spots in Hawaii: tent sites and 12 furnished cabins directly on the lava coast. Reservations open 30 days in advance at midnight Hawaii Standard Time, with a two-night minimum stay.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Reservations open 30 days in advance at midnight HST through explore.ehawaii.gov. Two-night minimum applies.
Where to book or verify
Official booking portal for day-use reservations, camping, and cabins at Waiʻānapanapa. Opens 30 days in advance at midnight HST.
Hawaii DLNR park overview with rules, fees, and access details.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Build the arrival around the reservation.
Entry windows, permit pickups, and drive time should be checked before the itinerary gets crowded.
Getting there
Fly in
Waiʻānapanapa State Park is 3 miles north of Hana on the Hana Highway (Route 360), about 52 miles and 2.5 to 3 hours from Kahului Airport due to the famously winding road.
Car strategy
The park entrance is off Waiʻānapanapa Road.
Local movement
Day-use visitors who do not have a reservation will be turned away at the gate.
Pair this with lodging: choose the base that keeps the reservation or permit pickup from becoming the hardest part of the day.
Yes, if you are not a Hawaii resident. Non-residents must book a timed entry slot through explore.ehawaii.gov and prepay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle. Hawaii residents with a valid Hawaii ID or driver's license can enter free without a reservation.
Reservations open 30 days in advance at midnight Hawaii Standard Time. Slots release daily and often sell out within minutes of midnight, so set an alarm and be ready to book.
Swimming is possible at Honokalani Beach, but the shore break can be powerful and there are no lifeguards. Water shoes are recommended for entry over the black lava sand, and you should check current conditions at the park.
Budget at least two to three hours for the beach, lava tube caves, and a portion of the coastal King's Highway trail. Cabin and camping guests can linger at sunrise and sunset after day visitors have left, which is the best reason to book an overnight.