Wai’anapanapa and its black sand beach

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We recently drove the Road to Hana again. My son and I had two bucket-list items, Wai’anapanapa State Park and Pipiwai Trail. We did both ~ and I’m so glad we did! 

First ~ how do you say that? Wai (like the question ‘why’) and ‘a-napa-napa (the A is like uh, so uh-nuh-puh-nuh-puh). In the Hawaiian language, wai means water, and ‘anapanapa means glistening, so glistening waters.

This was my first time. I’ve heard a lot about Wai’anapanapa State Park and its black sand beach ~ it is an incredibly popular stop along the Road to Hana. A number of years ago the State of Hawaii implemented a reservation system to help with crowd control and preservation. As visitors, if you intend to check it out, be sure to make your reservations, think through what time you would like to be there, and then plan your other stops around it.

Thoughts

I have to say, I thought it would be a bigger beach. It is rather small as beaches go. There is good parking, there are some campsites and cabins you can book, bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a bottle-filling station. There are several walking trails, a blowhole, an ancient heiau, and a graveyard. The beach itself, Pa’iloa beach, is rather small, which is why the State chooses to restrict number of people. Limiting the crowds does make it a better experience for all.

Pa’iloa beach is a pebble beach. I recommend bringing water shoes or sneakers at least to get where you want to sit, as those pebbles work their way between your feet and slippahs, making walking difficult. My favorite part has got to be the lava tube on the right side of the beach. I had to duck to enter, but once in, it is surprisingly large and cavernous with several openings, allowing light in.

Wai’anapanapa State Park and the reservation system

If this is something on your bucket list, please be sure to check out the State park website for more information and to book your spot. The admission fee is $5/person plus a $10 vehicle parking fee. They currently have four time slots to choose from. The park is about 10 minutes before you arrive in the town of Hana, so plan accordingly. Do note that there is very limited cell phone reception along the Road to Hana, and as such, driving apps such as Google Maps won’t give you an accurate estimation of how long it will take to get places.

The Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is a scenic road with over 600 curves and 50+ one-lane bridges. Be prepared to pull over and allow local traffic to pass as they are getting to work, school, appointments, shopping etc. Do not stand in the middle of the road or bridge to take that photo. This is first and foremost a commuter road, which happens to have some gorgeous scenery along the way.

Do not do the full loop. The backside of the Road to Hana is often closed due to its deteriorated condition and is best left to those who live there. Go as far as Oheo Gulch (Kipahulu district) and then turn around to come back the same way you came.

Please be respectful and courteous to residents and enjoy this outing! It is truly special!