What to see and do at Waianapanapa Black Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Waianapanapa Black Beach is located on Maui, Hawaii 

The Waianapanapa Black Beach is located in the Waianapanapa State Park near Hana, on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Waianapanapa means "glistening fresh water" in Hawaiian referring to the freshwater streams located nearby.  In addition to the black beach, there are caves, lava tubes, blow holes, tidal pools, and a natural stone arch.

The tidal pools at the park turn red several times of a year due to the arrival of small shrimp. But local legend says it is the blood of Popoaleae, a mythical princess who was murdered in one of the nearby lava tubes.

We visited the Waianapanapa Black Beach and state park on 12/17/2023.  It is located on the Hana Highway at mile marker 32 which is 53 miles east of Kahului on Maui. While here, we had a boxed lunch in the picnic area and then explored the black beach, the lava tube and the trails in the park. There are a large number of mongoose living in the park near the trail from the parking area to the beach.

Viator offers numerous tours on the island of Maui.  Click here for details.

Waianapanapa Black Beach

Waianapanapa Bay

Waianapanapa natural arch

Entrance to the lava tube

Inside the lava tube

View to the blowholes

Cave with fresh water flowing to the coast through one of the lava tubes

Mongoose in the park

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