I have been to the creamy white sand beaches of the Caribbean, the finely compacted beaches of Georgia’s St. Simons Island and the course salt & pepper beaches of Northern California. But, never have I seen a black sand beach. Until now. Until Maui.
The Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach is at mile marker 32 on the Road to Hana drive. Just one more stop that justifies why the Road to Hana made the bucket list off the Best Things to Do in Maui.
Counting mile markers whilst driving the Road to Hana, number thirty-two was amongst my favorite, the Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach. After six hours on our travels and a dozen of impressive prior stops, we arrived at the Waianapanapa State Park and headed straight for the black sand beach.
We parked our car and followed the self-explanatory arrows towards the beach. The path was paved and steep, yet abundantly scenic. This was tricky for my clumsy self.
Watching my footing while trying to take in the beautiful backdrop was a challenge. But, absolutely worth the potential hazard.
After a short descent, we arrived to the beachfront which was layered with black rock all the way to the waters edge.
It started with large coal colored rock, followed by shiny black sand with descending sizes of pebbles.
As soon as my foot touched the beach, I made a run for the water. Didn’t even bother to remove my shoes. I just couldn’t bare leaving without scooping up a handful of the Waianapanapa black sand. I even thought about sticking a handful in my pocket as a souvenir. But, then if everyone did that there would be no sand left for you to see.
There were several other attractions at the 120 acre Waianapanapa State Park; a lava tube, blow hole and sea arche. Bonus. Yet, all supporting actors to the star of the show.
Have you ever been to a black sand beach? Have you driven the Road to Hana?
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
You Might Also Enjoy
Maui Luaus: 9 Best Hawaiian Luaus on the Island
Maui Bucket List: 40 Best Things To Do on the Top Hawaiian Island
A Guide to Nakalele Blowhole in Maui, Hawaii
Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook
Facing Pineapple Gluttony in Hali’imaile
Swim with Sea Turtles in Olowalu
35 of Maui’s Best Road to Hana Stops for a Fun Driving Tour
Paia Maui Bucket List: 12 Things to do in the Town
Was at the black sand beech today… there was a horrible hydrogen sulfide or sewer smell near the top of the beach…. our hands smelled for hours after touching the pebbles. What it was really worries me…. park rangers or authorities should do an analysis for sewage or chemicals…
That’s horrible. I did not have that experience when I was there, so I wonder what is going on. Hopefully they will clear up the smell soon so other visitors don’t have the same experience!
I desperately want to go to Hawaii. My friend made it all the way through medical school and took a trip there as a graduation present to herself. She walked on the beach the first day and her feet broke out in a rash of some kind. I don’t know if this was from black sand or if she even saw a black sand beach, but I sure would like to.
There is something special about Maui: the smell, the air, the laid back attitude. I hope you make it there one day! Even if you can not see the black sand, your feet will definitely know the difference :)
Black sand beaches and luaus are the main reasons I want to go to Hawaii. Can't wait to wiggle my toes in it myself.
Two great reasons!