Maui is one of America’s most popular vacation spots and as you can imagine, the tourist attractions get crowded all year round. Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and the perfect place to do that is at Waianapanapa State Park. The area is made up of various terrains and the park offers a secluded shoreline with a lot of wildlife, a black sand beach, a Hala forest, and even an ancient burial ground.
The Black Sand Beach
Hidden away in a quiet cove, this beach is covered with sand that was produced by the water constantly washing over the lava flow at least a thousand years ago. Be careful walking on the black sand, as it is hotter than normal sand. The park’s beach is also home to a freshwater cave where, according to legend, a Hawaiian princess once hid from her abusive husband. He is said to have found her and killed her when he saw her reflection in the water.
The Hala Forest at Waianapanapa State Park
Halas look like pineapple trees and grow a fruit that looks similar to pineapple. Wai anapanapa State Park offers an entire forest filled with groves of these trees, which provide much needed shade as well as a sanctuary for birds. There are also bread fruit and guava trees at the park.
Lava Tube
You can see the inside of a lava tube at Waianapanapa State Park. You can walk right inside of the tube where it sits on the black sand beach and take a picture of the ocean to which it leads.
Kipapa O Kihapiilani Trail
This scenic hiking trail offers some breathtaking views of Maui and takes you right past an ancient burial site. It is a 2.7 miles round trip and it is of intermediate difficulty. The trail at Wai anapanapa State Park will take you to Pukaulua Point, where you will see a beautiful view of the park’s coves.
Where to Stay
A day of hiking and sitting on the beach can leave you with a lot of black sand in your shoes. You will need a good place to wash it off. Hotels in Maui are expensive, and they don’t offer a lot of space. Why not rent a fabulous vacation home from Quam Properties? We can find you a place with all the comforts of home and the amenities of a five-star hotel. We can accommodate anywhere from one to six people. Contact us today to book your rental.