Waianapanapa & A Black Sand Beach

Waianapanapa State Park boasts a black sand beach that’s simply unparalleled on the island of Maui, or anywhere else for that matter. It’s nestled in a private cove… the pitch black granules glisten, dark and mysterious — there is something about it that draws people here. Created long, long ago by the rough surf pounding on a fresh, bubbling lava flow, courtesy of Haleakela. It took a millennia or more to be ground down into a beach. Today, it’s a perfect spot for tanning, dipping your feet in to cool off (black sand is considerably hotter than white sand is) and taking a few photos!

Really though, it’s not just a black sand beach, it’s also a historically significant area for the Hawaiians. Their heartbroken Queen once took refuge in a sea cave here and legends were born. One might say it’s a sacred place. Perhaps that’s because there are numerous impressive, naturally-formed structures that simply overwhelm the senses. A striking coastline, mysterious caves, unpredictable blowholes and picturesque sea arches are the backdrop. If you stay a little while, surely your mind will wander (which is exactly what it’s supposed to do on vacation) as our guides “talk story” about Hawaiian lore and legends. Let us transport you back to “kahiko” (ancient) times. Stories of love, duty, family, war, peace, joy and their daily struggles for survival in Hawaiian culture. It was a time of living simpler and more “aware” than we do today. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed!