Waiʻānapanapa State Park — Attraction in Maui

I understand the reservation system but this just seems a little rough when you cannot make same day reservations for a drive where you are meant to “enjoy the journey and not the destination.” The time slots are set in a way which makes it tough for most people leaving between 8-9am (which is prime for all the touring apps) to determine when to make their reservation. After reading through a bunch of guides, we booked the day before for 10am-12:30pm expecting to get there between 11:45 and 12:15. ALL SLOTS WERE STILL AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME!

Unfortunately, the GPS is a bit unreliable as I believe it accounts for people driving 35mph which seems almost impossible on the Road to Hana. We got a 30 minute late start getting gas and sandwiches for the road and as we got closer we watched the time start slowly creeping up. Finally, when we arrived, we were exactly 15 minutes past our time and super apologetic. The thing that got me the most was the incredibly rude lady scanning QR codes. She looked at me stone cold and told me to turn around with no explanation. When I asked her if I can pay or use my previous code she just said “this is the 12:30 time slot, turn around over there.” I get it if this is your job but at least have some empathy and explain it like a human being with a soul. Anything we tried to say to her, she just shook her head at us and pointed out of the park. I even begged if I could just stay behind and let my wife go up and take a picture since it was on her must do list for our honeymoon, to which she responded “we don’t take walk ins.” As if I didn’t realize that as I spent an incredibly stressed 90 minutes trying to make it to my time slot…. The icing on the cake: when I asked if there was anything I could do, she said “you can take it up with the state of Hawaii” 😒

Ugliest person in Hawaii I have encountered inside and out, which is shocking because every other person we have encountered working at the parks has been so wonderful. Judging by other reviews I’m seeing, it seems that others have had the same issue. Maybe it’s time to restaff this area.

I would have felt much better about being turned away if it was done with kindness, but due to this awful person I just feel robbed of my entrance fee and had my experience tainted. I cannot believe my lost entrance fee is going to paying that awful person. I have no intent or desire to ever see this beach. Shame...

Love this place. Endless amounts of opportunities to explore. Great place to just let loose and wonder around. Probably want to keep tabs on the young kids and those who can't swim. It is a strong surf (check out my video for that), and you will definitely want to be aware of your surroundings. We didn't get in the water as we just explored caves, trails, and little critters (see my picture of a spider😎). I highly encourage you get tickets in advance. I also mean you must have tickets in order to enter. What I also mean by this is that you need tickets to get in unless you are a resident. You pay per vehicle AND per person. We payed 22 dollars and change. 10 for the car and five per person. The park entrance monitor was very grouchy and seemed hostile 😁. But I said good morning, asked her how she was doing and got a great smile out of her! But she will kick you out if you are not on time and or don't have tickets. I also recommend downloading your QR code BEFORE you leave to the park. Internet is horrible and you will not get in without the QR code from the receipt emailed to you. Parking is horrendous and will cause headaches if you don't get there on time or during your shift. We got lucky and were able to grab two morning tickets, 7-10am. The tickets are sold in three time slots, morning, afternoon and evening. Also be aware that if you are driving to that beach you will be driving the "road to Hana". Be prepared for a long drive (took us 2.5 hours to get there and depends on where you are staying) and plan accordingly. You can just go for an hour or so or parts of your scheduled time frame but you will want at least an hour to explore. The sand was awesome and I really liked the different types of sand. You had more rock towards the back and it got more sand like as you got closer to the water. My two videos will show you what I mean. Don't take the rocks or sand, there is a sign posted to keep people from taking it. When we go back we will definitely go again, and also try and snag a smile. Definitely worth the trip and expensive, just preparing and getting there takes away a star...

Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach in Maui is a breathtaking marvel that feels like stepping into a world crafted by the gods themselves. As soon as you set foot on the ebony sands, you realize this is no ordinary beach.

The contrast of the jet-black sand against the vibrant blue of the ocean is nothing short of mesmerizing. It's as if Mother Nature herself decided to play with her palette, creating a masterpiece that is both striking and surreal. The sand, composed of volcanic minerals, is not only visually stunning but also offers a unique texture underfoot – a refreshing departure from the typical golden beaches.

The surrounding scenery only adds to the enchantment. Lush green foliage frames the beach, creating a vibrant juxtaposition with the dark sand and azure waters. The waves crashing against the rocks produce a symphony of nature that is both calming and invigorating. It's the kind of place where you can lose yourself in the sheer beauty of it all.

Swimming at Wainapanapa is an exhilarating experience. The water is clear and cool, providing a perfect escape from the Hawaiian sun. However, it's worth noting that the waves can be quite powerful, so caution is advised for those not accustomed to strong surf.

Exploring the area around the beach reveals even more wonders. The sea caves and lava tubes are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Each twist and turn offers a new and exciting glimpse into the volcanic history of the island. The walking trails provide stunning vistas and are well worth the effort for those looking to soak in the panoramic views of this natural wonder.

Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach is not just a visual delight but a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression. It's a testament to the raw and unfiltered beauty of nature, a place where the elements come together in perfect harmony. Whether you're there to swim, explore, or simply relax and take in the sights, this beach is a must-visit destination in Maui. It’s a place that captures the spirit of the island and the awe-inspiring power of the...