Red Sand Beach, Hamoa, black sand at Waiʻanapanapa — water quality and what to know before visiting Hāna's stunning coastline
📍 Hāna, East Maui · Road to Hāna Highway
The Hāna Highway winds 65 miles along Maui's dramatic east coast through jungle, waterfalls, and some of the most lush scenery in Hawaii. The drive takes 2.5–3.5 hours each way with over 600 curves and 59 one-lane bridges. Most visitors make it a full-day trip from West Maui or Kahului.
Important water quality note: Hāna is on the wet windward side of Maui. Heavy rainfall is common year-round. After any significant rain — which can happen quickly — bacteria levels at Hāna beaches can rise substantially. Always check recent weather and wait 72 hours after heavy rain.
Kaihalulu — known universally as Red Sand Beach — is one of the most visually spectacular beaches in all of Hawaii. The cinnamon-red sand comes from the erosion of the surrounding red cinder cone cliffs. The beach sits inside a sheltered cove just a short distance from Hāna town, enclosed by black lava rock that creates a natural pool-like setting.
The only access to Red Sand Beach is via a narrow, crumbling cliffside trail that traverses unstable red cinder. The trail crosses private land owned by Hotel Hāna — its legal status for public crossing is questionable. The trail has caused falls resulting in serious injuries and deaths.
The beach itself — once you get there — is breathtaking. The enclosed cove has generally good water quality (bacteria risk 2/5) and calmer water than surrounding open ocean spots. However, currents can still be present, particularly through the cove opening. The outer reef area can have strong surge. Always assess conditions before entering.
Location: Walk from Hāna town near the Sea Ranch cottages | Bacteria risk: 2/5 (enclosed cove, generally good)
James Michener, who traveled the Pacific extensively, called Hamoa Beach the most beautiful beach in the Pacific. It is easy to see why: a sweeping crescent of white sand in a dramatic cove, backed by lush jungle, with crystal-clear blue water when conditions are calm.
The beach is managed by Hāna Maui Resort (formerly Hotel Hāna-Maui), which maintains facilities and keeps the area pristine. Despite the resort management, Hamoa Beach is open to the public — access is via stairs from the road.
Conditions here can be deceptively powerful. The beach faces open ocean and receives swell from multiple directions. Rip currents form along the cove edges. Winter can bring significant surf. Always watch the water carefully before entering, and never swim alone here.
Location: About 3 miles south of Hāna town on Hāna Highway | Bacteria risk: 2/5 (moderate — wet east side, check after rain)
Waiʻanapanapa State Park hosts one of Hawaii's most dramatic settings: a jet-black sand beach made of crushed lava, framed by sea arches, lava tubes, and dense hala forest. The contrast of the black sand, deep blue water, and vivid green vegetation is genuinely stunning — this is one of the most photographed spots on the Road to Hāna.
Dangerous currents, powerful wave surge against the rocky shoreline, and unpredictable wave sets make Waiʻanapanapa unsuitable for swimming. This beach is for experiencing and photographing — not for entering the water. The rocky lava shore also makes entry and exit hazardous.
The park has sea caves accessible on foot at low surge, lava arches, and a freshwater cave that according to Hawaiian legend turns red on certain nights. Advance reservations are now required to enter the park ($5/person, plus parking fee). Book ahead as it sells out.
Location: Hāna Highway, just north of Hāna town | Reservations: Required in advance at dlnr.hawaii.gov
East Maui is the wettest part of the island. The Hāna area receives 60–80+ inches of rain per year, and rainfall can arrive suddenly and heavily. This wet environment means:
Rain can arrive quickly. What was clear water in the morning can turn brown by afternoon after an upland shower. Check weather before swimming and be prepared to change plans.
After any significant rainfall in the Hāna area, wait at least 72 hours before swimming at any beach. Streams and waterfalls drain directly to the coast here.
Late summer and fall tend to be slightly drier on the east side, offering better windows for beach visits with good water quality. But rain can always arrive — always assess on the day.
The Hawaii Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. At Hāna, with its high rainfall and direct stream-to-coast drainage, this rule matters more than almost anywhere else on Maui. If it has rained recently, or if the water looks brown or discolored, stay out.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available data and are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions. Trail conditions at Red Sand Beach and other Hāna locations change without notice and this site cannot guarantee their safety.
Always verify current water quality with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming or trail decisions.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙