The volcanic black sand beach on the Road to Hana
Waiʻanapanapa (why-ah-nah-pah-NAH-pah) means "glistening fresh water" in Hawaiian, referring to the freshwater caves near the beach. The beach is located in Waiʻanapanapa State Park along the famous Road to Hana on Mauiʻs eastern coast.
The beach gets its distinctive black color from volcanic basalt that has been broken down by wave action over thousands of years. Unlike Punaluʻu on the Big Island, this beach is relatively small. The contrast of black sand against the turquoise water and green vegetation is striking.
The east side of Maui receives heavy rainfall, especially during wet season. Freshwater seeps through the lava rock and enters the ocean along this coastline. After rain, water can be murky. The ocean here has strong currents and rocky entry. Swimming is possible on calm days but exercise caution.
As of 2021, Waiʻanapanapa State Park requires advance reservations through the Hawaii State Parks system. Entry is timed and limited. Book well in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Walk-ins are not typically accommodated.
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Safe to Swim Hawaii provides water quality information based on publicly available DOH data and seasonal patterns. This is not medical or safety advice. Always check current conditions, obey posted signs, and use your own judgment before entering the ocean. Privacy Policy
⚠️ 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 testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
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