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 Maui’s 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.
The name Waiʻanapanapa means "glistening fresh water," a reference to the freshwater caves located within the park. Two lava tube caves contain crystal-clear pools of cold freshwater that percolate through the volcanic rock from rainfall higher up the mountainside. Hawaiian legend holds that a princess hid in these caves from her jealous husband. The caves are accessible via a short trail from the parking area. Swimming in the cave pools is no longer permitted due to safety and conservation concerns. The caves can be slippery and the water is cold.
A spectacular coastal trail extends in both directions from the main beach area. The path follows the rugged lava rock coastline through lush coastal vegetation, passing blowholes, sea arches, and small rocky coves. The trail surface is uneven lava rock in many sections — proper footwear is essential. The vegetation along the coast includes hala (pandanus) trees, naupaka bushes, and native coastal plants. This trail section was historically part of the ancient King’s Highway (Piilani Trail) that encircled Maui. Plan at least an hour for a round trip walk along the coast.
The ocean at Waiʻanapanapa is not a typical swimming beach. The shoreline is rocky lava with a small pocket of black sand. Entry into the water requires navigating over uneven, slippery rocks. The ocean here is open and unprotected, with strong currents and surge that can push swimmers into the rocky shoreline. East Maui’s coast receives consistent swell from the trade winds year-round. Rogue waves (unusually large waves that arrive without warning) are a real hazard along this coast. Most visitors admire the ocean from the shore rather than swim. If you do enter, wear reef shoes, stay close to shore, and never turn your back to the ocean.
Advance reservations through gostateparks.hawaii.gov are required and timed in 2.5-hour windows. Morning slots offer the best light for photography as the black sand contrasts dramatically with the turquoise water when the sun is at the right angle. The park is located just off the Hana Highway before you reach Hana town, making it a natural stop on a Road to Hana drive. There are basic restrooms and picnic tables. No food or drink vendors are available — bring everything you need. The parking area is small, reinforcing the importance of the reservation system. Cell service is spotty in this area.
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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
Hawaii’s Department of Health monitors approximately 57 beaches statewide through regular bacteria testing. However, with over 300 swimmable beaches across the islands, many popular spots have no regular testing program. Water quality varies significantly based on rainfall, stream proximity, coastal development, and ocean circulation patterns.
After heavy rain, streams and storm drains carry bacteria, sewage, pesticides, and sediment into coastal waters. The DOH recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain, even if the water appears clear. Brown or murky water is a visible sign of contamination, but bacteria can be present in clear water near stream mouths.
This site aggregates data from six sources — DOH advisories, USGS stream monitoring (25 stations), NOAA tide and temperature data, NDBC wave buoys, NWS weather alerts, and City & County of Honolulu water testing — to provide a more complete picture than any single source.
The 72-hour rule is the standard guideline from the Hawaii Department of Health: avoid swimming for at least 72 hours after heavy rain stops, especially near stream mouths, canal outlets, and areas with brown or discolored water. This applies to all beaches across all islands.
Bacteria from urban runoff, agricultural land, and aging cesspool systems enters the ocean through streams and storm drains. Hawaii has approximately 88,000 cesspools — more than any other state — many of which leak untreated sewage into groundwater that eventually reaches the coast. Beaches near known cesspool contamination areas carry higher risk, particularly after rainfall.
⚠️ 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.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
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