The Best Black Sand Beach In Maui, Hawaii: Honokalani Beach in Wai’anapanapa State Park
Considering a visit to Maui’s famous black sand beach?
When you read about the “black sand beach Maui,” you are usually reading about Pa’iloa Beach in Wai’ānapanapa State Park. Maui has a few other black sand beaches, but this Maui black sand beach is the most renowned.
The popular beach is also known as Honokalani Beach.
Whatever name you choose to call it, Maui’s black sand beach is spectacular!
Formed by the ongoing action of pounding waves on lava rock deposited by an eruption of Haleakala, the black sand beach in Maui boasts a pristine setting.
With a glistening black pocket-sized beach backed by black lava rock, lush tropical vegetation including swaying palms, and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean in front, Pa’iloa Beach is definitely worth a top spot on any Maui itinerary.
While this black sand beach on Maui is typically not considered a swimming beach, it’s perfect for soaking in the stunning scenery.
Most travelers to Maui visit the black sand beach in Maui as part of a Road to Hana drive in the northeast part of the island.
But if you have the time, you can overnight in the town of Hana and spend longer at this idyllic spot at less crowded times of the day!
You can also rent a cabin or camp overnight in a tent at Wai’anapanapa State Park if you wish to spend more time at Maui’s black sand beach and its surrounds.
As with other very popular places in Hawaii, a visit to Maui’s black sand beach requires careful planning.
On this complete Black Sand Beach Maui website, you will find all the information you need to visit, from things to do at the beach (and Waianapanapa State Park) to visitor information, the best guided tours, and tips for your visit.
Looking for the best Road to Hana tour that includes the black sand beach in Waianapanapa State Park?
Check price and availability on this popular tour that allows you 45 minutes in the park.
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Maui, check out the some of the top things to do in Maui, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Complete 2025 Guide to Black Sand Beach, Maui
Pailoa Beach in Waianapanapa State Park is the BEST black sand beach in Maui and one of the top attractions on the island, and our website will help you plan the perfect visit to this idyllic spot.
Discover the location of Maui’s black sand beach along the famous Road to Hana, and see it visually on a map. Figure out how to get to Maui’s black sand beach from different parts of the island and get detailed driving directions to the beach.
Maui’s black sand beach is so popular that you now require reservations for Waianapanapa State Park, inside which the beach is located. Do not show up without a reservation: you will be turned back.
There is an admission fee if you are not a resident of Hawaii, and you can get your Wainanapanapa tickets in advance when you make your reservations.
Want to stay overnight? You need permits for camping or lodging in cabins in Waianapanapa State Park.
Maui’s black sand beach is located along the very popular Road to Hana, so once you’ve had your fill of the beach, there’s plenty to do nearby, from waterfalls like Wailua Falls to hikes like the Pipiwai Trail.
Planning your Maui itinerary? Also consider:
— a hassle-free way to experience sunrise at Haleakala 🌄
— a guided snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater ⛴️ 🌊 🤿
— or a Kaanapali Beach sunset sailing cruise 🌊 🌅 ⛴️
Best Things to Do at Black Sand Beach Maui (and Waianapanapa State Park)
Photograph Maui’s Black Sand Beach from the Lookout Area
Maui’s black sand beach in Waianapanapa State Park is considered one of the prettiest beaches in Hawaii.
The lookout area right above the beach is the perfect spot from which to take photos of the beautiful beach from above.
It’s a quick but worthwhile stop before you take the stairs down to the beach!
Admire the Glistening Black Sand
The beautiful black sand on Maui’s Black Sand Beach was created over thousands of years, from the relentless pounding of lava deposits by the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
The glistening black sand is the most striking feature of this famous beach, and you’ll see lava rock, pebbles, and areas of finer sand.
Let the sand run through your fingers and admire its gorgeous black color. And if you find an area of fine wet black sand, you can squish your toes in it.
Enjoy the Stunning Setting of Black Sand Beach Maui
While swimming isn’t always safe at Maui’s black sand beach, it’s a great spot to spread a towel and relax.
With a backdrop of lush vegetation and black lava cliffs, the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park is a picture postcard.
The popular beach tends to be crowded during the day, so reserve the morning slot or the evening slot for a more tranquil experience. Or stay overnight so you can be here at opening time or near close.
Squeeze inside the Sea Cave at the Black Sand Beach
Did you know there’s a sea cave you can enter at the Pailoa Black Sand Beach in Maui?
As you face the ocean, look at the rocky cliff to the right and you’ll see the small opening.
Squeeze through and you will find yourself in a sea cave that looks out onto the ocean!
Hike the Trail on Either Side of the Black Sand Beach
Plan to visit Black Sand Beach Maui independently and enjoy hiking?
You can hike the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail either to the south of the beach towards Hana, or to the north towards Pukaulua Point, near the airport.
The moderately challenging routes offer beautiful views of the coast. Wear hiking shoes with good grip and bring your binoculars if you enjoy birding!
If you will visit on a guided tour, you won’t have time to hike the full trail, but you can walk a short distance south towards Hana. The walk is very scenic, with water views.
See the Blowhole in Action!
Just a short walk to the south of Pailoa Beach is the famous blowhole in Waianapanapa State Park.
You’ll have to be lucky to catch it at its spectacular best — the tide and surf have to be just right — but if you don’t see it in action, the walk is still scenic.
Admire the Sea Arches and Scenic Coastline
Even if you do not have the time or the inclination to do the full hikes described above, walk along the coastline at least for a bit to admire its beauty.
You’ll see sea arches, splendid rock formations, and small pebbly black sand coves.
If you walk further past the blowhole, you will come to a grove of hala trees, and further down, a heiau, a Hawaiian sacred site.
Look for Sea Birds
Hawaiian noddies nest on the small islets offshore at Waianapanapa State Park. If you like birdwatching, be sure to bring a zoom lens or a pair of binoculars!
Also look for other seabirds, such as the great frigatebird, red-footed boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and yellow-billed tropicbirds.
Camp or Stay at a Cabin at Waianapanapa State Park
Love the idea of enjoying the scenic black sand beach and lava rock coastline at less crowded times of the day?
Book a campsite or a cabin at Waianapanapa State Park and spend a couple of nights here!
Best Road to Hana Tours with Black Sand Beach:
Black Sand Beach or the Pipiwai Trail?
If you allow a full day for the Road to Hana, you have a rental car, and you start early in the day, there is no reason why you can’t do both the Pipiwai Trail and the Black Sand Beach!
The Black Sand Beach and the Pipiwai hike are two of the top attractions on this scenic drive and you would want to put both on your itinerary for the day.
Early in the morning, drive straight to the Kipahulu entrance of Haleakala National Park and complete the Pipiwai Trail. Parking will be easier to obtain early and the trail will be less crowded.
Reserve the 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. slot at Wai’anapanapa State Park ahead of your visit and arrive on time. Admire the black sand beach and walk the Wai’anapanapa coastal trail to the blowhole and beyond!
Stop at other places on the Hana Highway on your way back to Kahului, as you have time. Most of the stops won’t take a lot of time.