Wai'anapanapa State Park
Wai'anapanapa State Park
4.5
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Best known for its volcanic black pebble coast and panoramic coastal views, this park is one of the most popular sites along the famous Hana Highway.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,026 reviews
Excellent
1,566
Very good
374
Average
53
Poor
12
Terrible
21
Bkbak
Tempe, AZ1,358 contributions
Jun 2021
Reservations are required and are pricey based on parking and the number of people going in. Maui is overrun with tourists right now and this place is overcrowded, despite the reservations. It is a beautiful bay with a black sand (gravel/rock) beach. Swimming is not recommended as the surf is ROUGH! I wish I would have had more time to walk around the whole park. Not sure I'd do it again.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
venicegirl
Los Angeles, CA740 contributions
Jan 2022
My husband, 3 kids (then 7, 9, 11) and I stayed the night in Hana and went to Wai’ānapanapa State Park first thing in the morning during the 7-10 a.m. slot. I believe we started around 7:30 and finished before 8:30, including plenty of time for photos, although you could definitely use the whole time slot if you don't have other plans. We hiked along the lava path (I think we hiked the north trail?) and barely saw anyone. Fun trail, beautiful scenery, very peaceful. Kids had a blast exploring in nature and we loved the solitude after our previous afternoon's hike on Pipiwai trail.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
stjohnbeachlover
St. Louis, Missouri 1,213 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
This was our first stop on our day long trip on the Road to Hana. We were staying in Kihei and it took about 2 hours to get to the park. We had 10:00 reservations and arrived on the dot. We did a short hike to the Black Sand Beach and walked into the small "cave". We then hiked about 1/2 mile up the trail directly behind Black Sand Beach where we had some great views. We walked down to Black Sand Beach and got wet to cool off. We walked back towards the entrance and had a picnic lunch at one of their tables. We were out of the park at exactly 12:30 (when our reservations ended). I believe it was $10 to park plus $5 per person to enter the park and I had to make the reservations at least a couple weeks ahead if time.
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CaliMama12
San Ramon, CA44 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Unfortunately, after a 2+ hour drive to Hana, plus a 30-min stop in Hana, we were still 45 min early for our 12:30-3pm reservation time at the State Park. We had traveled up to Haleakala for sunrise (highly recommend) and left our hotel at 3:15am. We did not want to sit around in Hana for an additional 45 min. Our crew was restless and wanted to return to the hotel.
The QR code scanning folks at the entrance to Wai’anapanapa State Park would not let us in early. There were three of them sitting under a tent looking at each other as of they had never heard of someone arriving early. The parking lots appeared empty. It was raining and we did not see one car come or go when we were on the offshoot road to the park. Ultimately, between the three of the QR code scanner people, they arrived at the decision that we needed to wait until 10 min prior to our reservation to enter. Even though we were very disappointed and a little confused with their decision (especially after an incredibly long car ride with two kids), we opted to leave and head back to the hotel. We will not attempt to go back. The reservation folks would not refund our $35 entrance fee either. Beware…don’t arrive too early or show up late for your reservation time slot.
The QR code scanning folks at the entrance to Wai’anapanapa State Park would not let us in early. There were three of them sitting under a tent looking at each other as of they had never heard of someone arriving early. The parking lots appeared empty. It was raining and we did not see one car come or go when we were on the offshoot road to the park. Ultimately, between the three of the QR code scanner people, they arrived at the decision that we needed to wait until 10 min prior to our reservation to enter. Even though we were very disappointed and a little confused with their decision (especially after an incredibly long car ride with two kids), we opted to leave and head back to the hotel. We will not attempt to go back. The reservation folks would not refund our $35 entrance fee either. Beware…don’t arrive too early or show up late for your reservation time slot.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SGS1260
Columbus, OH212 contributions
Apr 2021
Not worth the money for visitors doing the Road to Hana. The new ticketing system is the stupidest thing I've ever encountered It requires advanced reservations that must be made at least one day in advance and no more than 14 days. You pay $10 for your vehicle and an additional $5 per person in the vehicle. You don't get admission for the entire day, but a mere 2.5-3 hours during a pre-selected time slot. If you happen to get bad weather on the selected day of your visit, too bad! Consider it a donation. Also, the Road to Hana drive time is so unpredictable that it is difficult to select the proper slot. If you get there earlier or later than the times on your pass, you are not admitted. We saw people turned away because they were not aware of the new reservation system. During our trip, we planned to stay on the beach for an hour, but arrived later than planned for our time slot and were told we had to be out at the end of our time. I offered to pay for the next time slot and was rejected. It was a complete waste of time and money while we hurried to get to the black sand beach that wasn't exactly close to the parking lot. Yes, the black sand is cool to see, but otherwise, there just isn't enough there for your money and stress. It was a complete disappointment in every aspect.
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas C
1 contribution
Jun 2021
This is a review mainly on service and not of the park itself. I'm sure in the future things will change.
We booked for 10 entries (2 families of five), but were refused at the gate as one voucher only counts towards one vehicle. You can purchase up to 14 entries on a voucher, but no available choice to purchase multiple parking vouchers. No warnings that you are purchasing for only one vehicle parking. Very poor website design and choice of verbiage that does not convey their actual terms.
Front gate attendant was extremely abrupt and rude. We were utterly confused upon entry, but were met with no sympathy/understanding or constructive handling of the situation. She said we had to figure out how to load 10 people into a Sedan for entry, as it was the ONLY way they would honor the reservation. No suggestion on where we can park the other car when we asked and no work around such as making two trips to drop our two families. We really had no choice but to give up on the park and take the loss.
I understand she probably gets a lot of confused tourists coming through, but her attitude was absolutely horrendous. Looking at the bigger picture, whoever designed and implemented the reservation service is the one that should be taking the blame, yet it's the workers and tourist who are taking the blunt of it, which negatively compounds on the whole tourism in Hawaii issues.
We booked for 10 entries (2 families of five), but were refused at the gate as one voucher only counts towards one vehicle. You can purchase up to 14 entries on a voucher, but no available choice to purchase multiple parking vouchers. No warnings that you are purchasing for only one vehicle parking. Very poor website design and choice of verbiage that does not convey their actual terms.
Front gate attendant was extremely abrupt and rude. We were utterly confused upon entry, but were met with no sympathy/understanding or constructive handling of the situation. She said we had to figure out how to load 10 people into a Sedan for entry, as it was the ONLY way they would honor the reservation. No suggestion on where we can park the other car when we asked and no work around such as making two trips to drop our two families. We really had no choice but to give up on the park and take the loss.
I understand she probably gets a lot of confused tourists coming through, but her attitude was absolutely horrendous. Looking at the bigger picture, whoever designed and implemented the reservation service is the one that should be taking the blame, yet it's the workers and tourist who are taking the blunt of it, which negatively compounds on the whole tourism in Hawaii issues.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colma
Gabriola Island, Canada7 contributions
Apr 2021
The visit must be planned and timed with military precision. Too bad if your little ones can not be good soldiers. Who, in sane mind, demands visit at the pre-appointed time for a limited time slot to enjoy their visit? A slight delay or weather not permitting means your entrance fees are lost. Such bad attitude towards tourists!
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katie C
Indianapolis, IN465 contributions
Feb 2022
Such a fun place to visit! It takes a bit to drive up to the summit, but is completely worth it. It was a bit cloudy for us, but the views we did have were great. It is cold up there, so make sure you have an extra layer of clothes with you. The crater is also a worthy stop, even if cloudy. And watch out for the Nenes as you drive, they are small and quick!
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roger D
3 contributions
Oct 2021
Lots of buses and people traveling down a very narrow road with plenty of pot holes. Everyone seemed frustrated here including the staff. I don't mind supporting a state park and paying to enter but this one needs some work to make it a little easier to access.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Annette W
6 contributions
May 2021
This is a MUST see on Maui but the State of Hawaii has decided to take full advantage and charge $10 parking and $5 per person for non-Hawaii residents. I can't wait for other states to pick on this fund raising scheme. The state of Oregon could collect $100's of dollars off visitors traveling the Highway 101 down the coast. I only paid because I had people with me who had never seen the black sand beach. I won't pay it again.
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
janetsreview
Princeton, NJ2 contributions
I just want to use restroom and walk around for 1 hour. Do I still need to pay entry fee? Or can I just pay the parking fee.
Laurat33
Orlando, FL413 contributions
when we went in June you had to make a reservation to even enter the park. So unless they have changed it ,you can't even access the park at all without a reservation which were sold out 60 days in advance. The people that work there are VERY rude so don't expect any favors.
Alyssa L
1 contribution
How strictly are the campervan camping rules enforced? There are currently only cabin and campervan sites available on the site, and the cabins are a minimum of 2 nights. I'm tempted to rent a campervan site and just use a tent but theres a list of "approved" vehicles for these sites and my car won't qualify. Just wondering if anyone has seen this or done this before and if there were any consequences.
lisakeg
Allentown, PA277 contributions
Sorry , was only there during the day for a visit.
Beautiful area.
Christa Moormeier
Greenville, SC
We are driving the road to Hana starting around 6:30 am. Wanting to know how long it will take to get to Wai'anapanapa State Park so I know when to make a reservation.
Laurat33
Orlando, FL413 contributions
I think you could be there by 12 noon comfortably. The time slot before might not give you as much time.
Rowles80
Wilmington, DE98 contributions
We have a campervan campsite reservation in a few weeks. I heard that the gates close early and that we need to be in the park by a certain time... can someone verify if this is true for reserved guests as well and if so what time we need to be in the park by?
Faith H
Prairie du Chien, WI16 contributions
We had a camper van reservation in December and got there about a half hour after the sun went down and they were just closing the gate, we didn't realize this happened either. The staff was there for a while after we got there tho. Either way I recommend getting there before the sun goes down because the Road to Hana is terrifying in the dark with the locals heading home and stuff.
sandy p
Chicago, IL54 contributions
Staying at kph but do not want to do whole road to hana how far from us is it worth it aand hope winey of road to get there
Spidey101
Ottawa, Canada217 contributions
We did the whole Road to Hana, starting in Kaanapali and took even the back part to return back to Kaanapali. we left at 6:30am and did not get back until after dinner. We took our time and stopped pretty well at every waterfall, the Black Beach, even into a small village to see a very, very old church. It is a full day of sightseeing. The road itself on the way to Hana is not bad at all, yes lots of one lane ,bridges, lots of switch backs, but all easy to maneuver. beside you can't even drive over 25 miles an hour. But slow is good. Going early keeps traffic behind you. We were in a rental vehicle and they allowed us to use it on the Road to Hana.
Taking the back road instead of doubling back....was not good for about 10-15 miles...the rest was good highway driving and beautiful ocean views. It was actually the only time I go nervous the whole day was on the one stretch of road of the back side!
Zahra K
1 contribution
How long is the hike and how difficult ? The main hike to beach, blowhole, lava tube etc
Bob J
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States30 contributions
Access to the blowhole is a bit further away than that to the beach; probably about a 15 minute walk to the former, and a 5 minute walk to the latter. Easy walks, however.
Becky L
Houston, TX35 contributions
I'm thinking about renting a car instead of going on a shore excursion (Road to Hana is 9hrs) from the cruise ship. Would you advise it? I will have my 16 yr old granddaughter with me. Do you think there are other places we could go to with a rental car?
Jason V
28 contributions
It all depends on what you want to see or do. Im assuming the cruise ship hits the west side of Maui, which would stretch the Hana road trip into a definite all day event. A long day. Depending on how much shore time you have, going up and down the west coast of Maui to shop, eat, sight see would be just as fun. I would find out how much time you have ashore and try to get as much fun in as possible. Which may involve doing more on the western coast which is easier to get around. If you have LOTS of time, even hopping on one of the tour buses to Hana would at least allow you to enjoy the view instead of driving. Have fun either way.
Wai'anapanapa State Park (Hana) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Wai'anapanapa State Park
- We recommend booking Wai'anapanapa State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 41 Wai'anapanapa State Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Wai'anapanapa State Park:
- Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Turtles Tour from Maui, Hawaii (From $159.00)
- Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour (From $354.00)
- Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup (From $219.99)
- Maui "Loop" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour (From $19.99)
- Road to Hana Day Trip (From $219.99)
- Hotels near Wai'anapanapa State Park:
- (0.09 mi) Waianapanapa State Park Cabins
- (1.90 mi) Hana Kai Maui
- (5.00 mi) The Guest Houses at Malanai in Hana
- (0.60 mi) Beautiful Hana, Near Waianapanapa State Park. STR 216/0003 TA*******-9728-01
- (2.22 mi) Hana-Maui Resort
- Restaurants near Wai'anapanapa State Park:
- (1.42 mi) Hāna Farms Roadside Stand, Pizza Oven and Bakery
- (2.28 mi) Thai Food By Pranee
- (2.59 mi) Shaka Pops
- (4.06 mi) Huli Huli Chicken
- (4.56 mi) Coconut Glen's