Waianapanapa State Park may be one of the understated tourist
sites of Maui, Hawaii, but it rarely disappoints visitors who choose to
go off-the-beaten path. Gifted with a spectacular rugged coastline with
gorgeous hills, jungles and valleys in the distance, the state park is
home to a couple of outstanding attractions.
It is only one of the sites you will encounter in the Hana region, but it is a place that is hard to forget. Many visitors who happen to drive by the park cannot not resist making a stop here and taking postcard-worthy photos of the dramatic landscape and ocean vista. But if you can spare a day or two and stay at Waianapanapa, you will find that it has many more things to offer and it will be well worth the time invested.
One of the main attractions in the park is the Anchialine Pools, also known as pool caves. This very unique body of water type is landlocked but still has a subterranean link to the ocean. These pools house native shrimp called Opae Ula, which can live for as long as 20 years and are favorite pets in Hawaii. There are two main pools in the area; but the second pool, in particular, is very well admired for its clean crystal clear spring water. This water can be cold but if you make a quick entrance, you will not only experience a refreshing swim but also gain access to the hidden caves that lie underneath the main cave walls.
If you have any doubt that black sand beaches cannot be as captivating as their white sand counterparts; Waianapanapa's Black Sand Beach or Pa'iloa BeachBeach will quickly erase that doubt. Its beautiful black sand glistens seductively under the sunlight, and is well complemented with the surrounding lava cliffs and thick vegetation. Unfortunately, it is usually hard to swim casually here as the currents can be too strong. But during calmer ocean conditions, you will see some daredevils trying to jump from one of the islets into the bay at the east end of the beach. Even if you have no plans in participating, this distinct black sandy stretch and the carefree jumpers are still a joy to look at.
Waianapanapa State Park also attracts visitors because of its blowhole. When the ocean water rises and waves crash hard, the blowhole, which is actually an underground, partially submerged cave shoots off a jet water into the air. It is quite an impressive natural phenomenon to witness. Just make sure that you prioritize safety and not get to close to the hole.
Waianapanapa is a great place to do some serious hiking. There are two major hiking trails, collectively called King's Trails, that you can follow. The first one is the Eastern trail toward Hana, which stretches up to five miles. It begins with paved walkways and eventually leads you to the Hawaiian cemetery, the blowhole towards its east and Kainalimu Bay.
The second popular hiking path is the North trail toward Hana Airport, also known as the Kipapa O Kihapi'ilani. This is the more strenuous trail that covers 2.75 miles on a round trip. Some of the notable sites you will encounter while following this trail include the Kapukaulua burial site, the black rock coves, and the Pukaulua Point known for the burial mounds.
It is only one of the sites you will encounter in the Hana region, but it is a place that is hard to forget. Many visitors who happen to drive by the park cannot not resist making a stop here and taking postcard-worthy photos of the dramatic landscape and ocean vista. But if you can spare a day or two and stay at Waianapanapa, you will find that it has many more things to offer and it will be well worth the time invested.
One of the main attractions in the park is the Anchialine Pools, also known as pool caves. This very unique body of water type is landlocked but still has a subterranean link to the ocean. These pools house native shrimp called Opae Ula, which can live for as long as 20 years and are favorite pets in Hawaii. There are two main pools in the area; but the second pool, in particular, is very well admired for its clean crystal clear spring water. This water can be cold but if you make a quick entrance, you will not only experience a refreshing swim but also gain access to the hidden caves that lie underneath the main cave walls.
If you have any doubt that black sand beaches cannot be as captivating as their white sand counterparts; Waianapanapa's Black Sand Beach or Pa'iloa BeachBeach will quickly erase that doubt. Its beautiful black sand glistens seductively under the sunlight, and is well complemented with the surrounding lava cliffs and thick vegetation. Unfortunately, it is usually hard to swim casually here as the currents can be too strong. But during calmer ocean conditions, you will see some daredevils trying to jump from one of the islets into the bay at the east end of the beach. Even if you have no plans in participating, this distinct black sandy stretch and the carefree jumpers are still a joy to look at.
Waianapanapa State Park also attracts visitors because of its blowhole. When the ocean water rises and waves crash hard, the blowhole, which is actually an underground, partially submerged cave shoots off a jet water into the air. It is quite an impressive natural phenomenon to witness. Just make sure that you prioritize safety and not get to close to the hole.
Waianapanapa is a great place to do some serious hiking. There are two major hiking trails, collectively called King's Trails, that you can follow. The first one is the Eastern trail toward Hana, which stretches up to five miles. It begins with paved walkways and eventually leads you to the Hawaiian cemetery, the blowhole towards its east and Kainalimu Bay.
The second popular hiking path is the North trail toward Hana Airport, also known as the Kipapa O Kihapi'ilani. This is the more strenuous trail that covers 2.75 miles on a round trip. Some of the notable sites you will encounter while following this trail include the Kapukaulua burial site, the black rock coves, and the Pukaulua Point known for the burial mounds.
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