Looking for a spot to camp on your visit to Maui? Wai’anapanapa State Park is the perfect spot for you! To fully enjoy all that this remote park has to offer, camping is ideal. This will give you and your family and friends lots of time to sightsee, swim, hike, fish, and explore the beautiful landscape.
Wai’anapanapa is a remote area along the coastline featuring low volcanic cliffs. On the road to Hana, it is closest to mile marker 32, approximately two hours and 30 minutes from Lahaina Town.
The park is complete with tide pools, freshwater caves, lava tubes, blowholes, heiau (religious temples) and an ancient hiking trail that leads to Hana. The trail is called “Ke Ala Loa O Maui” or the “Piilani Trail.” It’s a moderate three-mile round-trip hike with spectacular views of the Hana Coastline.
You may have heard friends refer the famous black sandy beach on Maui. It can be found at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Volcanic-sandy beaches are extremely rare and here you’ll have the chance to experience one. The black sand creates an amazing contrast with the breaking white wash so be sure to pack a camera to capture the moment.
According to Hawaiian folklore, the tide pools here turn red a few times throughout the year with the blood of Princess Popoaleae, who was murdered by her husband. Scientists attribute the red tide pools to the arrival of shrimp.
Cabins in the park are available for rental with a two-night minimum. They are $90 USD for non-residents and $60 USD for Hawaii residents. If you would prefer to pack a tent or drive a camper van, rates vary from $18-$30 for non-residents and $12-$20 for residents. To make a reservation visit the permit website.
Construction on the walkway along the coastline began in September 2016 and some portions of the walkway may be disrupted.
