Waʻanapanapa State Park protects one of Maui's most dramatic stretches of coastline: a black sand beach formed from volcanic basalt, pounded by surf, bookended by lava sea arches and backed by dense hau trees. The contrast between the black sand and the turquoise water is striking enough to make this one of the most photographed spots in Hawaii.
The park has two sea caves worth exploring when conditions allow — local legend says the red sea moss that blooms around them each spring is the blood of a princess murdered here. A coastal trail runs north along the cliff tops through ironwood and hala trees. There are also freshwater sea caves connected to underground passages that surface in the park.
Timed entry reservations are required and must be booked in advance through the Hawaii State Parks website. The park is about 5 kilometres before Hāna on the Hāna Highway.