Waiʻānapanapa State Park is the volcanic black-sand cove most people came on the Road to Hāna to see — sea caves, blowholes, a short coastal trail, and a beach made of jet-black olivine fragments. It is also the most regulated stop on the road: out-of-state visitors must hold an advance reservation to enter.
What to know
- Reservation: Required for non-residents. Book at gostateparks.hawaii.gov up to 30 days in advance — prime morning slots disappear quickly.
- Cost: $5 per person entry + $10 per vehicle parking.
- Hours: Daily 7 AM–6 PM (entry blocks are time-windowed).
- What to bring: Water shoes — the black sand is sharp and hot.
- Best move: Book the earliest morning slot. Crowds and heat both peak after 11 AM.