Waiʻānapanapa State Park Is The Single Best State Park In Hawaii And It's Just Waiting To Be Explored
By Melissa Mahoney|Published July 19, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
With 50 state parks that show off the beauty and cultural sites of the Aloha State, there is one particular park that is considered the best according to Travel + Leisure. On the island of Maui in Hana, Waiʻānapanapa State Park was named the best in Hawaii for its black sand beach, freshwater pools, ancient ruins, and incredible hiking trails that allow visitors to explore just about every inch of the park. If you haven’t made plans to visit this incredible park yet, it is waiting for you to do so.
Found close to the end of Maui's famous Hana Highway, Waiʻānapanapa State Park boasts a black sand beach, epic views, and so much more. When you visit, you'll realize why it's been named the best state park in Hawaii.
The famous black sand beach known as Pa‘iola is a big draw for visitors and just one reason why this state park is so popular. The rugged volcanic coastline with arches out in the sea also helps to make this park the scenic place it is.
Along with some of the most gorgeous scenery found throughout the Hawaiian islands, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep visitors busy as well. Fishing, camping, and swimming are just a few such activities along with sightseeing and hiking.
Plenty of trails throughout the park lead to some of the park's best attractions including a blowhole. This blowhole is connected to a partially submerged sea cave and due to sea level and tides, water is forced through the hole and into the air.
To get the most out of your visit, take the Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail. This three-mile trek along the rugged coast, over lava fields, past sacred ruins and freshwater pools, and through some of the most scenic areas of the park is well worth it.
You can read more about Waiʻānapanapa State Park's lava tube in our previous coverage.
There is a non-resident fee of just $5 per person to enter the park. Hawaii residents (with proof of ID) and children ages three and under are free. Waiʻānapanapa State Park is such a special place and you should take s much time as possible to explore what is considered the best state park in Hawaii!
