Ke Ala Loa O Maui Piʻilani Trail
Waianapanapa State Park
Highway 360
Hana, Hawaii 96713
808-244-4354
Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a stunning natural area located on the eastern side of Maui near the town of Hana. Known for its dramatic coastal scenery, the park offers a range of natural and cultural experiences. A black sand beach is one of the park’s most famous attractions with jet-black volcanic sand created by lava fragments. The beach is popular for photography, picnics, and exploring the coastline. Visitors can explore sea caves and lava tubes formed by volcanic activity. The caves often feature brackish water pools and are surrounded by rugged terrain. During high tide, the ocean water erupts through blowholes, creating dramatic sprays. Nearby tide pools are perfect for observing marine life and volcanic rock formations.
This 122-acre Waianapanapa State Park is situated along the coast with hiking trails that hug the cliffs along the shoreline. The trails offer breathtaking views of the coastline, cliffs, and the Pacific Ocean. The Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piʻilani and Black Sand Beach trails take you near black sand beaches, sea caves, blow holes, and a natural stone arch. The trails are a great way to explore the area and the dramatic volcanic landscapes. The rough surf here is a beautiful deep aqua blue and you can also see the remnants of the first road built around the island of Maui (the old King’s Highway) as you hike these trails.
- click for more photos from our hiking trip to the Hawaiian Islands in June 2006 (password required)
- click for a trip report from this day hike on the Pipiwai Trail: June 25, 2006 (password required)
- click to purchase an adventure travel map from National Geographic on the Hawaiian Islands
- click for a trail map from this hike at Waianapanapa State Park
- click for a park map from this hike on the Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piʻilani trails (password required)
- click for the guidebook Hiking The Hawaiian Islands: A Guide To The State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures
- click for another hike in the nearby Haleakala National Park to Kuloa Point and Makahiku Falls
- click for more hikes in the State of Hawaii
- click for links to more outdoor books and magazines