The most beautiful and famous black sand beach on Maui is Honokalani; a tropical oasis located in Waianapanapa State Park along the Road to Hana. This popular attraction is a favorite camping destination for locals and casual tourists alike.
As a photographer, I personally fell in love with the juxtaposition of the lush, vibrant greenery contrasting with the deep-black volcanic sand and tropical-blue ocean water. These elements combine to create an incredible photo.
BE AWARE THAT IF YOU WANT TO VISIT IN 2023, PERMITS ARE REQUIRED!
This guide will tell you all about the new permit requirements as well as where to find Maui’s Black Sand Beach, camping restrictions, photography tips, and everything you need to know for visiting Waiʻānapanapa State Park.
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🌴 About Black Sand Beach, Maui: Quick Facts
There is a lot to know and consider prior to visiting Honokalani Beach. For example, separate reservations and tickets are required to park, visit, and camp at Waiʻānapanapa State Park.
Each of the most important topics are highlighted below but will be covered extensively throughout this guide.
- OTHER NAMES: Honokalani Beach & Waiʻānapanapa Beach
- LOCATION: Road to Hana, East Maui
- RESERVATIONS: Required for parking, camping, & entry (each separate.)
- FEES: $10 vehicle parking, $5 per person entry (accurate as of January 2023)
- BEST TIME: Sunrise
- CLOSURES: Can occur daily due to recent or impending storms, high surf, and other factors. Visit the state website here for daily closure updates.
Black Sand Beach FAQs
Where is the Black Sand Beach of Maui?
There are a couple of black sand beaches on Maui, but the most famous is Honokalani Beach located in Waianapanapa State Park near the town of Hana.
How do you get to Maui Black Sand Beach?
Black Sand Beach is located within Waianapanapa State Park and is accessed by turning onto Waianapanapa Road from the Hana Hwy. Be aware that permits are now required to park AND visit.
Can you camp at Maui Black Sand Beach?
You cannot camp on the beach, but you can camp at campsites or cabins in Waianapanapa State Park! Campsite fees are $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents as of January 2023. There are also cabins available for $70/$100 (resident vs non).
You can procure your camping permit here.
Do you need reservations for Black Sand Beach Maui?
Separate reservations are required for non-Hawaii residents to visit, park, and camp at Waianapanapa State Park. As of January 2023, fees are $10 for parking, $5 for entry and must be booked at least 1 day in advance but cannot be booked more than 30 days prior to visiting.
Learn more in this complete guide to Black Sand Beach reservations.
👍🏽 SUGGESTED: THE TOP 25 BEST STOPS ON THE ROAD TO HANA
🚘 How to Get to Maui Black Sand Beach in Waiʻānapanapa State Park
You will come across Waianapanapa State Park via a slight detour along the famous Road to Hana Hwy.
The park is located only 2.5 miles north of the famous Maui town of Hana. It is well-signed and maintained, located at the end of Waianapanapa Road.
Google Maps or most navigation apps will deliver you directly to the parking area. From here, it is a short walk to the black sand beach.
Be aware that reservations are now required for visiting Waianapanapa State Park! You can find more information about that in the next section.
See our complete list of the BEST MAUI SECRET BEACHES
🌺 Maui Black Sand Beach Reservations
*Ever since April 19, 2021 reservations have been required for non-Hawaii residents to visit AND park at Waiʻānapanapa State Park.*
This means that even if you are dropped off or visiting by foot, you will still need a permit to enter the park!
Reservations are only available in advance (no walk-ins permitted) with a minimum notice of 1-day and a maximum of 30-days.
The two ways to visit Black Sand Beach are with a tour company who will already have permits ready, or by booking your reservation in advance. You can book your reservation on the Go Waiʻānapanapa website.
For even more information, see our complete guide to
Waianapanapa State Park Reservations
Black Sand Beach / Waiʻānapanapa State Park Reservation Summary
- Separate reservations are required for parking and individual entry.
- EACH visitor will need a reservation for entry.
- Reservations are NOT required for Hawaii residents.
- Reservation fees are $10 for parking and $5 per visitor entry.
- Must be made at least 1 day in advance.
- Cannot be made more than 30 days in advance.
- The road to Black Sand Beach is private. Parking along it will result in being towed.
- Permits have entry and exit times. You must leave before your ticket expires.
- Book your reservations on the Go Waiʻānapanapa website.
- Or, book a tour (which includes entry) HERE.
📸 Maui Black Sand Beach Photo Gallery
Find inspiration for taking pictures of the famous Maui Black Sand Beach in this inspired landscape photography gallery.
These images showcase what you can expect from a trip to Waianapanapa State Park and why Honokalani is worth exploring.
☀️ When to Visit Black Sand Beach
Sunrise is the best time to visit Black Sand Beach. This east-facing shoreline provides clear, beautiful views of the sun rising in a tropical setting. It is also the quietest time of day.
Alternatively, arriving the night before and camping overnight is the best option for those who are able to procure the permits and reservations necessary.
By camping at Waianapanapa State Park overnight, you will be able to break the long drive along the Road to Hana into two manageable chunks and catch sunrise from the beach.
Don’t forget anything on your Hawaii vacation:
PRINTABLE HAWAII PACKING LIST + 25 useful items to consider
⛺️ Camping at Black Sand Beach & Waianapanapa State Park
Camping at Black Sand Beach in Waianapanapa State Park is available by permit only. Campervans and tent-camping are both permitted, and cabins are available as well.
These requirements are consistent for visitors and Hawaiian-residents alike, though the fees are lower for residents. Those are broken down as follows:
CAMPSITE FEES
- Residents = $20 Per Night, Per Campsite
- Non-Residents = $30 Per Night, Per Campsite
CABIN FEES
- Resident = $70 Per Night, Per Cabin
- Non-Residents = $100 Per Night, Per Cabin
You can procure your camping permit here.
🚌 Tours to Maui Black Sand Beach
If procuring a permit and driving the curvy Road to Hana isn’t a particularly inviting option for you, then you may wish to consider booking a tour.
There are many top-rated Road to Hana day tours that include a visit to Black Sand Beach.
Booking a tour includes all the permits you require and means you can just sit back and enjoy the views! Below are some of the best Road to Hana tours, all including breakfast and lunch:
- Road to Hana and Ka’eleku Cavern Small-Group Luxury Day Trip: 5/5 ⭐
In addition to exploring the wonders of the Road to Hana, you will also tour the mysterious Ka’eleku Cavern. With up to 8 guests in a comfortable limo-van, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the comforts of this luxury tour. - Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure: 5/5 ⭐
Enjoy this iconic Maui road, stopping at all the best sights with up to 10 guests. On this 10-hour tour, you will learn about Hawaiian culture and history from your professional guide, as well as have the option to take a dip in the ocean at the black sand beach or take a splash into a cascading waterfall. - Road to Hana Adventure: 4.5/5 ⭐
This 12-hour, full-day tour will take you through the diverse and tropical beauty of the famous Road to Hana. Stops include Pai’a, Keanae, Wailua Falls, and Pua’a Ka’a State Park, as well as Wai’anapanapa State Park.
🍍 More Maui Travel Guides
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Honokalani Beach is just one of countless incredible Maui secret beaches and scenic places to visit on the island.
If you are still planning your visit to “the Valley Isle”, you may find some of these other regional guides useful!
- HAWAII PACKING LIST: A printable essential packing list + 25 useful items to consider
- 5-7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: How to see the entire island in one week or less
- WHERE TO STAY ON MAUI: The best places and areas to stay on the island
- PLANNING A TRIP TO MAUI: Step by step guide for planning your first visit to Maui
- ROAD TO HANA STOPS: The Top 25 places to visit on the Road to Hana
- ROAD TO HANA ITINERARY: How to plan for a 1-2 day self drive.
- BEST MAUI PHOTO SPOTS: 15 best places for photographing Maui
- SECRET BEACHES OF MAUI: The 10 most incredible hidden beaches on the island
- MAUI SUNSETS: The Top 10 places & activities for watching sunset in Maui
- KIHEI BEACHES GUIDE: Photos, locations, and descriptions for all 15 beaches in Kihei
- BEST SNORKELING IN MAUI: Best snorkel spots, tips, tours and more.
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