A small black-sand beach in a lava-rimmed cove just north of Hāna, inside a park with sea caves, a natural arch, blowholes, a hala forest and a seabird colony. The coastal Ke Ala Loa o Maui/Piʻilani Trail runs along the cliffs toward Hāna.
Why we love it
Jet-black sand against green hala and blue water is the best scene on the Road to Hāna, and the reservation keeps it from being overrun.
Current conditions: DLNR’s Oct. 19, 2026 notice: Maui state parks reopened after the Nolo/Lowell closures, with Waiʻānapanapa reopening Sept. 29 once water service was restored. Camper-van camping is unavailable July 1, 2026 through March 2027 for comfort-station construction.
What to expect
Book first: non-residents need timed entry and parking reservations, and nothing is sold at the gate. From the lot, paths and stairs drop to Pāʻiloa beach; a short loop leads to two spring-fed caves. The beach is usually better for looking than swimming. When surf is up, rip currents form in the cove, and there are no lifeguards. Stay back from blowholes and undercut cliff edges. Most visitors spend one or two slots here, so buy consecutive slots if you want longer. Restrooms and showers are on site.
Know before you go
- Reservations
- Required for non-residents. They open 30 days ahead, released daily at midnight HST. No same-day sales.
- Fees
- $5 per person entry plus $10 per vehicle parking. Each passenger needs an entry ticket; purchases are final.
- Time slots
- Enter anytime in your slot, but leave when it ends. Open to sunset requires all four slots.
- No street parking
- The road up is private. Cars parked outside the park are towed.
- Swimming
- No lifeguards, and rip currents form in the cove when surf is up. Swim only on clearly calm days.
