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Wai'anapanapa State Park reservations

Wai'anapanapa, the black sand beach near Hana, is the one place on the Road to Hana where you need a reservation. Here is how it works, and how tours handle it.

A black sand beach and turquoise water framed by lava rock and jungle
Black sand and lava rock: the kind of coast you see at Wai'anapanapa (illustration).

Booking choice: The Road to Hana adventure tour, from $277 per person. Check dates Compare the options below

Wai'anapanapa State Park protects a stretch of lava coast just before Hana: Pa'iloa black sand beach, sea caves, lava arches and a coastal trail. Visitor numbers are capped with a reservation system, and turning up without one means being turned away.

If you are on a guided tour, this is mostly the operator's problem. If you are driving yourself, it is the one booking you must not forget.

The quick answer

Every visitor needs a reservation. Non-residents pay $5 per person to enter and $10 per vehicle to park; the park is open daily 7 AM to 6 PM. Tours that include Wai'anapanapa admission, such as the Polynesian, Stardust, Aloha Eco and private tours, make the booking for you.

A black sand beach with gentle surf
The black sand is made of small, smooth lava pebbles.

Do you need a reservation for Wai'anapanapa?

Yes: Hawaii State Parks requires a reservation for every visitor, for entry and parking.

Book through the official Hawaii State Parks reservation system before your trip. Arriving without one risks being turned away.

Rather not deal with reservations? This tour includes all park fees, breakfast and lunch.

Check dates for the Road to Hana adventure tour

How much does it cost?

Non-residents pay $5 per person to enter and $10 per vehicle to park.

Hawaii residents are exempt from the fees. On a tour, the entry is folded into the ticket price where the operator lists it as included.

Fee (non-residents)Price
Entry, per person$5
Parking, per vehicle$10
Hours7 AM to 6 PM daily

Which Road to Hana tours include Wai'anapanapa?

All the full day tours we list stop there, and most say admission is included.

Polynesian includes all admission and park fees. Stardust, Aloha Eco and the private full day tour list Wai'anapanapa admission as included. Valley Isle and Temptation also stop there; check the listing for fees.

A black sand cove from above
Tours usually spend 20 minutes to an hour at the park.

How long do tours stay?

From about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the tour.

Aloha Eco and Polynesian list 20 minutes, the private tour 45 minutes and Stardust an hour. If you want time for the coastal trail and the caves, the private tour or a self-drive day gives you more.

Full Day Private Road to Hana Tour

Want more than twenty minutes at the black sand beach? A private guide sets the pace.

★ 5.0 1,221 reviews · 8 to 10 hours · from $599

Explore the private full day tour

What is there to see?

The black sand beach, sea caves, lava arches and a coastal trail.

Sea conditions can be rough here, so follow your guide's advice and the posted warnings.

Waves crashing against black lava rock
The lava coast at Wai'anapanapa.

What if your tour time doesn't match your reservation?

On a tour, it is the operator's slot, not yours, so you do not need to book anything.

If you drive yourself, leave plenty of buffer: the road is slow, and arriving late can mean losing your slot.

Is Wai'anapanapa worth the effort?

Yes: it is the most striking stop on the road and the one place nearly every tour includes.

See where it fits into the day in the Road to Hana stops, in order.

Want the reservation sorted for you? All park fees are included on this tour.

Check dates for the Road to Hana adventure tour

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Wai'anapanapa without a reservation?

No. Hawaii State Parks requires a reservation for every visitor.

Is Wai'anapanapa included on Road to Hana tours?

On most tours listed here, yes; Polynesian, Stardust, Aloha Eco and the private full day tour list it as included.

What are the opening hours?

The park is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM.

Ready to book

Choose your tour

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.

Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Lunch

Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Lunch

★ 4.9 2,248 reviews · 12.5 hours

  • Professional driver-guide narration in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Light to-go breakfast and lunch
  • All admission and park entry fees, including Wai'anapanapa
From$277per personCheck dates
Hana Waterfalls Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Hana Waterfalls Full-Day Tour with Lunch

★ 4.8 1,269 reviews · 9 to 10 hours

  • Driver-guide with live commentary in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter
  • Picnic lunch (ham or turkey; no special diets) and Wai'anapanapa admission
  • Pickup from select resorts, or meet at Lahaina Cannery Mall or Kahului Park and Ride
From$250per personCheck dates
Full Day Private Road to Hana Tour

Full Day Private Road to Hana Tour

★ 5.0 1,221 reviews · 8 to 10 hours

  • A private guide and vehicle for your group only (up to 15 travelers)
  • Door-to-door pickup anywhere on Maui, cruise passengers included
  • Snacks, soda and bottled water in an air-conditioned vehicle
From$599per personCheck dates

Plan your date before you go

Breakfast, lunch and every park fee included, with a professional driver-guide.

Check dates for the Road to Hana adventure tour