Hana Beaches
Experience The Tropical Splendour
Wainapanapa (Black Sand) Beach
Inside one of the
most popular State Parks which allows beachside camping, Wainapanapa
Beach is spectacularly scenic and dangerous if not respected. The
beach itself is a small pocket of black sand. The ocean here is rough
with a large shorebreak and an ocean bottom that drops off quickly
to overhead depths. This is a wonderful place to camp or rent a cabin
(although the waiting list for these can be horrendous), but the beach
itself offers only breathtaking scenery and stark beauty. Bring your
camera, but leave your beach gear in the car for a trip south.
Hana Beach
While this spot
definitely offers some of the safest swimming on Maui’s eastside,
it is also one of the less spectacular beaches in the Hana area. This
cove is protected from the heavy eastern surf and it offers some decent
snorkeling as long as you stay close to shore and avoid the strong
outer currents. The beach itself is long and wide, but the hardpacked
and dark brown sand is not as inviting as the multi- colored sands
of nearby beaches. Hana Beach is popular with residents, but it lacks
the romantic beauty associated with and easily found throughout Hana.
Kaihalulu (Red Sand) Beach
Kaihalulu beach is definitely in contention for the most visually
stunning beach in the islands, and therefore the world. Formed when
a volcanic cinder cone blew out its seawall, this rare red sand beach
retains the appearance of violent creation, yet green trees amidst
the rocks attest to the passage of time. Now, Kaihalulu is one of
the most relaxing places in Maui. The difficulties in finding and
reaching this beach keeps the population down and allows nudity to
be commonplace. The red sand is coarse, but just fine for laying out
on a beach towel or mat. A jagged offshore rock wall about twenty
feet out provides the cove with some protection from the turbulent
sea that surrounds the beach. The small swimming area that is created
is perfect for casual swimming and snorkeling. While nudity may not
be your forté, who knows, maybe the natural beauty of this
idyllic spot will inspire you to go "au naturel" yourself.
Hamoa Beach
It would be a crime for anyone who loves the beach to go to Hana without
making a trip to Hamoa. This beach caters to those who prize idyllic
beauty over tourist beaches with their long stretches of populated
white sand. James Michener, the inveterate beachgoer, called it "a
beach so perfectly formed that I wonder at its comparative obscurity."
Although still relatively "obscure", high profile figures
such as Hillary Clinton have come to Hamoa in recent years to enjoy
this beautiful beach. Although affiliated with the Hana Hotel, the
beach and most of its amenities are open to the public. The beach
itself is a crescent of black and gold sand backed by a grass area,
palm trees, and cliffs. The sand continues into the crystalline blue-green
waters until overhead depths make the offshore rocks a moot point.
The surf here is often quite high and can be perfect for a day of
riding the undulating current but, as always, be very cautious and
aware of dangerous conditions. Surrounded by black volcanic rock and
in the midst of tropical splendour, Hamoa is a must for visitors and
residents alike.
Koki Beach
A large white sand beach, Koki is best to visit in summer, as the
beach can become rather barren and exposed with dangerous rocks during
winter. There are limited amenities here, but camping is allowed on
the beach, giving it an advantage over many of the other Maui beaches.
From Hana, take the Hana highway south towards Kula. Several miles
past the Wananalua Church in Hana, look for signs directing you towards
Koki Beach Park and Hamoa Beach.
