Camp at Wai'anapanapa State Park

Wai'anapanapa State Park is located at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. The park has limited parking, but many of the tourists are making quick stops on their journey to Hana and the turnover for parking is fast. Once parked, check in at the office to obtain your overnight permit (must be ordered online ahead of time) and stake out a camping spot on the lawn.

After your camp is set up you can begin exploring Wai'anapanapa. The park is incredibly scenic and has much to offer: a beautiful black sand beach, sea arches, cliff jumping for the brave, hikes through lava fields, and a blow hole.

A great half day hike to take here is the north route on Kings Trail from the black sand beach. The black sand beach is the most visited spot in the park and is easily accessed from the park entrance via steps. If you continue onward (north) from the black sand beach and follow Kings Trail you will find yourself hiking in a lava field along jagged cliffs with huge waves crashing below you. Many people don't hike past the black sand beach so you will be mostly alone on this trail. The trail meanders along the coast and becomes increasingly more strenuous and difficult to find, but there are cairns that mark the path the entire way. After 2.5 miles you will find yourself at a gulch, follow the gulch down the trail to Kainalimu Bay. This is the best turn around point after you've rested up and enjoyed the views.