Your Guide to Best Beaches in Hana Maui: Black Sand, Red Sand, and Beyond

Located on Maui’s famous Road to Hana, the secluded town of Hana is a perfect Hawaiian getaway destination. 

The town’s lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and relaxed pace of life provide an irresistible sense of escape.

However, the true gems of Hana are found along its coastline.

From beautiful black sand coves to secret red sand beaches and classic Hawaiian shorelines, Hana has a diverse range of beach experiences to offer.

Whether you prefer to swim in calm waters, catch some waves, or simply admire nature’s beauty, this guide will assist you in finding your ideal piece of Hana paradise.

👉Book your flight with Skyscanner to Maui and sunbathe on the unique red sands of Kaihalulu Beach, one of Hana’s secluded treasures.

Essential Hana Beach Info: FAQs

Is it safe to swim at Hana’s beaches? 

Be aware that ocean conditions, rip currents, and hazards may differ significantly between beaches.

Always pay attention to posted signs that provide information about these conditions.

While some beaches, such as Hana Bay Beach Park, may have calm waters, others may have stronger currents and waves.

If you are unsure about the ocean conditions, it is best to check with a park ranger or lifeguard, if available.

Do I need reservations for any Hana beaches? 

Yes. Currently, reservations are required for Wai’anapanapa State Park, home to the famous black sand beach.

What amenities are available at Hana beaches?

Hana Bay Beach Park offers restrooms, picnic areas, and nearby food vendors.

For more remote beaches, it’s best to bring water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and any other necessary items.

What other places can we visit other than beaches in Hana?

Hana offers so much more than its beaches! Here are a few suggestions:

• Wailua Falls: View this powerful waterfall right along the Road to Hana
• Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools): Hike through beautiful scenery, and if it’s safe, swim in the freshwater pools.
• Hana Cultural Center: Learn about traditional Hawaiian life and culture.
• Kahanu Garden: Explore this National Tropical Botanical Garden, home to the Pi’ilanihale Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple.

How many days do you recommend for exploring Hana? 

For an ideal experience of Hana and its surroundings, it’s recommended to plan a minimum of 2-3 days.

This will allow you to fully enjoy the beaches, explore other attractions, savor the delicious local cuisine, and soak in Hana’s laid-back atmosphere without feeling rushed.

👉Stay in a beachfront villa near Kaihalulu Beach to enjoy direct access to one of the most unique beaches in all of Hawaii.

Hana Bay Beach Park – Your Easy-Access Oasis

Hana Bay Beach Park is a wonderful choice for families looking for a relaxing and convenient beach day.

It is located near Hana town and has protected waters that are perfect for swimmers of all ages, especially young children who enjoy playing in gentle waves.

The grassy park area provides ample space for picnics, games, or simply relaxing in the shade after a swim.

Take in the picturesque views of Hana Bay and keep an eye out for sailboats and fishing vessels coming and going from the nearby pier.

Things to do in Hana Bay Beach Park:

• Swimming and splashing: The calm waves are perfect for introducing kids to the ocean or for anyone who prefers a gentle swimming experience.
• Picnicking: Pack a lunch or grab delicious local food from one of Hana’s food trucks, then spread out a blanket and savor the beautiful surroundings.
• Beachcombing: Search for treasures along the shore – shells, sea glass, and smooth volcanic pebbles are common finds.
• People-watching: Settle back and observe the relaxed pace of life in Hana. Watch locals fish from the pier, spot colorful outrigger canoes, or simply soak up the tropical atmosphere.
• Photography: The views of Hana Bay, framed by lush greenery and volcanic hills, make for stunning photos.

👉Find the best flights to Hana on Skyscanner and enjoy the lush surroundings and vivid blue waters of Hāmoa Beach.

Hamoa Beach – A Surfer’s Paradise with Timeless Beauty

Hamoa Beach is an iconic spot that showcases classic Hawaiian beauty with its crescent-shaped arc of golden sand and vibrant turquoise water, framed by lush cliffs.

It has been a favorite among surfers for generations, attracting those who love the challenge of the waves.

Experienced bodyboarders and strong swimmers can also enjoy Hamoa’s waters, especially in calmer summer and fall conditions.

However, it’s important to be aware of the open-ocean exposure that can create powerful currents.

A short trail leads down from the road, and although there’s no dedicated parking lot, the view alone is worth the slightly trickier logistics.

Things to do in Hamoa Beach:

• Surfing: If you have the skills, Hamoa is a bucket-list surf spot. Be mindful of conditions and respect the experienced locals who frequent this break.
• Bodyboarding: Get a taste of wave-riding on a bodyboard.
• Photography: The dramatic cliffs, curving sand, and vivid colors make for stunning photos.
• Sunbathing: Stretch out on the sand and soak up the tropical sun (bring your own shade as trees are limited).
• Sightseeing: Even if you’re not heading into the water, Hamoa Beach is a must-see for its timeless Hawaiian charm.

Important Reminder: 

Always heed ocean conditions, and do not overestimate your swimming ability. Check with locals or lifeguards on the day of your visit for the safest options.

👉Book a cottage near Hāmoa Beach, where you can listen to the waves from your room and enjoy quick access to the water.

Koki Beach Park – A Portal to Maui’s Volcanic Heart

When you step onto Koki Beach‘s rust-red sands, you’ll be transported to another era.

This dramatic cove, located just past Hana, offers a glimpse into Maui’s fiery origins.

The striking crimson sand, formed from volcanic cinder, creates a stark contrast against the turquoise waters and lush green cliffs.

You can gaze out towards ‘Alau Island, a lone sentinel crowned with palms, or admire the natural arch of Leho’ula in the distance.

This scene is incredibly beautiful and stirs the imagination, revealing a wilder side of Maui’s beauty.

Things to do in Koki Beach Park:

• Photography: Bring your camera and capture the unusual landscape, from the red sand to the sweeping seascapes.
• Sightseeing: Soak up the dramatic atmosphere and admire the power of nature’s forces.
• Cultural Appreciation: Koki Beach holds cultural significance for native Hawaiians, offering a chance to reflect on the island’s history.
• Beachcombing: Search for unique treasures along the shoreline, perhaps pieces of volcanic rock or driftwood shaped by the waves.

Important Note:

Koki Beach is a place to admire, not to swim. The currents here are notoriously powerful and unpredictable, even for the most experienced swimmers. Enjoy the beauty of this special place from the safety of the shore.

👉Use Skyscanner to plan your trip to Hana for a day at Waioka Pond (Venus Pool), where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by natural beauty.

Black Sand Beach (Wai’anapanapa State Park) – otherworldly wonders on a volcanic shore

Maui’s Black Sand Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park is an unforgettable journey into a landscape shaped by fire and sea.

The beach is also known as Pa’iloa Beach.

The pitch-black sand, formed from ancient lava flows, shimmers with a strange beauty.

While exploring this otherworldly beach, you can marvel a t the natural wonders around you.

You’ll see jagged sea arches carved by relentless waves, echoing blowholes sending plumes of seawater into the air, and mysterious freshwater pools teeming with life.

Additionally, you can wander the coastal trails and discover remnants of the past such as sea stacks and impeccably kept Hawaiian cemeteries.

Things to do in Pa’iloa Beach.:

• Explore: Follow the trails by the shore and discover hidden coves, sea caves, and the otherworldly textures of the black sand beach.
• Photography: From the dramatic arches to the contrasting colors of black sand and turquoise water, this place is a photographer’s dream.
• Tide pooling: Peer into the tide pools and look for unusual creatures, but always interact with this fragile ecosystem gently.
• Appreciate: Take a moment to reflect on the powerful forces of nature that have sculpted this landscape, and the cultural significance the area holds for Hawaiians.

Important Note:

Remember to make reservations in advance, as Wai’anapanapa State Park is incredibly popular and now requires them for entry.

👉Find a secluded cabin near Waioka Pond for easy access to swimming and cliff jumping in this stunning natural setting.

One’uli Black Sand Beach: Snorkeling Paradise with a Secret Entrance

One’uli Black Sand Beach, located near Wailea and Kihei, is a hidden gem for those who love to explore underwater worlds.

Although it may not be as famous as the Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, it is a local secret worth discovering.

The shoreline gives way to lava rock quite quickly, so it may not be the best beach for lounging on the sand.

However, One’uli is an excellent snorkeling and diving spot with a vibrant coral reef just offshore.

The reef is teeming with marine life, offering a colorful and fascinating underwater world to explore.

Keep your eyes peeled for colorful fish and graceful Green Sea Turtles as you discover this underwater wonderland.

Things to do in One’uli Black Sand Beach:

• Snorkeling and Diving: The coral reef offers a stunning underwater experience, making One’uli a favorite among snorkelers and divers.
• Sunbathing (with limitations): Relax on the beach, but be aware of the lava rock formation along the shoreline when choosing your spot.
• Exploring: The surrounding area is rugged and beautiful, perfect for a short hike or a chance to soak up the remote atmosphere.

Important Note:

One’uli Black Sand Beach can be a bit tricky to find. There are no public restrooms or facilities, so plan accordingly.

👉Secure your flight with Skyscanner and explore the dramatic black sands of Waiʻānapanapa State Park, a must-visit for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach): A Vision of Crimson

Nestled along the Hana coastline, you’ll find the Red Sand Beach, also known as Kaihalulu Beach.

This beach is truly a sight to behold, with its crimson sand that was formed from the erosion of a volcanic cinder cone.

The sand glows in a deep red hue against the turquoise ocean, creating a scene of raw and dramatic beauty.

To add to its allure, the beach is also secluded and hidden away.

However, it’s worth noting that this beach is not ideal for swimming or sunbathing.

Its primary appeal lies in its breathtaking views.

 If you are an experienced hiker and take extreme caution on the narrow and potentially hazardous trail, photographs of this striking cove can be obtained

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How to Go to Red Sand Beach: A Guide for Cautious Adventurers

The hike to reach Red Sand Beach is known for its difficulty level and can be particularly hazardous in wet weather conditions.

There have been several instances of injuries and rescues at this location in the past.

Therefore, it is advisable to exercise extreme caution when visiting or opt to appreciate this stunning beach via photographs instead of taking the risk of visiting in-person.

Directions

• Drive to Hana: Follow the Hana Highway until you reach Hana town. Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu) is located south of Hana Bay.
• Find the Trailhead: Park on the side of the road outside the Travasa Hotel parking lot. Walk across the Hana Community Center field, looking for a trail entrance on your right-hand side. This trail might be recently cleared but conditions can change quickly due to jungle growth and erosion.
• Navigate with Extreme Caution:
  • If you reach the Japanese Cemetery, you’ve gone too far. Backtrack and look for a safe path leading downhill.
  • The original ridge trail has been partially destroyed by a landslide. Choose the safest possible route, which may involve walking along the shoreline and then climbing back up further along the trail.
  • The path is loose, slippery, and traverses steep slopes. One misstep could have serious consequences.

Risk Assessment:

This is a short but highly treacherous trail.

Experienced hikers with a high tolerance for risk might proceed; however, for most visitors, the safest way to experience Red Sand Beach is by viewing photos online.

Additional Notes:

• Use Google Maps: Refer to Google Maps for further guidance, but be aware maps may not reflect the most recent trail conditions.
• Respect the Environment: This is a fragile and culturally significant area. Tread lightly, don’t leave any trash, and heed all warning signs.
• Your Safety is Paramount: Turn back if conditions appear unsafe or you are beyond your comfort level. The beach isn’t worth risking your life.

The Red Sand Beach epitomizes the wild beauty of Maui.

However, it is important to prioritize safety and demonstrate respect for the environment’s fragility.

👉Fly into Maui with Skyscanner and discover the hidden Alau Island Beach, perfect for a quiet day soaking up the sun and scenery.

Other Notable Hana Beaches – Intrepid Explorers Welcome

Hana’s coastline holds even more hidden treasures for those with an adventurous spirit.

Honomanu Bay:

This beach is only suitable for strong swimmers and experienced surfers.

Before setting out, make sure to check for updates on road access and surf reports since it might not be accessible due to weather conditions. 

Remote Stretches of the Road to Hana:

Along the rugged coastline beyond Hana, there are several small and secluded beaches.

If you’re feeling adventurous and confident in your knowledge of ocean safety, you might want to explore these off-the-beaten-path spots.

However, it’s important to exercise caution since these wilder shores are known for their powerful currents, sudden weather changes, and lack of facilities.

Things to do:

• Surfing (experts only): For those with advanced skills, some of these remote beaches offer challenging breaks.
• Exploring: Hike to secluded coves, marvel at tidepools, and simply lose yourself in the beauty of Hana’s less-traveled landscapes.
• Photography: Capture the untamed spirit of Hana’s coastline.

Important Note:

Always prioritize safety, research thoroughly, be aware of your own limitations and never turn your back on the ocean.

👉Secure a stay near Alau Island Beach for peaceful mornings and easy access to both sunbathing and scenic walks.

Find Your Beach Bliss in Hana

Hana’s coastline offers a diverse range of beaches, from the family-friendly shores of Hana Bay to the black sand wonders of Wai’anapanapa and hidden coves like the Red Sand Beach.

No matter what you’re looking for – whether it’s catching a wave, swimming in calm waters, or simply witnessing nature’s power and beauty – Hana has a beach that suits your preferences and comfort level in the ocean.

Remember that the “best” beach depends entirely on your needs, so take your time to explore and discover the perfect spot to soak up the magic of Hana’s shores.

Always prioritize your safety alongside adventure.

👉Book through Skyscanner for a trip to Hana and spend a relaxing day at Koki Beach, known for its distinctive red sand and scenic backdrop.