Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dominates the pavilion area. The best place for visitors is on the stretch of sand on the left
side of the beach. The parking can be tight.
ROAD TO HANA
Honomanu Bay
Although you don't realize it while driving, only a small section of the Road to Hana actu-
ally hugs the coastline. There are dramatic vistas out over the water, but most of the time
you're looking from at least a mile inland. The only exception to this rule is Honomanu
Bay, a deep cleft in the mountainside where a thickly forested valley gives way to a gray
sand beach. Due to the rough water there isn't any swimming at Honomanu. You'll find
the beach empty. Accessing Honomanu can be difficult: Keep an eye out for the hidden
entryway next to mile marker 14. Caution: The access road to Honomanu is steep and only
paved for the first half. Drivers with low clearance cars or those without four-wheel drive
should think twice before venturing down the hill.
HANA TOWN
Pa'iloa Beach (Black Sand Beach)
The black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park is the most popular in Hana—for good
reason. Just a few miles before the sleepy center of Hana (and just past the turnoff for Hana
Airport), this is a place where dense foliage and black lava rock come face-to-face with
crashing blue surf. The water along the shoreline is often rough, particularly in the after-
noon. The result of this tumultuous wave erosion is a beach formed of crushed black lava
rock. The color of the sand here is as black as the sky that envelops the town of Hana each
night. To reach the shoreline you need to walk down a paved path from the parking lot of
the state park. When you reach the bottom, you'll notice some sea caves you can explore
at low tide. Since the sand is formed from lava rock, it isn't the most comfortable; bring
a blanket or a towel if you plan on hanging out for a while. Once back at the parking lot,
don't leave without checking out the freshwater caves. You can also walk the trail winding
along the shoreline.
MM Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach)
It's important to understand three things: For one, Red Sand Beach can be a nude beach,
so if you're offended by nudity, it's best to stay away. Second, Red Sand Beach can be dan-
gerous to access. There are rock slides, slippery scree slopes, sheer drop-offs, and an angry
ocean. If you're unsure of your footing or have mobility issues, it's best not to try. Third,
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