This was one of the highlights of our trip. Amazing views and hiking. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking…read moreand climbing rocks to the top. Black sand beaches and swimming are available too.

I've been to quite a few black sand beaches around the world, and this one is a pretty special…read moreexperience, especially because you can actually get into the water and swim while surrounded by such a different landscape. The black sand beach is definitely the highlight of the park, although don't go in expecting that super fine, soft black sand you may be imagining. Here it's much more like little black stones and rocks. Honestly, I'm okay with that because I've been to one with the super fine black sand and it was a nightmare . Imagine regular sand getting absolutely everywhere and then make it black... everything looks dirty! The waves can be pretty strong, so come prepared for that if you want to swim. There are also quite a few other things to see and explore throughout the state park, so I wouldn't just come for the beach and leave. One important thing to know is that you now need a reservation to enter the park, so don't just show up expecting to walk in or you'll be turned away. It's also right along the Road to Hana, so getting here is part of the whole experience.

This is a pretty easy hike with great payoff! It only takes about 2 hours, and you get to hike over…read morea couple of bridges, through a bamboo forest, and end up at a gorgeous waterfall! I'm an athletic kinda girl, and I would say this trail is maybe a 2/5 in terms of difficulty. (I'd give it a 1, but it has some incline, so I gave it a 2.) My boyfriend is a homebody and rarely hikes, and he gave it a 3/5 in terms of difficulty. One thing to note: The drive to get here is a DOOZY. I did thee Road to Hana the last time I was in Maui, and it freaked me out so much that we tried going around the south side of the island this time. That was also very scary. Unless you are prepared for very narrow roads (I'm talking one lane with traffic going both ways) on a cliff, sometimes with drops straight into the ocean, don't do it. If you are okay with that, do the Road to Hana for the more scenic drive. The southern drive was less scenic, and probably just as scary.

Came back here 5 years after I went the 1st time and brought my 9 year old. He made it to the end…read moreand back. The trail didn't seem as magical, maintained or green as I remember the 1st time. Maybe a different time of year? More mosquitoes as well. Still, it was pleasant and glad we went. We saw a lot of people bringing infants in carriers and really small kids. This is a serious hike. I would say maybe 7 + in age if you are bringing kids. You may make it part of the way, but it will take you an hour to get to the bamboo forest at least and there are a lot of weird wide steps. Bring water, snacks, hiking stick and bug spray.

What an amazing spot! I'd venture so far to say that this was my favorite part of the Road to Hana…read moreexperience. The beach itself is quite secluded; you have to park in a quiet part of town near Hana, then find the trail at the edge of a park, then walk roughly 15 minutes to get to the beach itself. And the trail has quite a few obstacles, so be prepared. The beach itself is so cool, there's a natural rock formation that creates a "pool" for everyone to enjoy. All the benefits of the Pacific without as much concern for safety since the rocks create a barrier. Great for swimming and soaking in the sun, and it's a little quieter (until you see this review?), excellent destination near Hana!

A must-see on the road to Hana, definitely one of our top spots throughout the trip. Since this is…read morein a residential area, please prioritize respect to the locals and don't park your oversized Jeep too obnoxiously. The way down is through crossing the grass field to the left of the Hana School/Youth Center. Do NOT cross private property to get to the beach. The path isn't formally paved and a bit slippery, so I recommend NOT bringing your whole beach getup (chair, umbrella, etc.)-- keep it minimal bc you'll likely need your hands to balance. My bf and I just wore backpacks with our towels in them and were totally fine. The beach itself is incredible; a rich terracotta shore with clear waters, sheltered by the cliff and trees. It feels like escaping into a hidden oasis. We spent an hour swimming and skipping rocks, even playing with tropical fish that chased our feet. Bring a pair of goggles! NOTE: Cliffside pathway to the beach is pretty worn but decently stable. Not accessible by wheelchair. Nothing too dangerous if you've ever hiked on trails like Big Sur before, but would recommend hiking sandals as some parts can be a little crumbly. We watched several beachgoers wearing flip flops or crocs eating shit lol

The Road to Hana led us to this gateway beach park. It is a great stop to appreciate the view,…read morestretch, use the restroom, and catch a great meal from the food truck court located around the corner. It's a drive. The journey and the destination are memorable. Please come and create your own adventure.

Hana Beach Park, brada... if you wen' survive that Road to Hana, you already one warrior of the…read moresea. That ride get more turns than one old salty captain's yarn, whipping you left, right, and all ova like the island itself testing if you worthy. By the time you roll in, sistah, you feel like the road gave you one good ol' deck-shaking from bow to stern. Trees crowd the cliffs, waterfalls burst outta nowhere, and every bend look like another chance for the ocean to snatch you clean off the rail. But when you finally reach that sand... ho, you feel the island breathe on you. And the place? No expect one big town, cafeteria, or even gas for your battered chariot. Nah, brada Hana keeps 'em old-school, straight 1980s local style, untouched and proud. All you get is that wide, golden beach, the quiet breeze, and the statue of the Queen watching ova her people like one steadfast guardian. You stand there, toes in the sand, and you feel the mana, like stories of the ancestors drifting across the bay, whispering through the ironwoods, blending with the roar of the surf. It's simple, almost stubbornly so but that simplicity stay royal. As you look out at the ocean, you feel like you earned something sailors only talk about aftah surviving one long voyage arrival. Not just reaching Hana, but proving to yourself you could weather the road, the curves, the madness, and still come out grinning. That beach park becomes your harbor, your anchor point, where the world slows down and reminds you why we call this land home. Hana Beach Park, sistah, ain't just a stop it's the finish line for the brave and the beginning for the lucky.

Feels kind of bad leaving an average review for such a culturally significant, historical…read morelandmark... This review is based on its tourism aspect. At the time we visited (March 2023), the pools themselves were... Underwhelming. To my understanding, swimming hasn't been permitted for some time, so to enjoy the Seven Sacred Pools, you kind of look at them from a faraway cliffside. Even then, the view isn't particularly spectacular, it's almost a bit drab-- some pools are dry, others are murky green, and the sheer desert-like heat makes this a relatively unpleasant experience. Ngl I think global warming and the season we visited probably has something to do with its appearance; other folks likely have a different experience. The trails are quite dusty, so sneakers are better than hiking sandals here. Several hiking trails are open (some shaded, some not), which can take a few hours to complete-- better for folks who are doing the Road to Hana backwards or those who have an overnight stay in Hana, since by the time we got here, it would've been late evening by the time we got back to Paia. We did a few short trails, but felt they were very average. I did enjoy the visitor center-- there's plenty of educational pieces on how Polynesians discovered Hawaii, and the later damage done by colonizers. We ended up donating and purchasing a beautiful print of Haleakala. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Right at the end of the Road to Hana (for us at least). As everyone else said, it was a pretty easy…read morewalk, only about a half mile loop. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you don't have the time/energy for the Pipiwai Trail. There was a $30 entrance fee before coming in but it's good to use for 3 days. They have a decent amount of parking, a nice visitors center, and bathrooms. The view of the pools were very good of course. It's definitely a great turn around spot if you were heading back down the road.

This black sand beach was a nice stop at the end of Road to Hana, but I'd say it's more of a park…read moreexperience than an actual beach. First, please know that you have to make a reservation for the state park ahead of time; you need to get a ticket for a specific time window in order to gain entry. Once on the premises, there's a spacious park and picnic area near the parking lot, before you get to the stairs that lead down to the beach itself. The beach is visually stunning, with the black sand contrasted against the clear blue Pacific Ocean. But the space isn't that big, and with the tourist volume they get, don't count on a peaceful day of lounging on the beach itself. Plus the currents here are not very friendly for swimming, so mist folks didn't go in the water. There are some other interesting sights, like a tiny cave just off the shore, and a trail on the far end of the beach that offers some more views. But again, don't plan a full beach day here, it's more of a sightseeing stop than anything else.

This is cool beach to stop at while on the Road to Hana. You have to make reservations ahead of…read moretime to get a pass. The kiddos loved playing in the water. The area is nice and a good place to chill!

About 7 miles past Hana sits Wailua Falls, and it's absolutely worth the stop. This spectacular…read morewaterfall feels like one of those "you're really in Maui now" moments. It was raining when we went, which actually worked in our favor (fewer tourists). I highly recommend checking it out if you're already exploring that side of the island. And bonus, there's actually a small area where you can park, which feels like a miracle on the Road to Hana.

Beautiful waterfall with just a quick walk across the street, and a 2 minute walk closer to the…read morefalls! Definitely recommend.

We were traveling the Road to Hāna and ended up spending some time in Hāna after hiking, where we…read moremet a local who recommended that we visit Hamoa Beach since it was close by. We are so glad we listened. As with most beaches in Hawai'i, parking can be a bit crazy, but we were lucky enough to find a spot nearby. From there, you walk down a set of steps that lead into a small alcove-like beach area, and it is absolutely gorgeous. The weather that day was perfect, and the waves were ideal for boogie boarding, which we ended up doing and had a great time. There isn't a lot of shade, so I definitely recommend bringing an umbrella. There are signs leading to the beach reminding visitors to be respectful of the land and the energy, and you can truly feel a special, almost magical presence the moment you step onto the sand. This is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. I honestly wished we had stayed overnight in Hāna so we could spend more time enjoying it. It almost saddens me to write this review because it feels like such a special, somewhat hidden beach that isn't overly crowded yet. If I ever make it back to Hāna, I would absolutely return to Hamoa Beach.

My son and I took the back road to Hana and had a full day and still a bit of a drive back to our…read moreplace. But, he really wanted to go to a beach after hiking and exploring all day. I literally pulled off the side as it was starting to get dark and let him know he had 30 minutes to play. I didn't really know quite what to expect when we got there. I was able to find street parking and then stairs leading down to the beach. When we walked down, we were in awe of the magic we had found. Huge blue waves like something out of a movie. We had the best time jumping waves together, enjoying the water and the gorgeous ocean scenery. The beach wasn't crowded at all for us and just a few families and surfers hanging out. Once we got splattered in the water and full of sand, we were able to rinse off in the outdoor shower and get back on our way. Would definitely come back to this heaven.

We stopped by Koki Beach on our way to Haleakala National Park on the Road to Hana. It was raining…read morewhile we were here, but it was still a beautiful and relaxing stop to enjoy the ocean views. It did look like a beach people go into the water at, though, so that might be something to look into. However, the water was very choppy so definitely not water you'd want to get in with any type of rain. You can see a little mountain off the coast - Ka Iwi O Pele or Bones of Pele - which was where Pele had her final battle with her sister. Koki Beach was not crowded at all while we were here - there were maybe 5 other people here. It's a nice place to stop and look at the ocean and Ka Iwi O Pele, but if you're in a rush or have a packed day, I'd say this is a stop you can skip as there are many other beautiful stops I'm sure you'll have stopped. However, if you have the extra time in your schedule, I would definitely take a quick stop to take in the scenery.

I've passed by Koki Beach just a handful of times in my life, but last week was the first time…read moreactually stopping here and enjoying the water after a suggestion from a woman at Hamoa Beach. She said Koki Beach was considered the 'baby beach' or kids beach and stays pretty shallow about a 100-200 ft out. It was kind of weird since from what I've known about this beach growing up, the waters are rough and there are strong under currents here and folks should swim with caution -- as seen on the many signs that are posted. The water was really rough at Hamoa and so we decided to come out here and check it out anyway. The sand is a mix of white and red sand. There's also a grassy area with picnic tables and has a nice view of Alau island in the distance. This might make for a great rest stop to picnic and enjoy your meal if you're not looking to swim. The water does stay relatively shallow before you hit the shore break. Beyond that, it was a bit too sketchy for me and I'd only recommend strong, experienced swimmers to head out there. I went off to the right side of the beach where there were little tide pools and red sand and enjoyed looking at the fish. Calm waters and just wadding in the pools is more my jam! Once 4PM hit the local Hana folks started coming out with their families and keiki. It was then I realized what the lady meant by 'kid's beach.' These little rippers were catching the little waves and learning how to surf/body board. It was the cutest thing! We did watch other surfers catch some good waves as well. Overall, it's a pretty beach and would recommend a stop here, just exercise caution and know that you're most likely not going to find calm, flat waters here.

From the moment we turned onto the winding driveway, we knew we were in for something special…read more Kahanu Garden isn't just a garden -- it's a serene, lush world tucked into Maui's upcountry that feels like a secret paradise. The pathways are beautifully designed, taking you through thriving groves of exotic tropical plants, vibrant orchids, towering protea, and delicate ferns that seem to whisper with every breeze. Everywhere you look there's color -- from the fiery blossoms of bromeliads to the soft pastels of hibiscus swaying in the gentle sun. Plant Variety: A staggering array of species from around the world, all thriving in Maui's perfect climate. Every corner felt like a new discovery. Peaceful Walkways: The trails are shaded and easy to stroll, with benches placed just right for enjoying quiet moments and taking Photo Worthy Everywhere: Whether you're into close-ups of blossoms or sweeping landscape shots, there are endless frames waiting to be captured. Relaxed, Unhurried Vibe: Unlike bigger attractions, this garden felt personal and un-touristy. It was easy to spend a couple of hours just soaking in the calm and beauty, watching butterflies flit between blooms. Overall, it wasn't just a visit -- it was a moment of peace in a hectic travel schedule. If you love nature, flowers, or just a beautiful place to slow down and breathe, this place deserves every one of its five stars.

A nice quiet site to visit if you're spending some time in Hāna. I wouldn't recommend if you're on…read morea time crunch and doing road to Hāna and back all in one day, as this is a good place to leisurely stroll. The visitor center appeared fairly new and the grounds were immaculate. There are several native Hawaiian archaeological sites featured. The property backs up to the beautiful coastline. You continue on down the short drive from the visitor center, to the parking area (which has a few picnic tables), where the walking area begins. It's about 0.5 loop walking area. If you're looking for an ornate botanical garden with flowers, this isn't it. However, they do feature tons of native plants and trees and provide relevant historical and cultural info. I'd say overall it was worth the $18/person non-resident entry. Tucked away and underrated, if you're looking to get away from the crowds at the nearby national and state parks.