Things to do nearBlack Sand Beach
Black Sand Beach in Hana, Hawaii is a striking volcanic shoreline known for its jet-black sands, dramatic coastal scenery, and rich natural surroundings.
Black Sand Beach sits within Waianapanapa State Park near Hana on Maui's eastern coast, a region shaped by centuries of volcanic flows that built the island from the ocean floor. The dark sand is not imported or artificial; it formed as lava cooled rapidly against seawater and fractured into the fine grains visitors walk on today.
The beach draws photographers, nature lovers, and travelers completing the Road to Hana who want a place that feels genuinely remote. The surrounding landscape includes sea arches, lava tubes, and a coastal trail edged with hala trees and native Hawaiian plants.
Hawaiian legend ties the site to a princess said to have sought refuge in the sea caves nearby, lending the place a sense of history that goes well beyond its geology. Interpretive signs within the park help visitors connect those stories to the landscape around them.
Black Sand Beach is not a calm swimming spot, but it is an extraordinary place to stand at the edge of the Pacific and understand how young and powerful this island still is. Few beaches anywhere deliver that combination of history, legend, and raw natural drama in one view.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Black Sand Beach
Arrive early in the morning to claim a quiet stretch of sand before day-trippers from the Road to Hana reach the area.
Wear water shoes, as the black volcanic sand heats up quickly under the midday sun and the shoreline can have sharp rock edges.
Bring your own food and water, since services near Black Sand Beach in Hana are limited and the drive back to town takes time.
Watch the surf carefully before entering the water, as the waves here can be powerful and conditions change without much warning.
Pair your visit with a short walk to the nearby Wainapanapa State Park trails for sea caves and coastal views that extend the experience.
Top tours & experiences near Black Sand Beach
Private Full-Day Road to Hana Waterfall Tour in Maui
Ride the Road to Hana by private van with a guide, lunch, and black sand beach entry
Full-Day Road to Hana Guided Tour From Maui
Ride the Road to Hana with a guide, lunch, and black sand beach time
Reverse Road to Hana Guided Tour From Maui
Tour the reverse Road to Hana by private Bronco, with waterfalls, farms, and black sand beach
Road to Hana 10-Hour Guided Tour
Explore Maui's waterfalls, rainforest, and black sand beach with a local guide
Private Road to Hana Guided Tour
Explore Maui’s rainforest, waterfalls, and black sand beach with a private local guide