Maui’s Road to Hana is home to countless incredible viewpoints, parks, waterfalls, and hidden gems, and I’m honestly not sure how you could complete this drive without stopping to witness something gorgeous every twenty minutes — or less. While many of these stops take no time at all, Waianapanapa State Park is different. It is perhaps the one place that should be explored as much as possible.
You see, this little sliver of paradise is home to every enchanting natural wonder you could think of, including striking black sand beach, sea caves, freshwater pools, a blowhole, and cascading waterfalls. This is Waianapanapa State Park, and it looks as though it was ripped straight from the pages of your favorite fairytale.
With lush, verdant greenery, and black lava cliffs jutting into the crystal blue ocean, Waianapanapa State Park is easily one of the prettiest parks you’ll find in the Aloha State.
Scott James Remnant/Flickr
Nestled along the coast of southeastern Maui is this beautiful state park with scenery so diverse you’ll certainly believe as though you’ve stepped into another world — perhaps one from your favorite childhood storybook.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Here you will find a striking black sand beach…
Stacy Egan/Flickr
…secret sea caves…
lifetravelandmore/Flickr
…a cascading waterfall…
Steve Rider/Flickr
…a mesmerizing blowhole…
Matt McGee/Flickr
…thriving flora…
SukkhaP/Flickr
…countless fascinating rock formations…
Birgit/Flickr
…and more!
Vlad Karpinskiy/Flickr
What more could a true explorer want in a park? Camping, perhaps? Oh yeah, they have that too!
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Kenny Louie/Flickr Is there a particular fairytale Waianapanapa resembles most to you? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below!
To make the most out of your trip to Waianapanapa, we urge you to consider applying for a camping permit and pitching a tent overnight or staying in one of the park’s cabins. This way, you won’t be tempted to make a short stop in an attempt to make it to Hana before sundown. Click here for more information about this slice of paradise hiding in plain sight. And for more dreamy destinations along the Hawaiian coast, look no further than this list.
Scott James Remnant/Flickr
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Stacy Egan/Flickr
lifetravelandmore/Flickr
Steve Rider/Flickr
Matt McGee/Flickr
SukkhaP/Flickr
Birgit/Flickr
Vlad Karpinskiy/Flickr
Kenny Louie/Flickr
Is there a particular fairytale Waianapanapa resembles most to you? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
