Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Hawaii · State Park · Hawaii Region
Maui's famous black sand beach framed by lava arches, sea caves, and lush tropical vegetation along the Road to Hana. The jet black sand against turquoise water is genuinely photogenic from every angle.
- Best season
- Year round
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max group size
- 25 people
Permit Information
Hawaii DLNR Special Use Permit required for weddings (explicitly listed as a named SUP activity). Applications must be submitted at least 45 days in advance for non commercial, 90 days for commercial. Timed entry reservation also required for park access. DLNR does not publish SUP fee amounts online, contact DLNR.DSP.Permits@hawaii.gov or call 808 984 8109.
Planning Your Day at Waiʻānapanapa State Park
One-Spot Day
Waianapanapa is a one spot day inside a compact park. The black sand beach, the sea arch and collapsed lava tube, and the northern coastal bluff all sit within a one mile walk of the main parking lot along the Kings Highway trail. Pick your primary ceremony spot based on privacy needs and pair the others in for portraits. Timed entry reservation required for all non resident visitors via gowaianapanapa.com, book up to 30 days ahead.
Ceremony + Portraits Split
Splits work naturally here. Sunrise at the beach for the iconic black sand and turquoise shots, a short walk north to the sea arch for a second look with crashing surf, then the coastal bluff for cliff top wide frames. Everything sits within walking distance. The Hawaii DLNR Special Use Permit typically covers a single specified area, so name the full corridor in your application if you plan to move between spots.
A Note on Light
The beach faces east northeast, so first light gives glowing rim light on the sea cliffs and the arch framing the bay. Overcast skies make the black sand read as deep velvet rather than harsh charcoal, cloudy days actually work beautifully. Wind along the coastal trail is constant and veils behave unpredictably, plan for it. Storm damage has closed sections in recent years, confirm trail status before the day.
Ceremony Spots at Waiʻānapanapa State Park
- Pa'iloa (Honokalani) Black Sand Beach — Couples wanting the iconic jet black sand and turquoise water contrast that put Waianapanapa on the map
- Sea Arch & Collapsed Lava Tube Overlook — Couples who want dramatic volcanic geology, crashing surf, and more privacy than the beach offers
- Northern Coastal Bluff Lookout — Couples wanting sweeping panoramic ocean views with more privacy and open space than the beach