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Wainapanapa Maui, a Playground for your Soul

Author: Jesse Francis | Date: 23/04/2007

Category: Camping | Subscribe: | Share It:

Article Tags: Mauo, Hana, Wainapanapa, Camping, Accesibility, Sight Seeing

Though Maui is touted for its resorts and long sandy beaches, Wainapanapa packs an array of beauty in one powerful spot. Located just outside of Hana Hawaii, the 122 acre Wainapanapa State Park offers an assortment of treats for the casual viewer and more for swimmers, hikers and campers. Wainapanapa also provides wheelchair accessible areas for viewing the incredible ocean vista from above. Intrepid wanderers should be wary, the ocean is not rational nor considerate and safety should be your first priority.

Wainapanapa is the name for the small family-run campground and recreational area just outside of Hana Town on the island of Maui. Wainapanapa has gorgeous overlooks accessible to anyone. You can watch pounding surf rise from the main blow hole, beach-goers swimming below at the pebbly black sand beach and seabirds circling rocky islets just offshore.

A casual loop trail goes down stone steps through a hau forest where you can swim in freshwater ponds, see interesting cave formations and walk through tunnels of vegetation. The sign at the top of the trail alerts you to the location where an ancient princess was murdered and explains that her blood causes the water turn red at odd times throughout the year. Another easy trail, brings you nearer the blow hole and down to the black sand beach. If the surf is mild, take a dip.

Intermediate and advanced hikers may want to walk the 2 or so miles past the beach to the Hana airport along a very rocky path. Be respectful of the Hawaiian architecture if you can spot it and be mindful of your feet. There are several large pukas (holes) where you can look twenty to forty feet down into the raging sea. Many shorn sea cliffs and a large rock beach sweep the entire length of this walk and a water jug is a must. The views and the obvious power of the ocean here are unspeakable.

If you'd like to take your time, 12 cabins sprawl across the camping area, separated from the main park and an ever present bull who spends his time tied to a lonely tree. The cabins are not very well kept up but they suit for camping facilities. You'll need a permit/reservation from Maui Parks and Recreation Dept. in Wailuku so be sure to call at least a few weeks before your visit. The cabins usually have 2 twin beds in the living area and two bunks in the bedroom so you can comfortably sleep about 8 people. Each cabin also has an electric stove, kitchen utensils and a few plates and some silverware. On the porch (facing the ocean) you'll find a nice wooden picnic table for fun lunches even when it's raining. All the cabins have running water, electric lights, and a fire-pit with grill for outdoor cooking.

Early morning walks from your cabin will bring you home to the magic that is Hana. Papaya and palm trees pepper the area while feral kittens and mongooses scout in wary patrols for scraps of food. A menagerie of birds will salute your ears and flowers will throw swathes of color at your every glance. At night you'll doze to the comforting sound of giant waves pounding solid rock.

Since you've taken the liberty and given yourself time to camp, you may as well stroll the seaside, where you'll find the other blow-holes, less mentioned but still impressively strong.

At $45.00 per night a cabin is worth the investment. Sleeping in the wilds of Maui makes for a precious contrast to the bustle of Kihei and Lahaina. The nature of Wainapanapa provides what no hotel service can; Peace of mind, serenity and a sense of the true majesty of the sea.

To get to Wainapanapa head east on Hana Highway from Paia town. After 41.3 miles of curving roads through lush rain-forest and swept grassy cliffs take a left onto Honokalani Rd. Just after Mile Marker 32. Take it slow down Honokalani's residential setting and stop at a stand to let the locals know you appreciate their willingness to allow you into their private paradise. If your camping, pull right after checking in at the management station. If your just spending an hour or the day, bear left at the management cabin and find a nice place to park.

Wainapanapa is the perfect perfect place for your family, lovers, even alone. If you come to Maui, be sure to visit and if you need a place to stay on the busier side of the island, try these moderately priced Maui condos in Kihei on Maui's sunny south shore.

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