Sea Caves and Black Sand Beach Trail

This short coastal walk is a 0.7-mile out-and-back from Pāʻiloa Beach Overlook to the black-pebble shore, a beach-side lava tube and a blowhole viewpoint. That total includes the short beach branch and the return to the overlook. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes if you go down to the water and stop at the viewpoints. Most of the walk follows park paths; the beach steps and the last stretch by the lava coast are rougher.

The paved path first opens to a broad view over Pāʻiloa Bay and its dark shore. A short branch drops down to the beach and the low mouth of a lava tube that opens toward the ocean. The upper shore is made of rounded lava pebbles, and the water is part of the appeal, but strong shorebreak and currents make the cave entrance and nearby ledges a poor place to linger when waves are running. You can enjoy the bay from above without going down to the water.

Back on the coastal path, continue past the cemetery and camping area to where the pavement ends, then follow the short rocky spur toward the lava arch and blowhole. The coast is full of collapsed lava tubes, which is why water can burst through openings in the rock. Watch from well back: the ledges are uneven, waves can wash over them, and a blowhole can throw water farther than it looks. Turn around at this first viewpoint; the longer Piʻilani coastal walk continues well beyond it and is a different hike.

Waiʻānapanapa is reservation-only for day use, including parking, so book an entry and parking time before driving out to Hāna. The park lists restrooms, a water fountain and picnic tables in the visitor area. Pets are not allowed.

Pāʻiloa's black sand and pebbles come from volcanic rock worked by the surf. Lava arches, sea caves and blowholes all show different breaks in the same rugged coast. Waiʻānapanapa means “glistening waters,” a name that makes more sense when you look from the overlook across the bay.