Wainapanapa State Park - Maui, Hawaii

Address:Hana, Hawaii

Meaning "glistening waters," Wainapanapa is 122 acres of unique Hawaiian beauty. The beach itself is filled with black sand, created as a result of lava flow into the ocean that hardens in the water and is then smashed into pieces by the powerful waves. This park has incredible freshwater sea caves and fabulous coastline trails for hiking among the lauhala trees and lava cliffs. Wainapanapa is also home to the remains of an ancient temple and a natural stone arch that makes for incredible viewing. When you visit, be sure to reserve a camping area or a rustic cabin and take in all the splendor here at Wainapanapa State Park.

Walk on a black sand beach at Wainapanapa State Park. You can camp here or rent a cottage, if you plan ahead. Try the trail to the Wainapanapa Caves where legend says Princess Popoalaea hid from her cruel husband but was discovered and killed. Several times a year the waters turn red in her memory, or it could be the tiny red shrimp that live there.

Watch out for menehunes, the Hawaiian equivalent of the Irish leprechaun or wee folk.