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.

Preserved in its natural state by two public agencies, the point's appearance changes constantly as dunes shift, become stabilized or erode away. The Peninsula is in its geologic "youth" at Leadbetter Point, where it still continues to grow. Here, picturesque sand dunes support stands of beach grass, lupine, wild strawberry, sand verbena, sea rocket and beach pea. Potholes created by the wind between the dunes fill with winter rains and support willow and marsh plants. A salt marsh of pickleweed and arrowgrass on the bay side of the point is flooded and drained twice daily with the movement of the tides. Biologists have recorded over 100 species of birds here.