Wai'ānapanapa State Park Campground

Without a doubt, Wai’anapanapa State Park Campground is among the best and most beautiful on the island. Even though there are 40 tent sites and 12 campsites (and there’s a good chance you’ll have to shoulder in quite close to your neighbors), you’ll still feel like you’re in a world of your own when you start wandering away from the campground. It’s just several miles off the Hana highway, and even if you’re not planning an overnight stay, this is worth a stop—the Wai’anapanapa Coastal Trail to Pukaulua Point is, in a word, stunning. 

If you are planning to camp, though, you’ll need to pre-purchase a permit for $18 online and print it. Yes, seriously. Don’t depend on showing the ranger a receipt on your phone. And don’t even think you’ll be able to get away with buying one onsite. The rangers are known for strictly sticking to their rules—and for good reason, oftentimes they’re booked solid. Another thing to note is that both pets and alcohol are prohibited on premises. As you might guess, this is strictly enforced as well.

Tour buses and just about every rental car within a 50 mile radius will clamber to the black sand beach, Pa’iloa Beach, to take in the incredible 360-degree views. This is one of those views that effectively renders just about everyone speechless. Wai’anapanapa in native Hawaiian translates to "glistening water." And the juxtaposition of the dark crescent of black sand with the shining, foaming, crashing waves is one you’ll never forget. That said, sharing the view with 50 strangers doesn’t quite paint the perfect picture of serenity. One of the greatest joys of camping at the Wai’anapanapa State Park Campground is sticking around until dusk or rising with the sun to catch this view with not another soul in sight.