The Hawaiian translation of Wai’anapanapa is “glistening fresh water.” The expansive park is named after the freshwater caves, and also features a black sand beach (Pa’iloa Beach), lava tubes, tide pools, heiau, blowholes, hala grove, coastal forests, and hikes. Pa’iloa Beach was formed when Haleakala last erupted. Black sand is created when hot lava is cooled very quickly by the sea. 

The legend of the main cave is that: “Once upon a time, a Hawaiian princess named Popoalaea fled from her cruel husband, the Chief Kakae. She hid on a ledge just inside the underwater entrance to this cave. A faithful serving maid sat across from her, fanning the princess with a feather kahili, symbol of royalty. Noticing the reflection of the kahili in the water, the Chief Kakae discovered Popoalaea’s hiding place and killed her. At certain times of the year, tiny red shrimp appear in the pool, turning the water red. Some say it is a reminder of the blood of the slain princess.”  

*Please note: 3/1/21 – [MAUI] – Waianapanapa State Park – Entry and Parking Reservations are now required for all non-residents. For reservations go to www.gowaianapanapa.com

Hāmoa Beach was designated by Ernest Hemingway as the world’s best beach, and is well known for body surfing. Legend says that the waves (puhelee) of the waters used to be reserved for royalty until a daughter of a Hana Chief surfed them herself and allowed others to join.

Haleakalā means the “House of the sun,” and legend holds that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from the heights of Haleakalā to slow it down and extend the days. The crater at the summit was home to the grandmother of the demigod Maui, who helped him.

The sunrise or sunset at the summit is spectacular and a must see when in Maui. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) said that “It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always.”

Haleakalā is also one of the only places in the world to see the spectre of the Brocken, or akaku anuenue. During sunset, when standing at crater’s edge with the clouds below and in front of you and the sun low and directly behind you, you can see your own shadow on the clouds with a rainbow surrounding it. Hawaiians believe that they’re seeing their actual soul and that the rainbow is a promise from heaven. A good spot to experience this phenomenon is Leleiwi Lookout, which also offers a stunning view of Maui.

Haleakalā National Park also offers many trails, including the Sliding Sands Trail, which leads from the summit area to the crater. ‘Ohe’o Gulch, or the 7 Sacred Pools, is located in Haleakalā National Park and is another popular stop on the Road to Hana. ‘Ohe’o means “something special,” and ‘Ohe’o Gulch is a series of (more than 7!) swimming holes connected by waterfalls. Above the 7 Sacred Pools is the Pīpīwai Trail, which is one of the best hikes on the island.

Make a reservation for sunrise at Recreation.gov