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Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach

4.5 (141 reviews)

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Joyce T.

Beautiful beach but there is no proper walkway to the beach, it's kind of dangerous to walk there with cliffs and slippery slopes. There's even a sigh telling you not to take the risk. The beach is protected from big waves due to there's some rocks acted like a fort athe beach

Nick P.

I'm updating this review but with pictures. I still recommend people come here. A lot less busy compared to other beaches.

Overlook view
Amanda A.

I am laughing at my 10 years ago self. The hike is not so treacherous to me anymore and I am entertained at myself for once thinking so. Since then I have been many more places and done many more hikes, lots that were far more dangerous than this one. This is still just as beautiful as I remember it. Definitely more well known now and a lot more people than when I came 10 years ago.

Christopher V.

Once you finally get through that long trip to Hana, you should check this beach out. It's a 10 minute hike, although it can be a bit tricky. It's a narrow, sometimes slippery path uphill. The beauty of the cliff's edge and water below is breathtaking, it's can be a little scary but very doable. Once you make it to the beach itself, the water is cool and clear. Bring a dive mask, you can snorkel and see some cool fish. The sand isn't your powdery Caribbean sand, it's small rocks so bring water shoes or proper shoes. I've been lucky enough to go twice to Kaihalulu beach, can't wait for the next one.

View from trail down
Kristi S.

We went early (8am) before the table was set up (we didn't realized it was actually closed due to someone falling until we came out). The walk is doable but a lot of slick spots and open cliffs for potential falls. Highly recommend if you can safely get back through the trail!

Jacqueline T.

This was hands down my favorite stop on the Road to Hana. We actually stumbled upon it by accident. It's not on all of the popular lists of things to see on the Road to Hana. We took a wrong turn and my mom happened to read about this in her guide book just in time. Park on the side of the road where it dead ends right by the school. It's not 100% clear where the trail starts. Walk through the large grassy area and you'll get to a group of trees and see a better trail. We walked on the wrong side of the fence which was not a trail. If you zoom in on Google maps, the trail is there and will lead you right to the red sand beach. It's maybe half a mile walk and pretty easy. You'll turn the corner and spectacular views await. This is the first time I have seen red sand. Pair it with the turquoise color of the ocean water here and it's absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, since there are so many stops along the Road to Hana, we didn't have a lot of time to spend here. I'd stay in Hana next time and spend way more time here and at the black sand beach at the state park. Compared to most of the other stops, this one wasn't very crowded. There were only a handful of other people here. We even got to see a seal sun bathing! If you have to narrow down your list for the Road to Hana, make sure this is on it!

Daniel O.

This made the Road to Hana worth it for me. Not hard to find as some may suggest but if not sure just wait, someone will go into or emerge from the jungle . Yes the trail is tricky and slippery. Do this at your own risk. Wear closed toe shoes with good traction and be aware of your surroundings.

Red Sand Beach
Summer K.

Best beach to visit in Hana! Such an amazing experience!! We almost skipped it because of so many reviews that said it was hazardous to get down to it but we don't think it was as bad as it was made out to be. As long as you take it slow and cautious then you will be just fine. It was worth it to us and would totally do it again.

Tina K.

We took our entire family to Maui and of course we had to take the road to Hana. We wanted to see the black sand and red sand beaches. It was breath taking and peaceful. It took us 2.5 hours to drive there. After 30-mins on the drive we lost our phone reception for the rest of the trip, we enjoyed this for the kids . The road to Hana is windy and scary at some points because it becomes a one man road. Imagine a line of cars coming from both directions and someone has to move over or be courteous. The drive is gorgeous however. Every 5 miles you are greeted with something new, a waterfall, large trees or animal flock. The black sand and red sand were hard to find without many signs. However, Hana is a small rural town of 4,500 population. It is very remote and intriguing to see life be simple and calm. You should stop at the vendors and support. We got a fresh coconut to drink the warm tasty coconut water. We ended up making it to Kīkō Beach. It was beautiful. This was the best beach we found on the island. The red sand were more like rocks and the black sand we seen from a far. We were very happy with the road to Hana. It was the best 5 hour ride of my life, thus far.

Justin K.

When reaching the town of Hana, most people drive in to eat and then keep going to complete the Road to Hana. As there are no signs to guide you to Red Sand Beach aka. Kaihalulu Beach, this hidden gem is often missed. Located just past the Thai restaurant you reach a community center and a dead end facing a private property gate. Park where you can and you'll begin your journey through an unmarked path which is about a 15 mins trail along a cliff side that is steep and narrow. I recommend wearing trail shoes however I did see people in their "slippahs" doing it. Once you reach the end you are greeted by a small secluded beach which feels like your in a dream. The hill covering this beach is rich in iron and is why the beach's sand is such a deep red. The tide is partially shielded by an offshore reef which makes snorkeling amazing. Being one of the few Red Sand Beaches in the world, I highly recommend checking this place out!

Red sand beach
Savanah L.

We found this place on Yelp when we got turned away from the black sand beach (we didn't know you needed reservations ooops). It's a short easy hike to it and slightly steep at the end but totally doable. The hike was worth it. The beach wasn't that busy and we were surrounded by huge red rocks and sand - it was so secluded and perfect. Absolutely beautiful.

Cindy C.

This is the place to go to! It's secluded, a small "hike" to get to and the water is warm. There is also a rock area that you could swim out to and jump into the ocean. It's only about 7 feet high and the water is 6 feet deep so highly suggest not diving. Bring your snorkel gear, drinks, and food to make it a hang out day. I would suggest some type of water shoes as the bottom is rough getting into at first. Also-nudists could be around!

Cam G.

Getting here was a hassle, but it was SO worth it! I suggest parking at the beach park or in the grass parking up the hill, but do not park in front of the school or on the street. There's no parking signs and you'll get ticketed. I added a photo of the entrance and I suggest wearing shoes and changing or taking them off once at the beach the hike there is a bit rough on sandals. The beach itself is a small bay and protected by rocks and is swimmable! RECOMMEND if you're in Hana and have a bit of time to spare!

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11 months ago

This place is fantastic, the drive is a bit far but well worth it. Hiking to this beach can be tricky. Follow the signs and people.

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2 years ago

It was amazing I loved everything and is so cool how the sand is somewhat red like it is red just not bright red in total I loved it

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Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach Reviews in Other Languages

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Review Highlights - Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach

make sure to bring tennis shoes (ditch the flip flops) this is one of my favorite beaches in Maui.....

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Hamoa Beach - View from the walk down

Hamoa Beach

4.6(58 reviews)
2.4 mi

We were traveling the Road to Hāna and ended up spending some time in Hāna after hiking, where we…read moremet a local who recommended that we visit Hamoa Beach since it was close by. We are so glad we listened. As with most beaches in Hawai'i, parking can be a bit crazy, but we were lucky enough to find a spot nearby. From there, you walk down a set of steps that lead into a small alcove-like beach area, and it is absolutely gorgeous. The weather that day was perfect, and the waves were ideal for boogie boarding, which we ended up doing and had a great time. There isn't a lot of shade, so I definitely recommend bringing an umbrella. There are signs leading to the beach reminding visitors to be respectful of the land and the energy, and you can truly feel a special, almost magical presence the moment you step onto the sand. This is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. I honestly wished we had stayed overnight in Hāna so we could spend more time enjoying it. It almost saddens me to write this review because it feels like such a special, somewhat hidden beach that isn't overly crowded yet. If I ever make it back to Hāna, I would absolutely return to Hamoa Beach.

My son and I took the back road to Hana and had a full day and still a bit of a drive back to our…read moreplace. But, he really wanted to go to a beach after hiking and exploring all day. I literally pulled off the side as it was starting to get dark and let him know he had 30 minutes to play. I didn't really know quite what to expect when we got there. I was able to find street parking and then stairs leading down to the beach. When we walked down, we were in awe of the magic we had found. Huge blue waves like something out of a movie. We had the best time jumping waves together, enjoying the water and the gorgeous ocean scenery. The beach wasn't crowded at all for us and just a few families and surfers hanging out. Once we got splattered in the water and full of sand, we were able to rinse off in the outdoor shower and get back on our way. Would definitely come back to this heaven.

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Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach - View from walk down

View from walk down

Hamoa Beach

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Pipiwai Trail - Bamboo Forest

Pipiwai Trail

4.8(229 reviews)
0.4 mi

This is a pretty easy hike with great payoff! It only takes about 2 hours, and you get to hike over…read morea couple of bridges, through a bamboo forest, and end up at a gorgeous waterfall! I'm an athletic kinda girl, and I would say this trail is maybe a 2/5 in terms of difficulty. (I'd give it a 1, but it has some incline, so I gave it a 2.) My boyfriend is a homebody and rarely hikes, and he gave it a 3/5 in terms of difficulty. One thing to note: The drive to get here is a DOOZY. I did thee Road to Hana the last time I was in Maui, and it freaked me out so much that we tried going around the south side of the island this time. That was also very scary. Unless you are prepared for very narrow roads (I'm talking one lane with traffic going both ways) on a cliff, sometimes with drops straight into the ocean, don't do it. If you are okay with that, do the Road to Hana for the more scenic drive. The southern drive was less scenic, and probably just as scary.

Came back here 5 years after I went the 1st time and brought my 9 year old. He made it to the end…read moreand back. The trail didn't seem as magical, maintained or green as I remember the 1st time. Maybe a different time of year? More mosquitoes as well. Still, it was pleasant and glad we went. We saw a lot of people bringing infants in carriers and really small kids. This is a serious hike. I would say maybe 7 + in age if you are bringing kids. You may make it part of the way, but it will take you an hour to get to the bamboo forest at least and there are a lot of weird wide steps. Bring water, snacks, hiking stick and bug spray.

Photos
Pipiwai Trail - Base of the waterfall

Base of the waterfall

Pipiwai Trail
Pipiwai Trail - Bamboo Forrest

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Bamboo Forrest

Hana Bay Beach Park - The front city hall

Hana Bay Beach Park

4.1(30 reviews)
0.2 mi

The Road to Hana led us to this gateway beach park. It is a great stop to appreciate the view,…read morestretch, use the restroom, and catch a great meal from the food truck court located around the corner. It's a drive. The journey and the destination are memorable. Please come and create your own adventure.

Hana Beach Park, brada... if you wen' survive that Road to Hana, you already one warrior of the…read moresea. That ride get more turns than one old salty captain's yarn, whipping you left, right, and all ova like the island itself testing if you worthy. By the time you roll in, sistah, you feel like the road gave you one good ol' deck-shaking from bow to stern. Trees crowd the cliffs, waterfalls burst outta nowhere, and every bend look like another chance for the ocean to snatch you clean off the rail. But when you finally reach that sand... ho, you feel the island breathe on you. And the place? No expect one big town, cafeteria, or even gas for your battered chariot. Nah, brada Hana keeps 'em old-school, straight 1980s local style, untouched and proud. All you get is that wide, golden beach, the quiet breeze, and the statue of the Queen watching ova her people like one steadfast guardian. You stand there, toes in the sand, and you feel the mana, like stories of the ancestors drifting across the bay, whispering through the ironwoods, blending with the roar of the surf. It's simple, almost stubbornly so but that simplicity stay royal. As you look out at the ocean, you feel like you earned something sailors only talk about aftah surviving one long voyage arrival. Not just reaching Hana, but proving to yourself you could weather the road, the curves, the madness, and still come out grinning. That beach park becomes your harbor, your anchor point, where the world slows down and reminds you why we call this land home. Hana Beach Park, sistah, ain't just a stop it's the finish line for the brave and the beginning for the lucky.

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Hana Bay Beach Park - The Hana beach park

The Hana beach park

Hana Bay Beach Park
Hana Bay Beach Park

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Koki Beach - Bones of Pele

Koki Beach

4.2(11 reviews)
1.2 mi

We stopped by Koki Beach on our way to Haleakala National Park on the Road to Hana. It was raining…read morewhile we were here, but it was still a beautiful and relaxing stop to enjoy the ocean views. It did look like a beach people go into the water at, though, so that might be something to look into. However, the water was very choppy so definitely not water you'd want to get in with any type of rain. You can see a little mountain off the coast - Ka Iwi O Pele or Bones of Pele - which was where Pele had her final battle with her sister. Koki Beach was not crowded at all while we were here - there were maybe 5 other people here. It's a nice place to stop and look at the ocean and Ka Iwi O Pele, but if you're in a rush or have a packed day, I'd say this is a stop you can skip as there are many other beautiful stops I'm sure you'll have stopped. However, if you have the extra time in your schedule, I would definitely take a quick stop to take in the scenery.

I've passed by Koki Beach just a handful of times in my life, but last week was the first time…read moreactually stopping here and enjoying the water after a suggestion from a woman at Hamoa Beach. She said Koki Beach was considered the 'baby beach' or kids beach and stays pretty shallow about a 100-200 ft out. It was kind of weird since from what I've known about this beach growing up, the waters are rough and there are strong under currents here and folks should swim with caution -- as seen on the many signs that are posted. The water was really rough at Hamoa and so we decided to come out here and check it out anyway. The sand is a mix of white and red sand. There's also a grassy area with picnic tables and has a nice view of Alau island in the distance. This might make for a great rest stop to picnic and enjoy your meal if you're not looking to swim. The water does stay relatively shallow before you hit the shore break. Beyond that, it was a bit too sketchy for me and I'd only recommend strong, experienced swimmers to head out there. I went off to the right side of the beach where there were little tide pools and red sand and enjoyed looking at the fish. Calm waters and just wadding in the pools is more my jam! Once 4PM hit the local Hana folks started coming out with their families and keiki. It was then I realized what the lady meant by 'kid's beach.' These little rippers were catching the little waves and learning how to surf/body board. It was the cutest thing! We did watch other surfers catch some good waves as well. Overall, it's a pretty beach and would recommend a stop here, just exercise caution and know that you're most likely not going to find calm, flat waters here.

Photos
Koki Beach
Koki Beach
Koki Beach - What do you do when the Huli chicken place is unexpectedly closed?   Pizza is never a wrong answer

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What do you do when the Huli chicken place is unexpectedly closed? Pizza is never a wrong answer

Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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