The coast trail leaves the right side of the parking lot at the Black Sand beach overlook and passes near an occasionally active blowhole, then winds along the desolate shore, on a black lava shelf out of reach of waves crashing below.

In the interest of full disclosure, we don’t really know how far the trail extends, since we’ve only gone 2 1/2 miles down the coast before turning back. There’s little shade and, while the scenery along the coast can be spectacular, it does get repetitive after awhile. Honestly, waves crashing against black lava, blowholes and lava arches are great, but after baking in the hot sun for an hour, it all seems more than enough. Turn back whenever you've had enough.

Waiananpanapana State Park, off the Hana Highway a few miles outside of Hana, has some interesting attractions besides the coast hike. There’s the Black Sand beach, of course. Most visitors pull in to the parking lot, take a picture or two from the overlook. They’ll walk down to the beach and, if adventurous, walk through the lava cave on the right side of the beach. A few may even go into the water if the sea is calm.

Slightly more adventurous types might take the short loop trail from the left of the parking lot to a freshwater cave - according to legend the unsuccessful hiding place for a Hawaiian princess.

Incidentally, be sure to bring a towel and take a refreshing dip in the cave after your coast hike!

We happened to see a sign for this park off of the Hana Highway. You have to go down a narrow road on the way there but don't be discouraged at the end of the road you will see the park. The park has a black sand beach, lava caves and a great hiking trail. We had a picnic lunch there and enjoyed playing in the caves. My two year old son enjoyed running in and out of the caves. The tide comes in quick at the cave by the beach so be careful. The view is amazing from the top of the cliffs.

Legend has it that Chief Kaakea, a jealous and cruel man, suspected his wife, Popoalaea, of having an affair. Popoalaea left her husband and hid herself in a chamber of the Waianapanapa Cave. A few days later, when Kaakea was passing by the cave, the shadow of a servant gave away Popoalaea's hiding place, and Kaakea killed her.

When we first arrived, the first thing we noticed was that we were the only ones there. We could not have picked a more picturesque place to picnic. It was so quiet and, as we walked forward to the eastern edge of the park, we realized how high up upon a cliff we were. It is a looong way down. There are no railguards so enjoy the scenery, but whatever you do, don't lose your balance!

The cliff here overlooks the beautiful royal blue ocean; a stunning site. Everything in this park was lush green, and brightly colored birds abounded - one or two of them hopping onto our table on occasion to join us for lunch. These birds are gentle and will almost eat right out of your hand. A quiet, gentle, naturally beautiful, unforgettable place. You will find a few picnic tables here (most of them in the shade) along with bathrooms, but not much else. This park is located just outside Hana, so it's convenient if you are staying in Hana or making the Road to Hana trip...or perhaps visiting the nearby Seven Sacred Pools. Waianapanapa State Park: 808/984-8109.

Waianapanapa. It's a spot and a state park 50 miles down the twisting road to Hana, on a road that's a lane and a half wide (almost). Such fabulous scenery that you wouldn't want to drive fast, even if you dared. But to get home before dark, the locals must - and they know the road. Let them pass.

This is a location on the windward side of Maui where the moist trade winds zip up the 10,000 ft side of Mt. Haleakala, cooling as they rise. So it rains a lot and the lush foliage is proof of that. That and the waterfalls, which are many and splendid, and surprisingly cool, for a tropical venue.

When you reach the park area near Hana, there's a black sand beach, sea caves, a cascading waterfall through the "Seven Sacred Pools" (which locals know are neither seven nor sacred - but make a great story for tourists), hiking par excellence, and much history. So much that there's little time to take it in - if you must make the 50 mile scenic drive twice in a day. That's why a few days camping at Waianapanapa State Park caught our interest. Well! Not camping really, but staying in rustic cabins with kitchen facilities - at a very economical rate. Our first stay cost $7/person daily. Last time, it was $45/night for a party of four.