How to Find The Red Sand Beach in Maui: A Simple Guide
So many people choose to visit Maui, Hawaii for its beautiful features, from Haleakala to Iao Valley to the Road to Hana including the Black Sand Beach and today’s topic- the Red Sand Beach. Visiting the Red Sand Beach in Maui was one of my favorite memories as it is so unique from other beaches. When I was trying to go, finding directions was NOT easy, so I’m here to help!
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Why Visit The Red Sand Beach?
This beach is one of the most unique on Maui and in all of Hawaii. The other name for the “Red Sand Beach” is Kaihalulu Beach, its official name. I loved that it was a small beach cove, so there wasn’t as many people as other beaches on the islands. I also loved the BRIGHT turqouise water and the unique sand color AND the effort to get to it. Definitely worth it TO ME.
Where is The Red Sand Beach on Maui?
The Red Sand Beach in Maui is located on the Far East Tip near Hana, HI. I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous drive “Road to Hana.” We took this drive over 1.5 days and stayed (camped) near Hana, giving us plenty of time to explore the Red Sand Beach. It takes 2 hrs to drive here from the airport in Central Maui, FYI. If you plan to slam all of Road to Hana in one day, you may not have time to visit this beach, because it takes a short hike to get there.
What Time of the Year is Best to Visit Maui?
Maui, HI is a year-round destination. Any time of year or day is great to visit, but there are a few things to consider. One, is precipitation and visitation in Maui in general. November-March is the wetter season, which may put a damper on your plans. The shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October are considered the best times to visit because of good weather, lower crouds, and better prices.
The Shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October are regarded as the best months to visit maui.
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Directions to The Red Sand Beach
Parking
As notated on my Google Map above, you park roadside between The Hana Ballpark and The Hana School. You likely will see others parked there. It can be a bit cramped. Make sure there aren’t any “no parking signs” too! We were able to find a spot with our big camper van, luckily. You may have to be patient.
Starting your hike
From your parking spot, you will walk down Uakea Road AWAY from Hana Ball Park to the end of the road towards the ocean- it was easy to find in my opinion. Be aware, the beginning of this hike technically starts on the property of the school. There is an obvious gate and trail, as below. If someone is present, ask for permission. There were plenty of people at this beach, just as an FYI.
Red Sand Beach Hike
Is This Hike Dangerous?
Yes, there are many signs making you aware that this can be a dangerous hike, subjective to landslides and slipping. It is along a cliff. To be honest, I slipped and fell. You need to bring proper shoes and be careful, because you could potentially fall off the cliff. Generally, I did NOT feel scared hiking to Red Sand Beach in Maui. It’s a short hike and easy to follow.
Continue your Maui adventure by seeing one of my favorite stops- the Nakalele Blowhole!
Turning the Corner
You’ll come to the end of a defined trail and onto the rock. You will turn to the left and see the red sand beach, from above. You will follow a trail down the side of a wall down to the beach. The color of the water is visible from up here and it is stunning.
The Desination- Red Sand Beach in Maui
I love this photo above. The sand, if you picked it up, was a combination or red and black- it was really cool. The waves were decently rough here but there were rocks that stopped them from being too rough. We did snorkel a bit here and some some fish and turtles. Most of it is pretty shallow. Lots of people were out sun bathing as well. It was beautiful.
Summit Parking Lot
At the summit parking lot, there is an enclosed lookout with educational signs (we were able to see the big island of Hawaii up here!!), outdoor lookout areas, places to see the rare silversword (pictured below), and you can see the observatory. This was Hawaii’s first research observatory, and it is one of the clearest, darkest places to see stars in the world- WOW! It is an impressive sight. KEEP IN MIND. We left to go to the lower lot, and then the summit lot filled up and a ranger closed the 0.5 mi road back up to the summit. Wherever you see sunset is fine, but if you want to be at the top top, park up there and don’t leave your car (you can walk around if you want!)
What to Bring to the Red Sand Beach
Gear For Red Sand Beach
For the hike in, both my husband and I wore Teva Hurricane Sandals. I am a TEVA girl through and through. Perfect for in the ocean and on the Red Sand Beach (the sand hurts, tbh), and for hiking in. I wore a comfy skort by POPFLEX active over my swimsuit (I don’t have a link for this, sorry!). We shared a backpack for the short hike and used the REI Flash 22 Pack shown below. Towel wise, I love the Nomadix towel because it is very wicking, it is large, and lightweight. I am OBSESSED with my new amazon swimsuit– it does not dig at all and it’s very flattering- and it’s hard for me to find swimsuits. Don’t forget to bring hydration- these Hydration Packets have all the good salts and none of the fake sugars.
Summary- Red Sand Beach in Maui
This was one of my favorite experiences in Maui. Adventurous, unique, and absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend. Try checking out some of these other amazing stops in Maui!
