A hidden cove is covered with red sand and sharp blue ocean water.
In all of Maui, the red sand beach remains my favorite spot. There are other red sand beaches throughout the world, but none have the seclusion, the contrasting blue water, and the jagged sea wall to go with it.
To get to the red sand beach, you don't need to go too far from the Black Sand Beach. You'll first need to get to Hana and then go to the end of Uakea Road. Parking here is extremely limited and you'll have to find a spot on the side of the road.
After you've parked, you'll make your way across the grassy area to the south of the Hana Community Center. As you hug the tree line nearest the water, you'll eventually see a small path.
As you begin to follow the path, you'll encounter the warning signs, letting you know of the dangerous trail ahead. I only found the decline down the hill to bit a little challenging, and the rest of the hike was mostly easy.
Once you get to the bottom of the hill, you'll head north along the trail. It's easy to follow and didn't appear to have any dicey spots, but I'm sure that could all change with the movement of a single rock.
You'll continue along with some small ascents and descents until you come to a large opening in the tree line and see the stark blue water. The water in itself is worth seeing, but you follow the bend to the left and you'll begin to get your first views of the cinder cone and the red sand.
While the views from here are spectacular, I urge everyone to be careful of their step as the path is not flat from here on out and a mis-step could result in a fall onto some unforgiving rocks.
Continue down the steps to the actual sand of the beach. Here's you'll find the smaller pieces of red mixed with black to make the dark red colors.
As you continue to explore the beach, you'll find load of interesting things to see. The large red wall of the cinder cone behind the beach. The jagged black sea wall a few feet out into the bay. Trees and vegetation simply finding a way to sprout in every nook around the beach.
As you approach the water, you'll quickly realize that barefoot is not the way to go as the "sand" is often made up of larger chunks of volcanic rock. You'll also find the tide is a bit unpredictable around that sea wall, so it's challenging to relax in the water. This is definitely more of a viewing/relaxing beach than it is a swimming beach.
After you've had your fill, pack up and head back the way from which you came.
Know Before You Go
You must park at the side of the road and spots are very limited.
This is deeper into the Road to Hana journey, so make sure you're watching the time throughout the day so that you don't arrive too late.
Footwear is a must for this beach - it isn't soft sand!
Use loads of caution once you've in the water as the tug of the tide is unpredictable.
Be alert on the hike as the area is known to have rock slides.
Resources
Video
The video below provides views of the hike to the Red Sand beach.
Location
Once you arrive in Hana, head to the Community Center at the end of Uakea Road. You'll have to park on the street to hike down to the Red Sand Beach.
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