Access to Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach Closed for 3 Weeks

Waiʻānapanapa. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Access to Waiʻānapanapa State Park black sand beach and bay will be closed for about three weeks, beginning on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, as a part of the DLNR Division of State Parks’ ongoing capital improvement project.

The existing path and stairway to the beach will be closed as state crews work to construct new pedestrian pathways throughout the park.

Pailoa Beach will not be accessible during the construction of a new concrete pathway with steps at that location.

Waiʻānapanapa pathway construction. PC: DLNR

Currently underway is a six-month project that began in September to install a new 4-foot wide walkway along the coastline of the park, which provides access to the scenic lookouts along the coastline.

State officials say the project will not affect the rental of the 12 cabins in the park. While the campground will remain open, campers should be aware of construction activity in the area during the weekdays from 7 a.m. to around 3 p.m.

The estimated completion date for this portion of the project is Nov. 28, 2016, barring any delays due to inclement weather.

Waiʻānapanapa pathway construction. PC: DLNR

Since this is the only improved way down to the beach within the park, the State Parks’ contractor will have personnel on site to keep people out of the work area for safety reasons.  The staffing will also ensure that the placement of ADA-related forms and concrete work are maintained.

Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will have a presence at the overlook near the parking lot and cave trail entrances to prevent individuals from trying to climb down from the lookout to the beach.

A “no beach access” sign will be posted on the short splinter to the cave loop trail that goes to one of the beach overlook locations.