I'll be travelling to Maui next Tuesday for 1 week and then onto Oahu for 3 days. We have a horse riding tour scheduled and I was just wondering if you were supposed to tip your tour guide. What is the protocol with this? Also, I'd really like to see the Black Sand beach but I'm staying in Kaanapali. I understand this beach is in Hana. Is this correct and is it worth the day's drive to see it? TIA.

Voltaire,

I don't know the answer to your first question, although I'd be stunned if you weren't expected to tip your guide in Maui.

As to the black sand beach, I thought it was neat, however, since it is fairly close to Hana and a long drive from Kaanapali, I wouldn't drive there just for the black sand. The drive to Hana, of course, has been discussed ad naseum on this forum. I personally believe that the drive is worth a day's trip, when you stop at several neat places along the way. The book, Maui Revealed, will tell you exactly how to get to the black sand beach.

And as a post note. When we went to the black sand beach the first time, we thought we would take a rest and swim and lay out in the sun there. WOW! We had forgotten how black absorbs heat. The sand becomes blistering hot as the day wears on. We had to pack it in early and continue on down the road.

Duane

Wainapanapa State Park (spelling probably lacking a few aaa or ''' !). It's a nice spot for a picnic etc, as well as the beach itself you can walk all around, I think you can even walk quite a ways down towards Hana. Have a great time, wish I was heading that way too.

Checked my "Favorites" folders & found:
"Wai'anapanapa State Park. In Hana at end of Wai'anapanapa Road off Hana Highway (Highway 360), 52.8 miles east of Kahului Airport--3 hours drive.

Remote, wild, low-cliffed volcanic coastline offering solitude and respite from urban life. Lodging, camping, picnicking, shore fishing and hardy family hiking along an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail which leads to Hana. Excellent opportunity to study a seabird colony and anticline pools. Other features include native hala forest, legendary cave, heiau (place of worship), natural stone arch, sea stacks, blow holes and small black sand beach.

122.1 acres "

http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/maui.html

We traveled to a black sand beach on Maui. What I learned was that there's not a lot of difference between black sand and dirt. Very disappointing. JMHO

Maui Revealed also lists a black sand beach a little bit south of the Maui Prince hotel in South Maui. There's a point called Pu'u Ola'i or Red Hill that juts out near the Makena South golf course...on the south side of the hill is Big Beach, and the black sand beach on the north side. There's a dirt road off of Makena Alanui Rd for access, it's the road before the two that go to Big Beach. Buy Maui Revealed, it's awesome.

When we stopped by the black sand beach (in January) it was covered in red ants...just FYI

Since the Hawaiian islands are made entirely of lava which is black, why aren't ALL the beaches in Hawaii black sand?

When we went to the black sand beach on Maui, red ants covered everything. We had to sit in the car to eat lunch. Unbelievable that people were actually camping in this area.

My wife and I went to a black sand beach in Maui. Didn't see one red ant. Maybe they come out at a certain time of the year or something, but we didn't see any. Also, we thought the black sand beach was definitely something to see. Keep in mind that the black sand beach is actually lava rocks that the water has broken down into pebbles over the years. When you walk on it, it feels different than a regular beach. It's, well, rocky for lack of a better word and is harder on your feet. It doesn't hurt you, but you can definitely feel the difference. It's also harder to clean it off in my opinion. Make sure you have a good pair of aqua socks or whatever kind of beach shoes you where. The black sand beach is on the way to Hana. The Road to Hana is incredible. Make sure you do it. There is more to see than just the black sand beach. There are rain forests, waterfalls, natural pools, and if you go past Hana and drive all the way around, you can see the back side of Haleakala, which is amazing. Have a safe trip and have fun. Hawaii is truly incredible.

How about tipping on excursions? Is this expected of you?

Yes tipping is expected on excursions. I usually tip about $5 for each person in my family.