When I’m driving the Road to Hana, I almost love the stop at the red sand beach even more than the black sand beach, and it’s mostly because of how you have to get there. 

As you’re coming into Hana town, take a left on Hauoli road (you’ll pass a church and some tennis courts) then turn left and park along Uakea road. The trail starts back on the other side of the Hana Community Center towards the water (you’ll see the trail across the lawn). 

The trail is well trodden and easy to follow, but it’s covered in pine needles and parts of it have a slope (and a bit of a ledge). Once you round the corner and make the descent down into the beach, the trail is pretty narrow and there’s a big drop off. 

A bit about the technicalities: Hiking to the red sand beach in Hana is kind of controversial. A lot of locals don’t want hoards of tourists visiting it (they consider it a special place and rightly so).

The beach IS on private property but the owners have made it accessible to the public under a law that releases them from liability. So, go at your own risk (like anywhere). Whether or not the trail is too dangerous is also a contentious topic (again, you’re going AT YOUR OWN RISK). First of all, you absolutely should only do this trail if you’re wearing shoes that are strapped onto your feet. Do NOT do this in flip flops. 

The only way into the cove is down a trail that’s probably three feet wide with the mountain on one side and a pretty steep drop off on the other. When wearing appropriate shoes, going slowly, and being very aware of my surroundings (namely other people), I’ve never felt uncomfortable doing this trail. But that’s not to say that that’s the case for everyone. 

This isn’t a well maintained trail, and while it’s well frequented, you definitely go at your own risk.