Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hale O Lono
Hale O Lono is not a place that many visitors go. Not because it isn't beautiful, but be-
cause it's incredibly remote. With the closing of Moloka'i Ranch, the dirt roads once plied
by ranch guests now are sporadically used by fishers, canoe racers, or no one at all. Known
for its sunsets and solitude, Hawela Beach on the east side of the old harbor entrance is
the most accessible and most protected. Rough conditions can persist at any time of the
year, but on days with light winds and flat surf, the swimming and sunbathing at Hawela
can be on par with anywhere else on the island. To find Hale O Lono follow Highway 460
until its terminus in the town of Maunaloa. From here Mokio Street will lead to a sloping,
rutted, seven-mile dirt road running down to the shoreline. Two-wheel drive vehicles with
high clearance can make this if it hasn't been raining. A 4WD is recommended in the event
that it has.
MM Mo'omomi
Although Mo'omomi is technically on the northern coast of the island, it fits in with the
“Wild West” conditions found on the western half. With numerous beaches and windswept
dunes, Mo'omomi holds incredible cultural significance for native Hawaiians, particularly
those living in the Hawaiian Homesteads of nearby Ho'olehua. Mo'omomi is a controver-
sial spot to visit because it's on private property administered by Hawaiian Home Lands,
although access has fluctuated from freedom of exploration to talk of erecting a locked
gate. While enforcement is rare and the area is usually deserted, anyone wanting to vis-
it should first get permission by contacting The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
(600 Maunaloa Hwy., 808/560-6104) to enquire about any current restrictions. As with
anywhere in Hawai'i, respect and preservation are key.
Untouched save for the marine debris which washes onto the shores, Mo'omomi is a
place for fishing, lobster diving, and soul-searching. The western portions of Mo'omomi
are part of The Nature Conservancy, and visitors are asked to stay out of the sensitive
ecosystem in the dunes. All hikers are advised to stick to established trails or follow the
shoreline. To reach the Mo'omomi pavilion, follow Farrington Avenue until the road be-
comes dirt and veer to the right at the fork in the road. Walking along the shoreline takes
you to a series of underwhelming beaches, but once you hook back up with the dirt road,
the beauty of windswept Kawa'aloa Beach opens up before you in what is potentially
one of the most scenic stretches of coastline on the island. Though it's possible to hike the
shoreline for miles, there are zero facilities, no places to procure water, and it all looks the
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