Molokai - Hawaii with Kids - page 325

George Murphy Beach Park (shortened to Murphy Beach Park over the years),
but some old-timers still call it Kumimi Beach and, just to make things real con-
fusing, some people call it Jaycees Park.
No matter what you call it, this small park is shaded by ironwood trees that
line a white-sand beach. It's generally a very safe swimming area. On calm days,
snorkeling and diving are great outside the reef. Fishermen are also frequently
spotted here looking for papio and other island fish.
HALAWA BEACH PARK
At the foot of scenic Halawa Valley is this beautiful black-sand beach with a
palm-fringed lagoon, a wave-lashed island offshore, and a distant view of the
West Maui Mountains across the Pailolo Channel. The swimming is safe in the
shallows close to shore, but where the waterfall stream meets the sea, the ocean
is often murky and unnerving. A winter swell creases the mouth of Halawa Val-
ley on the north side of the bay and attracts a crowd of local surfers. Facilities
are minimal; bring your own water and snacks. To get here, take King Kame-
hameha V Highway (Hwy. 450) east to the end.
7 For the Active Family
The best places to rent beach toys (snorkels, boogie boards, beach chairs, fishing
poles, and more) are Molokai Rentals and Tours, Kaunakakai ( & 800/553-
9071 or 808/553-5663; www.molokai-rentals.com); and Molokai Outdoors
Activities, in the lobby of Hotel Molokai, just outside Kaunakakai ( & 877/
553-4477 or 808/553-4477; www.molokai-outdoors.com). Both operators have
everything you'll need for a day at the beach and can also give you advice on
where to find a great swimming beach or where the waves are breaking.
IN THE WATER
BODYBOARDING & BODYSURFING Molokai has only three beaches
that offer ridable waves for bodyboarding and bodysurfing: Papohaku, Kepuhi,
and Halawa. Even these beaches are only for experienced bodysurfers, due to the
strength of the rip currents and undertows. You can rent boogie boards with fins
for $7 a day or $21 a week from Molokai Rentals and Tours, Kaunakakai
( & 808/553-5663; www.molokai-rentals.com). Boards with fins go for just
$4.80 a day or $19 a week at Molokai Outdoors Activities, in the lobby of
Hotel Molokai, just outside Kaunakakai ( & 877/553-4477 or 808/553-4477;
www.molokai-outdoors.com).
OCEAN KAYAKING During the summer months, when the waters on the
north shore are calm, Molokai offers some of the most spectacular kayaking in
Hawaii. You can paddle from remote valley to remote valley, spending a week or
more exploring the exotic terrain. However, most of Molokai is for the experi-
enced kayaker only. You must be adept at paddling through open ocean swells
and rough waves. Molokai Rentals and Tours, Kaunakakai ( & 808/553-5663;
www.molokai-rentals.com) has a kayak tour of the south side of Molokai for $45
adults and $25 children under 16, which includes snorkeling. They also offer
kayak rental: single $25 a day ($100 a week) and double $35 a day ($150 a
week), which includes life jackets, roof rack, paddles, and leashes.
Molokai Outdoors Activities ( & 877/553-4477 or 808/553-4477; www.
molokai-outdoors.com), has sunset tours ($45 per person) of the ancient Hawaii
fishponds, a tour of the inshore reefs for beginners or nature lovers ($57 per
person), and a coastline tour for more experienced kayakers with snorkeling