Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Halawa Beach was a favored surfing spot for Molokaʻi chiefs and remains so today for
local kids, although often you won't see a soul. The beach has double coves separated by
a rocky outcrop, with the north side a bit more protected than the south.
When the water is calm, there's good swimming and folks launch sea kayaks here, but
both coves are subject to dangerous rip currents when the surf is heavy.
Up from the beach, Halawa Beach Park has picnic pavilions, restrooms and nondrink-
able running water. Throughout the valley, there's an eerie feel that you can't quite shake,
as if the generations that came before aren't sure what to make of it all. Some locals
aren't entirely welcoming of visitors.
Kalani Pruet
FARM
MAP
makes a mean smoothie from fruit he gathers at this lush and colorful spread of land.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Pali Coast
The world's tallest sea
pali
(cliffs) rise from the Pacific along an awe-inspiring 14-mile
stretch of the Molokaʻi coast from the Kalaupapa Peninsula east almost to Halawa
Beach. The average drop of these sheer cliffs is 2000ft, with some reaching 3300ft. And
these intimidating walls are not monolithic; vast valleys roaring with waterfalls cleave
the dark rock faces. It's Molokaʻi's most dramatic sight and also the most difficult one to
see.
From land you can get an idea of the drama in the valleys from the remote Waikolu
Lookout (
Click here
)
and the Pelekunu Valley Overlook (
Click here
)
in the Kamakou
area.
But to really appreciate the cliffs, you won't want to settle for the backsides. From the
Pacific you can get a full appreciation of their height. You can organize a boat trip or
really earn your adventure cred by paddling yourself here in a kayak. In summer, when
conditions allow, you can leave from Halawa Beach, but this is only for expert kayakers
and will require a few days plus camping on isolated stone beaches. You can get advice
from Molokaʻi Fish & Dive (
Click here
).
A visit to Kalaupapa Peninsula also gives you an idea of the spectacle. Or you can ap-
preciate the drama of the cliffs from the air. Many of Maui's helicopter tours include Mo-
