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Molokai Beaches and the West End

© Mary Ellen Bradshaw

Part 5

Kawili Beach, Halawa Valley, Sandy Beach on the southern highway 450 and a private keyed beach are part of Pu'u O Hoku Ranch. We like to spend the mornings at the beach snorkeling and swimming. Our favourite Pu'u O Hoku beach is a beautiful sandy beach, with palm trees and a reef, that protects it from the surf. On our first visit here, we see sting rays mating in the shallows. Another time we meet a group of local Hawaiians spear fishing for octopus. Snorkeling is good, but again the reefs do not have the colourful growth of sea anemones and fine corals, that one often finds in the south pacific. There are, however, plenty of colourful reef fish and small shells and pieces of coral, pummice and lava rock. It is very quiet and peaceful and when not swimming, we spend our time reading, walking the shore or meditating on the beauty of this place.*

The afternoons we often spend exploring the island. We have already mentioned the small Sandy beaches along the Southern road. Most of these too, are protected by a reef, so swimming is safe and the water calm. The beaches at the west end are another story. These are mainly surfing beaches and for the most part not safe for swimming, because of the undertows and strong currents. They are however quite beautiful and often tourist-free, great for taking a long walk, or a jog.

The West End, boasts three main beaches Kepuhi, which fronts Kaluakoi Resort. Formerly, a Sheraton Hotel and condominium resort, Kaluakoi has a world class golf course. The hotel looks over the pure white sand beach and on any given day, intrepid surfers can be seen riding the huge waves. The sunsets seen from this area are also legend and sunset dinners are a speciality of the hotel.

The popular Pohaku Mauliuli Beach (Make Horse) is a few hundred meters away from Kepuhi. It too is sandy and quite scenic.

Papohaku Beach is said to be one of Hawaii's most beautiful. It is wide, three miles long and has soft, white sand. Like many of Molokai's beaches, beach morning glory grows over black lava rock and across the sand. It is sometimes safe to swim here in the Summer when the water is not too rough, but in Winter, it is for the most part, treacherous. The adjoining Papohaku Beach Park, has a large cleared area for picnicking and overnight camping. This is one of two public parks on the island where camping is permitted. There are public washroom facilities, BBQ pits and trees for shade. A permit is necessary for overnight camping.

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