Guide to the East End of Molokai

When visiting the east end of Molokai, you can visit the Halawa Valley. Halawa Valley is the site where the Marquese Island people first settled. The people continue to live at the Halawa Valley after it was hit by 2 consecutive tsunamis in 1946 and 1957. Many people like to go there to perform recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming and etc. The site used to have many heiaus. The heaiaus attracted a lot of people from other islands. There are two waterfalls including Moaula Falls and Hipuapua Falls. Moaula Falls is about 250 foot high. If you walk 2 miles down the valley, you will be able to see the Moaula Falls. Hipuapua Falls is about 500 foot high. The waterfall is located 0.25 miles from the northern side of Moaula. If you want to visit the two waterfalls, you have to obtain the permits.

If you have a car, you can drive along the Halawa Valley Drive. The 28-mile Halawa Valley Drive offers picturesque scenery. During the scenic drive, you will drive pass many beautiful landscapes such as rocky headlands, deserted beaches, fishponds and etc. At the end of the Halawa Valley Drive, you will reach the Halawa Bay. The Moaula Falls and Hipuapua Falls are located at the end of the Halawa Valley as well. If you want to hike to the waterfalls, it is recommended that you participate in an authorized tour company. This is because the waterfalls are located on private property.

Besides, you can pay a visit to the Halawa Beach Park. The Halawa Beach Park has two beaches including Kamaalea beach and Kawili beach. Kamaalea Beach and Kawili Beach is popular surfing spot. It is dangerous to swim at these two beaches because of the violent waves. At the Halawa Beach Park, tourists can visit the coves. There is one cove in the north and one cove in the south. It is safe to swim at the coves when there is now wave. If the strong current occurs in the water, it is best that you don’t swim. The inshore water is dirty so it is not a good snorkeling spot.

To reach Halawa Beach Park, you have to take Highway 450. Near the beach park, there is a gravel parking lot. You should bring your own water. The only facilities available at the Halawa Beach Park are restrooms and pavilions for picnickers.