Molokai Beaches

Molokai Beach Guide

Molokai Beaches

Find the best Molokai beaches for quiet shoreline walks, remote coves, snorkeling, fishing, sunset views and wild coastal scenery, from Papohaku Beach and Dixie Maru Cove to Halawa Beach, Murphy's Beach and Kaupoa Beach.

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Molokai Beaches Overview

The island of Molokai has a coastline of about 88 miles (142 km). Molokai beaches are never crowded and most are rather deserted since the island is home to just a little over 7,400 residents. Also, Molokai is still off the beaten path (it hasn't been discovered by too many visitors yet).

There are only a few good swimming beaches on Molokai. Most beaches on the island are rocky and have an offshore reef or a shallow nearshore ocean bottom with murky water. On Molokai's west shore, Dixie Maru may be the best for a refreshing swim, while on Molokai's east shore, Murphy's Beach is the most popular for snorkeling. Another nice sandy beach and the perfect place for a long beach stroll is Papohaku Beach, one of the longest white-sand beaches in the entire state of Hawaii. Beach sand in Hawaii comes in all kinds of shapes and colors. Read more about Hawaiian beach sand composition.

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Beach directory

Molokai Beaches

Browse Molokai beaches by area and activity, from famous surf breaks and snorkeling coves to quieter local beach parks, family beaches and scenic shoreline stops.

Awahua Beach
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Awahua Beach

Awahua Beach is a remote black-sand beach on Molokai's Kalaupapa Peninsula, known for sea cliffs, historic significance, restricted access and dangerous no-swim ocean conditions.

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Halawa Beach
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Halawa Beach

Halawa Beach is a remote east Molokai beach park with Kama'alaea and Kawili beaches, valley scenery, picnic pavilions, winter surf and calm-day swimming.

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Hale O Lono Beach
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Hale O Lono Beach

Hale O Lono Beach is a remote south Molokai shoreline known for fishing, surfing, winter whale watching, cultural history and the Molokai Hoe starting area.

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Kakahai'a Beach Park
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Kakahai'a Beach Park

Kakahai'a Beach Park is a quiet south Molokai roadside park known for birdwatching, fishing, picnic tables, wildlife refuge habitat and rocky no-swim shoreline.

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Kamiloloa Beach
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Kamiloloa Beach

Kamiloloa Beach is a narrow south Molokai shoreline near Hotel Molokai, known for reef views, fishing, palm trees, quiet scenery and poor swimming conditions.

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Kaupoa Beach
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Kaupoa Beach

Kaupoa Beach is a secluded west Molokai beach with twin crescent coves, white sand, lava rocks, tide pools, summer snorkeling and no lifeguards.

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Kepuhi Beach
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Kepuhi Beach

Kepuhi Beach is a scenic west Molokai beach known for golden sand, Kaiaka Rock, sunset views, resort access, strong currents and dangerous shorebreak.

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Kiowea Beach Park

Kiowea Beach Park

Kiowea Beach Park is a quiet south Molokai park near Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, known for picnics, fishing, royal history, freshwater springs and poor swimming conditions.

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Mo'omomi Beach
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Mo'omomi Beach

Mo'omomi Beach is a remote northwest Molokai shoreline known for wind-blown dunes, Mo'omomi Preserve, native plants, fishing, rough access and no-swim ocean conditions.

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Murphy's Beach
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Murphy's Beach

Murphy's Beach, also known as Kumimi Beach and Mile Marker 20 Beach, is a scenic southeast Molokai beach known for calm-day snorkeling, fair swimming, fishing and roadside views.

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One Ali'i Beach Park
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One Ali'i Beach Park

One Ali'i Beach Park is a spacious south Molokai coastal park with two sections, picnic pavilions, grassy lawns, fishing, cultural monuments and rocky swimming conditions.

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Paka'a Beach
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Paka'a Beach

Paka'a Beach is a secluded rocky bay on Molokai's west shore, known for fishing, rugged scenery, public right-of-way access and poor swimming conditions.

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Papohaku Beach
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Papohaku Beach

Papohaku Beach is one of Hawaii's largest white-sand beaches, known for long walks, dunes, sunset views, camping facilities and dangerous open-ocean conditions.

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Po'olau Beach
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Po'olau Beach

Po'olau Beach is a small west Molokai cove known for white sand, black lava rocks, fishing, picnics, calm-day snorkeling and an easy-to-miss access road.

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Pohakumauliuli Beach
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Pohakumauliuli Beach

Pohakumauliuli Beach, also known as Make Horse Beach, is a secluded west Molokai shoreline with two coves, tide pools, cinder cone scenery and unsafe swimming conditions.

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Sandy Beach
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Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach is a small east Molokai cove near mile marker 22, known for clear water, calm-day swimming, roadside access and no lifeguards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best beaches on Molokai?

Popular Molokai beaches include Papohaku Beach, Dixie Maru Cove, Halawa Beach, Murphy's Beach, Kaupoa Beach and One Ali'i Beach Park.

Which Molokai beach is best for long walks?

Papohaku Beach is one of Hawaii's largest white-sand beaches and is known for long beach walks, dunes, sunset views and wide open scenery.

Which Molokai beaches are best for snorkeling?

Dixie Maru Cove, Murphy's Beach and Kaupoa Beach can offer snorkeling when ocean conditions are calm, but conditions change and there are no lifeguards at many beaches.

Are Molokai beaches safe for swimming?

Some Molokai beaches have calm-water pockets at times, but many have strong currents, reef, rocky shorelines or open-ocean hazards. Always check conditions before entering.

Which Molokai beaches are on the west shore?

West Molokai beaches include Papohaku Beach, Dixie Maru Cove, Kaupoa Beach, Kepuhi Beach, Paka'a Beach, Po'olau Beach and several secluded coves.