Popohaku Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
Swim
Spanning a distance of 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 100 yards (91 m) wide, Papohaku Beach on the west shore of Molokai is one of the longest and widest white-sand beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. Low sand dunes and thorny kiawe trees make up the backshore. It is a great beach for a long shoreline stroll. Even though the beach looks inviting, swimming isn't safe here due to strong rip currents. Papohaku Beach doesn't have a protective reef, so it is fully exposed to the open ocean. Strong surf can occur at any time of the year. Since nothing blocks the waves, they break forcefully and can wash up high on the beach, which can pose a danger to anyone walking near the water's edge, especially children. Occasionally, experienced bodyboarders go out and surf here, but this is not a beach for other water activities.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Kaunakakai, Hawaii
- Head southeast on Makaena Pl toward Maluolu Pl (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto HI-460 (14.5 mi)
- Turn right onto Kalua Koi Rd (4.6 mi)
- Turn right onto Kaiaka Rd (0.5 mi)
Located on Molokai's west shore, along Kaluakoi Road.
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