Molokai, East to Halawa

My wife and kids like to tease me because they say I can get lost anywhere. Well, Molokai is my saving grace because it is almost impossible to lose you way on this small island. There is basically one main road that runs across the entire length of the island which is only about 38 miles in length and 10 miles wide.

Highway 460 runs from the western shore to just short of the middle of the island. Highway 450 takes over and runs all the way to the eastern shore. You will find a few branch roads but mostly, one relies on the highway system to get around. Most drives and adventures start in the middle of the island as that is where the airport is located and the ferry lands as well.

One big key to remember when driving on Molokai is to slow down and enjoy yourself. This is a small island with agriculture at it’s heart. The highest posted speed limit on the island is 45 mph and in most places it is slower. It is also not unusual to get behind a tractor or some type of harvesting equipment moving down the highway, so kick back and just enjoy the scenery.

This scenic drive will originate at the airport on Molokai and head east to the Halawa Valley. Once you land and pick up your rental car, head east on highway 460. Highway 460 will turn right, or southward, and become highway 450 about 4 miles into the drive. In 8 miles, you will reach the charming “ Big City” of Kauhakakai (all three blocks of it). The scenery between the airport and Kauhakakai will be mostly arid, red and dusty. Almost desert like with scrub brush and prairie grass.

Once you reach Kauhakakai, it’s time to break out the camera because the scenery over the next 28 miles to the Halawa Valley changes suddenly into lush, green coastal lands with several interesting landmarks.

On Molokai, there is a green mile marker sign every mile starting out from the eastern shoreline and getting higher as you head westward. The first must see is Murphy’s Beach found just before mile marker #20. This is a crescent shaped, white sand beach with a grove of palm trees at one end making it the perfect post card beach. The water here is shallow and protected by a large reef system making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There are no lifeguards on duty here so please use extreme caution is you do take a dip.

Continuing eastward on highway 450, the next photo opportunity comes between mile marker #14 and #15 when you come upon Our Lad of Sorrows Church. This well preserved Catholic church was built in 1874 by Father Damien.

Keeping with our church theme, the next photo opportunity is found at mile marker #11 when you come upon St. Joseph’s Church. St. Joe’s was built in 1876, again by Father Damien who was known at “The Martyr of Molokai” for his hard work in the lords name even though he was quite ill with leprosy. This church is listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The door is usually found shut but you can open it and go in for a look around.

27 miles out of Kaunakakai, the road will end at Halawa Bay. There is a scenic lookout here for great pictures of this bay. The bay is actually formed by two beaches, Kama’alaea beach on the left and Kawilli beach on the right. Halawa Beach Park is found here at the end of the line and this is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic and to explore the shoreline. From here, you can also look out over the blue Pacific Ocean and see the island of Maui off in the distance.

After a nice break, it is time to hop back in the car and do it all over again. Total drive time from Kaunakakai to Halawa Bay should be something in the vicinity of 50 minutes.

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