Halawa Beach Park
Halawa, HI
Halawa Beach Park sits at the literal end of the highway, where Molokai's east end road runs out at the mouth of a valley that's been farmed since well before Western contact. Two black sand beaches, split by Halawa Stream, curve around the bay, backed by cliffs and, on a clear day, a view across the channel to Maui.
The valley setting and the two distinct beaches make this one of the most scenic stops on the island, but it's a genuine hour plus drive from Kaunakakai on a narrow, winding road that keeps it from being a casual outing.
How we score beachesAsk before hiking further into the valley itself. The waterfall trail beyond the beach crosses private land, and going with a permitted local guide is the only way in that doesn't cause problems.
Free parking sits at the end of Highway 450, right at the park, with restrooms nearby and rarely a crowd to compete with.
A short, flat walk from the lot reaches the sand on either side of the stream, though the black sand and occasional rock make for an uneven walk barefoot.
Maui County's countywide leash law applies at this county park.
Summer brings the calmest water for swimming at either beach. Winter's stronger surf and current, especially at Kawili, run strong enough that locals treat the bay as a lookout more than a swim spot that time of year.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
Kama'alaea Beach
The western of Halawa Bay's two beaches, a curving stretch of black sand just north of where Halawa Stream meets the ocean, with a gentler slope into the water than its neighbor across the stream.
Parking: Reached on foot from the main Halawa Beach Park lot at the end of Highway 450.
Local tip: This side is the calmer swim of the two most days, worth the short walk over if Kawili looks rough.
Get directions →Kawili Beach
The eastern beach in Halawa Bay, more exposed to open ocean swell than Kama'alaea across the stream, rockier underfoot, and a good spot for fishing where the stream empties out.
Parking: Reached on foot from the main Halawa Beach Park lot at the end of Highway 450.
Local tip: Skip swimming here when any real surf is running. The exposure makes currents noticeably stronger than at Kama'alaea.
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