Murphy Beach Park (Kumimi Beach)
Kaunakakai, HI
Murphy Beach Park sits right on Kamehameha V Highway at mile marker twenty, small enough to miss if you're not watching for it, but it's the most dependable snorkel spot on this whole side of Molokai. A fringing reef breaks up the surf close to shore, and the calm, clear water inside it holds up most of the year.
Locals call this the island's best easy snorkel spot for good reason, calm and reliable, but the tiny shoulder parking means only a few cars fit at a time.
How we score beachesGo at mid to high tide. Low tide here exposes enough reef that swimming gets difficult and the fish scatter to deeper water.
Parking is right along the highway shoulder at the park, free, with just a handful of spots.
The beach sits just steps from the road with no path or stairs to navigate, an easy stop even for a quick visit.
Maui County's countywide leash law applies here.
This stretch of coast stays relatively calm year round thanks to the reef, though a south swell, more likely in summer, can occasionally stir up the shallows.
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