Hālawa Park — Attraction in Molokai

Halawa Park 🏝 The magnificent views enticed us as we drove down into the valley. It is one lane and very windy to the end of the road… literally. You find yourself in a lush garden jungle covered valley, where you can stand in the mix of ocean and river water as you look up the valley to the spectacular waterfalls. There are 2 small coves within one larger protected cove. We spent the entire day alone, exploring and enjoying these beaches. It was a day I’ll likely never forget.

Molokai beaches are idyllic, almost cliche. Soft white sand, clear aqua blues of the warm water, palm trees, wildlife… you know, Hawaii 🏝 Yet, not. There are so few people on this island that you find yourself alone or nearly alone at every beach. The east (wet) side of the island has mangroves and jungles, whereas the west end is desert with thorn tree forests. (Seriously, watch out for those thorns, Yo!) The west side also has amazing tide pools at most beaches. All around, I found many beaches to have a wicked undertow with super soft and fluffy sand that you sink 6”-10” + into. Of course I know it’s all crabs in there as I’d just watched them scurry from hole to hole and dig more holes!...

Feb. 18, 2022. 450 past mile 21 gets narrower and narrower. Views are amazing. All paved but can be intimidating for freeway drivers. Amazing construction effort. Luckily we only met 3 vehicles on way in and could get by. Blind corners abound. Last descent into valley is steep! We used low, low in our rental to save the brakes. Lots of rocks in the road we had to dodge. Most big enough to destroy a windshield. I wouldn't do this in or just after a storm. Would also think strongly of getting the full insurance on a rental if going in. You're a great driver with a stellar history but you're not going to stop those unexpected rocks from the cliffs above. Facility at end of pavement was closed and chained off. Looks abandoned for some time, Covid? Some folks camping (I guess) off gravel lot. Everyone said aloha, no hostility as others have reported. No signage other than one at beginning of a trail saying 'sacred area, no alcohol'. Respected the notice and stayed off. Views of waterfalls up valley were inspiring. Looked like a long way in. Saw no indication of a trail though others have...

The scariest narrow 1 1/2 lane mountain road on the east side of Molokai. The vegetation changed dramatically from higher to lower elevation and felt a bit like Jurasic Park. About half way to the end of the road there is Puu O Hoku Ranch, a small gift shop with minimal snacks or provisions. The road to turns very steep and several switch backs to reach the end. There are a couple places to pause and look over the edge but they are mostly over grown and you can't see much. At the end of hwy 450 you will have a rustic parking lot with a nice picnic table looking into Halawa bay. The river runs into the ocean here and you can take a few steps thru the river onto the sand island in the bay. If you want to go to the waterfall you need to be on a guided tour as much of the land is...