PAPOHAKU BEACH PARK, MOLOKAI

With three miles of soft-sand beach, Papohaku Beach (also known as Three Mile Beach) flows uninterrupted down Molokai's west end. Billed as Hawaii's largest white sand beach, there's plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the Friendly Island ambience. Each May, Papohaku Beach Park is also the setting for the Molokai Ka Hula Piko, the island's biggest cultural festival.

Here you'll find campsites, indoor and outdoor showers, as well as picnic and restroom facilities. What you won't find is a lot of foot traffic. There's plenty of space to enjoy a beautiful view of Oahu. Out of sight over the Kaiwi Channel - just past Diamond Head (Leahi) - is Waikiki, which actually took sand from Papohaku years ago to help build up its own shores.

QUICK FACTS

Name:

Papohaku Beach Park

What is it:

Hawaii's largest white sand beach

What to do:

Swim, sunbathe, picnic, unwind

What to bring:

Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water

Directions:

From Maunaloa town, take Kailua Koi Road to the western coast

Admission:

Free