West End Molokai | Go Hawaii

West End

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West End, Molokaʻi

Escape to west Molokaʻi for a quiet retreat. Relax on some of the state’s largest and least crowded beaches, including the sweeping white sand expanse of Pāpōhaku Beach and peaceful Kapukahehu Beach (also known as Dixie Maru Beach), a perfect spot to snorkel or gaze at a romantic Molokaʻi sunset. The arid West End faces the Kaiwi Channel. This treacherous 41-mile stretch of Pacific Ocean is the arena for the annual Molokaʻi Hoe canoe competition in October, from Hale O Lono Harbor in Molokaʻi to Waikīkī on Oʻahu.  

Visit the small plantation town of Maunaloa, where you’ll find unique shopping, including the handmade kites of the Big Wind Kite Factory. Once a resort area, the West End is still a great place to find condominium and cottage rentals. As you make your way down Kaluakoʻi Road westward, be on the lookout for wild Axis deer. These spotted beauties were given to King Kamehameha V as a gift in the 1860s.

Regions of Molokaʻi

Central Molokaʻi
Coastline of Central Molokai
Take a journey along 2,000-foot sea cliffs amid dazzling seascapes to visit one of the most remote settlements in the Hawaiian Islands.
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West End
A couple on an empty beach in the west end of Molokai
Swim or snorkel in the sparkling turquoise-blue waters at Pāpōhaku Beach on Molokaʻi’s West End, or enjoy unique shopping and museums in the charming town of Maunaloa.
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East End
A guided tour through a tropical forest on the east end of Molokai
Take a guided tour through the magnificent tropical paradise of Kamakou Preserve and let the breathtaking natural beauty renew you.
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Hawaiian Fishponds of Molokai
Built from lava rock and coral, these 13th-century fishponds were etched into Molokaʻi’s shoreline to supply local aliʻi (royalty) with sustenance.
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Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Take a memorable mule ride down the highest sea cliffs in the world to reach the incredibly remote—and formerly forbidden—settlement of Kalaupapa.
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Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
This dense grove of coconut palms, planted during the reign of King Kamehameha V, is one of Molokaʻi’s most recognizable landmarks.
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Kaunakakai
Browse unique local shops and eateries, visit historic landmarks and stroll down Hawaiʻi’s longest pier in Molokaʻi’s quaint main town.
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Maunaloa
Venture to Maunaloa, a small plantation village set in the hills above the coast, where you’ll find unique shopping and lodging options.
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Papohaku Beach
At three miles long, Pāpōhaku Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaiʻi, offering distant views of Diamond (Diamond Head) on Oʻahu.
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Halawa Valley
Take a guided hike into this impossibly lush cathedral valley, blessed with beautiful vistas and towering waterfalls that look straight out of the Jurassic Period.
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Kamakou Preserve
Hike beneath moss-covered branches in Kamakou Preserve, a nature conservancy site that contains rare native Hawaiian birds and plants.
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West End Highlights

Maunaloa

Maunaloa

Venture to Maunaloa, a small plantation village set in the hills above the coast, where you’ll find unique shopping and lodging options.

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Papohaku Beach

Pāpōhaku Beach

At three miles long, Pāpōhaku Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaiʻi, offering distant views of Diamond (Diamond Head) on Oʻahu.

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