In this article, we will cover places to visit in Kaunakakawa. You will discover a 4.3-mile Pali trail, Halawa Valley Cultural Hike, Pohaku Mauliuli Beach, and the 4.3-mile Papohaku Beach Park.
4.3-mile Pali trail
If you’re looking for a great hiking trail in Hawaii, you’re in luck. The 4.3-mile Pali trail in Kaunakakai Hawaii is just as beautiful as its name. The trail heads east from the Kalanianaole Highway and turns into a cul-de-sac. At the end of the cul-de-sac, you’ll find the hunter/hiker check-in station and two picnic areas. There are some steep sections on the trail and it is a bit slick in the wet.
You’ll find a number of viewpoints from this hike. The apex of the hike is the windmills. The hike is 4.3 miles round trip and features 26 switchbacks. It’s a challenging hike and requires a local access permit. You can hike the trail in the mornings when it’s dry, but you’ll want to start early.
After the first mile, you’ll notice an increase in elevation. This makes the hike challenging, but the ocean views are stunning. You’ll be rewarded at the end with a panoramic view of the coast and windmills. It takes about five hours to complete the trail from start to finish.
If you want to take a hike without the hassle of driving, you can hire a mule to guide you up and down the trail. Mules have a reputation for being adept at navigating steep switchbacks. This hike takes about an hour in each direction, and can be a challenging workout. It’s important to take plenty of water.
This trail starts on a rocky path and soon pops out onto an old service road. The trail begins on the left after a quarter-mile and is marked with a large orange arrow. The trail ascends to more than 1600 feet of elevation and features huge rocks and boulders.
4.3-mile Papohaku Beach Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend an afternoon or a day, the 4.3-mile Papohaku Beach park is a great choice. This undeveloped beach is unspoiled by crowds, and it’s an ideal place to read or meditate. The park is open to the public and has overnight camping, but a permit from the Department of Parks is required.
Located on Molokai, Papohaku Beach Park has a three-mile stretch of pristine white sand and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. It is also one of the least visited beaches, meaning that you can enjoy a relaxing beach day without encountering crowds. Papohaku Beach Park is also home to the Molokai Ka Hula Piko Festival, which features hula dancing, musical groups, and food booths.
Kaunakakai, Hawaii is a year-round destination that’s warm and welcoming. Temperatures hover around 75 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, making it ideal for sunbathing on the beach. However, the best time to visit the island’s beaches is during May, June, and July. During these months, there’s a minimal chance of rain.
Another of the places to visit in Kaunakakau, Hawaii, is the 4.3-mile Papohaku Beach. This pristine beach is one of the largest in Hawaii and has the most white sand. This park is home to several cultural sites and a beautiful white-sand beach. It also has the state’s largest plumeria farm.
4.3-mile Halawa Valley Cultural Hike
The 4.3-mile Halawa Valley Cultural Hik is one of Hawaii’s most popular day trips. This scenic route features a view of the island’s volcanic landscapes and ancient Polynesians’ ancient settlement. The trail is paved the entire way and starts at Halawa Beach Park. You’ll find many heiau, or ancient temples, hidden within the valley’s pristine landscape. The valley is half a mile wide and three to four miles deep, and it’s blessed with towering waterfalls and gorgeous views.
This hike is best for intermediate to advanced hikers. It’s geared toward outdoor enthusiasts and focuses on old-world traditions and nature. It’s ideal for families with children. Guides teach hikers about Hawaiian plants, native animals and invasive species, and about the historic rock walls and taro terraces.
Halawa Valley is about 1.5 hours’ drive from the Molokai airport. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Hawaiian Fishponds and Kalua’aha Church. You can also swim at Halawa Beach Park, which is located on the island’s eastern shore. However, it’s best not to swim during rough waters and during the winter months.
4.3-mile Pohaku Mauliuli Beach
Pohaku Mauliuli Beach, located on the west end of Molokai, is a three-mile stretch of white sand. You can visit it from the campground or the Mitchell Pauole Center. It’s also popular with snorkelers and tidepool divers.
Pohaku Mauliuli Beach, also known as Make Horse Beach, is located about 100 yards from Kepuhi Beach. The beach is separated from the neighboring beach by a boulder hill. The former golf course is still visible on the shoreline.
Pohaku Mauliuli Beach, Molokai, is one of the largest white-sand beaches in Hawaii and one of the least-visited. It is three miles long and one hundred yards wide, with low dunes and spectacular views of Oahu and Honolulu.
If you’re interested in hiking, hike the nearby Moa’ula Falls. This waterfall is about 250 feet high and offers a gushing stream of cool water. It’s a good idea to wear hiking shoes and bring a swimsuit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to swim at the base of the waterfall. While the hike is not particularly strenuous, it’s refreshing and fun.
Another place to visit in Kaunakakai is Molokai’s Plumeria Farm, located on a 10-acre farm near the town. It’s home to rare coastal plants, ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites, and extinct bird life.
One of the places to visit in Kaunakakaki is Halawa Valley, a scenic area on the east end. Here, locals live off the land and respect the natural environment. A tsunami in 1946 wiped out a small village in the hills, but nature returned and reclaimed the land. Today, tropical plants and waterfalls cascade down the lush mountainside. The beach is littered with driftwood piles.
Kanemitsu Bakery’s giant split-open loaves of bread topped with jelly, butter, cinnamon, or strawberry cream cheese
On the south side of Molokai, Kanemitsu Bakery serves fresh-baked goods every day. The shop fills its ovens overnight and opens early in the morning to serve breakfast. The shop also serves lunch items until midday, and then closes up for the evening.
Kanemitsu Bakery is a local bakery in Kaunakakai that’s been around for over 80 years. It specializes in giant split-open loaves of bread stuffed with jelly, butter, cinnamon, or strawberry-cream cheese spread. The bakery also offers take-out. The bread is available in both hot and cold varieties.