Awahua Beach

Awahua Beach is a remote black-sand shoreline on Molokai's Kalaupapa Peninsula, known for sea cliffs, deep history, restricted entry and ocean conditions that make swimming unsafe.

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Awahua Beach

Awahua Beach, Molokai

This scenic beach is located on Molokai's Kalaupapa Peninsula. The peninsula is backed by some of the world's tallest sea cliffs. Because of its remoteness and difficult access, people with Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, were forced to live in exile here between 1866 and 1969. Kalaupapa remains a place of deep history, privacy and respect.

A narrow trail leads down from Pala'au State Park on top of the cliffs to the peninsula below. Visitor access is restricted and requires current authorization and permits. Alternatively, you can see the beach from a public lookout near the trailhead, 1,664 feet (507 m) above the peninsula.

Because Kalaupapa is difficult to access, Awahua Beach doesn't see many visitors. The beach is composed of detrital sand, which appears black. It is therefore also known as Black Sand Beach. The swimming conditions are poor here. There is no protective reef, and the nearshore ocean bottom drops off quickly. Strong rip currents make swimming hazardous.

Key Features

Remote black-sand beach on the Kalaupapa Peninsula
Part of Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Backed by Molokai's north shore sea cliffs
Dark detrital sand gives the shoreline its black-sand look
Kalaupapa history is connected with Hansen's disease, forced isolation and patient-residents
Visitor entry to Kalaupapa requires proper permits and approved arrangements
General guided-tour visitors must be at least 16 years old
The beach can be viewed from Kalaupapa Lookout above the peninsula
No lifeguards or beach facilities are available at the shoreline
Swimming is unsafe because of rip currents, open ocean and a steep drop-off

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Awahua Beach located?

Awahua Beach is on Molokai's Kalaupapa Peninsula, below the north shore sea cliffs.

Can visitors go to Awahua Beach?

Access is restricted because the beach is within Kalaupapa National Historical Park. General visitors need proper permits, approved tour arrangements and must be at least 16 years old.

Can visitors see Awahua Beach from above?

Yes. The Kalaupapa Lookout area above the peninsula gives distant views toward the beach, peninsula and surrounding sea cliffs.

Is Awahua Beach safe for swimming?

No. Awahua Beach has no protective reef, a steep nearshore drop-off, open-ocean surf and strong rip currents.

Why is Awahua Beach historically sensitive?

Awahua Beach is part of Kalaupapa, where people with Hansen's disease were once forced to live in isolation. The area remains a place of privacy, remembrance and respect.