Moomomi Beach at a Glance
Located on Molokai’s northeastern coast, Moomomi Beach and
the surrounding area that extends inland feature one of
the most impressive sand dunes in Hawaii. Since this side
of the island is exposed to the tradewinds during most of
the year, the wind carries the sand from the Moomomi shoreline
and surrounding beaches inland, expanding the sand dunes
even further.
These massive sand dunes have been formed
over centuries, extending inland for more than four miles (6.4 km)
in some areas. That’s why this deserted, sandy region is
also called the Desert Strip, or in the Hawaiian language
it’s referred to as Keonelele, “the wind-blown sands.”
This stretch of coastline was once a popular fishing area.
The entire area is part of the Moomomi Preserve, which is
managed by the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. The nature
preserve is a 921-acre (3.7 sq. km) sanctuary for 22 native species of
Hawaiian plants. The conservancy offers regular hiking tours
into the area. Call 808-553-5236 for more information. Reservations
are required, but there is no fee.
If you want to go on your own, the trail begins at the
Hawaiian Home Lands area, located in the east of the preserve.
However, going to the beach can be quite a feat in itself,
as the path leading to Moomomi is a dirt road that is almost
impassable unless you drive a four-wheel vehicle. Parking
is only allowed in designated areas and since this is a
nature preserve, you’ll have to stay on the trail. The sand
dune area is fragile and protected by the preserve and no
one should enter it. Also, all corals, shells, stones, plants
and whatever else is there must be left in its place.
For many longtime residents of Molokai, Moomomi Beach encompasses
the entire three-mile stretch of coastline from the Hawaiian
Home Lands center to ‘Ilio Point. However, there are three
different beaches in this area, Moomomi, Keonelele and Kawaaloa.
Moomomi Beach is a small pocket of white sand in the east
corner of the bay. The bay is shallow and rocky and not
a good spot for swimming or other water activities besides
fishing. Also, sharp rocks, strong currents and high surf,
especially in the winter months, make swimming dangerous.
Moomomi Beach in Bullet Points
- Isolated beach and nature preserve on Molokai's
northwestern coast
- Area features impressive sand dunes formed over
centuries
- Sand dunes extend inland for over four miles in
some areas, also known as the Desert Strip
- Nature preserve is manages by the Nature Conservancy
of Hawaii (guided tours are available)
- You'll need a four-wheel drive to reach this area
Moomomi Beach Facilities (top)
- No facilities
- No lifeguards
Moomomi Beach Water Activities
- Fishing
- Swimming (only fair swimming conditions due to rocks,
best swimming in the summer months when the waters are
calmer)
Moomomi Beach Location
Address: Anahaki Rd., Hoolehua, Hawaii 96729 US
Moomomi Beach Map (top)
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Moomomi Beach Weather (top)
Now
67°F
Windchill:
67°F
Fair
|
Location: Hoolehua, HI, US
Wind: 8 mph N
Humidity: 76%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.05 in rising
Sunrise: 6:37 am
Sunset: 6:37 pm
|
Sun
Hi: 78°F
Low: 68°F
Partly Cloudy
|
Mon
Hi: 77°F
Low: 67°F
PM Showers
|
Moomomi Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Moomomi Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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