Papohaku Beach Photos
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Papohaku Beach, Molokai
Spanning a distance of over two miles (3.2 km) long and 100 yards wide (91 m), Papohaku Beach on the west shore of Molokai is one of the longest and widest white-sand beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. Low sand dunes and kiawe trees make up the backshore.
For many years in the past, Papohaku Beach was the location of the largest sand mining operation in Hawaii. In the early 1960s, sand was taken from here and shipped to neighboring Oahu for use by the construction industry. This operation ended in 1975. A concrete tunnel on the beach is all what remains of the former sand mining industry.
Even though the beach looks inviting, swimming isn’t safe here due to strong rip currents. Papohaku Beach doesn’t have a protective reef, so it is fully exposed to the open ocean. Strong surf can occur at any time of the year. Since nothing blocks the waves, they break forcefully and can reach inland, which can pose a danger to anyone walking near the water’s edge, especially children. Occasionally, experienced bodyboarders sometimes go out and surf here, but this is not a beach for other water activities.
Furthermore, Papohaku Beach was the location of military exercises during World War II. Up until today, there are some wire rolls and other pieces of metal and even some abandoned vehicles partially buried in the middle of the beach at the water’s edge, which are sometimes exposed during times of heavy surf. These objects can pose another hazard to beachgoers.
Papohaku Beach Overview
- One of the longest and widest white-sand beaches in Hawaii
- Situated on the west shore of Molokai
- Location of a former sand mining operation
- Not a safe swimming reef due to strong currents
- Buried in the center of the beach are remains of World War II military exercises
Location: Lauhue St., Maunaloa, Hawaii 96770
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