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 in Bullet Points

• 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

Papohaku Beach Facilities (top)

• No facilities
• No lifeguards

Papohaku Beach Water Activities

• Bodyboarding

Papohaku Beach Location

Address: Lauhue St., Maunaloa, Hawaii 96770

Papohaku Beach Map (top)

Papohaku Beach Weather (top)

Now 80°F Windchill: 80°F Fair

Location: Maunaloa, HI, US Wind: 23 mph NE Humidity: 58% Visibility: 0.1 mi Pressure: 29.98 in falling Sunrise: 6:42 am Sunset: 5:45 pm

Fri Hi: 77°F Low: 68°F Partly Cloudy

Sat Hi: 77°F Low: 68°F Mostly Sunny

Papohaku Beach Photos (click to enlarge) (top)

Papohaku Beach Reviews and Comments (top)

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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.