Kapuaiwa Grove

Molokai Attraction Guide

Kapuaiwa Grove

Kapuaiwa Grove is a historic Molokai coconut grove near Kaunakakai, planted during the reign of King Kamehameha V and best viewed safely from outside the trees.

Beautiful View
Beautiful View

Kapuaiwa Grove, Molokai

Kapuaiwa Grove on Molokai's south shore is one of Hawaii's oldest coconut groves. The first coconuts were planted here in the 1860s by King Kamehameha V. Back then, coconut trees encompassed about 10 acres (40,468 sq. m) of land. Today, only a few hundred coconut trees remain at the grove.

Because of the danger that coconuts could fall from the trees and cause harm, signs have been posted that warn visitors about the dangers of falling coconuts. A military bunker still rests at the edge of Kapuaiwa Grove, a sad memory of World War II.

Sometimes referred to as the "Mysterious Taboo," Kapuaiwa Grove is a nice spot to visit during sunset. As the sun colors the sky, the dark shapes of the coconut trees with their long trunks and swaying leaves make for a beautiful view.

Reaching Kapuaiwa Grove is easy if you're coming from Kaunakakai. Drive west on Highway 460 and the coconut grove will be on your left. Just across the street is Church Row.

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Marry

Sat Jul 21, 2012

Oh wow! This place made me feel hypnotized! As we drove to town to get some supplies and food after we arrived on Molokai, we saw this palm tree forest and we felt we had to stop. As we were walking through it and looking up watching out for falling coconuts we felt totally hypnotized by the beauty of these tall green palm trees contrasting against the blue sky. When we returned to our car we saw a sign that we did not previously see "Danger, Falling Coconuts, No Trespassing."

Location, Parking and Directions

Kapuaiwa Grove is located along Maunaloa Highway about 1.5 miles west of Kaunakakai, across from Church Row on Molokai's south shore. The map point is kept at the current page coordinates for the grove area. Visitors usually arrive by car and should use safe roadside or designated viewing areas while staying out of restricted coconut grove areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kapuaiwa Grove located?

Kapuaiwa Grove is located along Maunaloa Highway about 1.5 miles west of Kaunakakai, across from Church Row on Molokai's south shore.

Who planted Kapuaiwa Grove?

GoHawaii says Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove was planted in the 1860s during the reign of King Kamehameha V.

Can visitors walk through Kapuaiwa Grove?

Visitors should not walk beneath the coconut trees because falling coconuts can cause serious injury. Respect posted signs, fences and closed areas.

Why is Kapuaiwa Grove important?

The grove is connected with King Kamehameha V, Molokai's royal history and one of Hawaii's older surviving coconut grove landscapes.

When is a good time to see Kapuaiwa Grove?

Late afternoon and sunset can be especially scenic, when the palms create silhouettes against the warm sky.