Kakahai'a Beach Park
Kakahaia Beach Park is a quiet roadside park on Molokai's south shore, known more for fishing and birdwatching than swimming. With its rocky, shallow shoreline and murky waters, this beach isn't suitable for ocean activities. However, it borders a National Wildlife Refuge that protects endangered native birds such as the Hawaiian Stilt and Hawaiian Coot. With picnic tables and sweeping views of Lanai, it's a peaceful spot to stop along Kamehameha V Highway.
Kakahai'a Beach Park, Molokai
Kakahai'a Beach Park (view panorama) × is a small roadside park located on Highway 450 on Molokai's south shore. It is also known as the Kakahai'a County Park and National Wildlife Refuge. The name Kakahai'a means "fish slicing" in Hawaiian. It's the name of an ancient inland fishpond. However, the pond is overgrown with bullrushes and is not in use today.
Kakahai'a Beach is a narrow, detrital sand beach and is not suitable for swimming or snorkeling because the ocean bottom is rocky, shallow and the water generally murky. It's primarily visited by fishermen and picnickers. However, a good thing to do here is bird watching, since part of the beach is actually a bird sanctuary. The National Wildlife Refuge, where the beach is located, is home to the Hawaiian Stilt and the Hawaiian Coot. These birds are an endangered Hawaiian native species.
The Hawaiian Stilt - also known as the Ae'o - is a slim, wading bird that has a black and white forehead. There used to be a lot of these birds in existence, but today their number has dropped down to a tragic 1,500. The Hawaiian Coot, or the Fulica Alai, is dark gray in color and the male and female species look alike. They are usually found in lowland valleys. Today, there are an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 Hawaiian Coots in existence all over the Hawaiian Islands.
Key Features of Kakahaia Beach Park
- Small roadside park: Located along Highway 450 with a narrow, detrital sand shoreline.
- Shallow and rocky waters: Not suitable for swimming or snorkeling due to murkiness and reef rocks.
- National Wildlife Refuge: Adjacent bird sanctuary is home to endangered Hawaiian Stilts and Coots.
- Good for birdwatching: Observation of rare native birds is a highlight of this location.
- Picnic-friendly: A few tables under shade trees offer scenic views for a peaceful break.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What birds can I see at Kakahaia Beach Park?
The park is home to endangered Hawaiian Stilts (Ae'o) and Hawaiian Coots (Fulica alai), especially within the adjacent National Wildlife Refuge.
Can I swim at Kakahaia Beach?
No, the ocean bottom is rocky and shallow, and the water is generally murky, making it unsuitable for swimming or snorkeling.
Is fishing allowed here?
Yes, the beach is primarily used by local fishermen and picnickers.
Are there facilities at the park?
The park has picnic tables but no restrooms or lifeguards.
Where is Kakahaia Beach Park located?
It's located on Molokai's south shore along Kamehameha V Highway, near Kaunakakai.