Kepuhi Beach

Kepuhi Beach is a wide west Molokai shoreline near Maunaloa, known for golden sand, Kaiaka Rock, sunset views, lava rocks and powerful surf that can make the ocean dangerous.

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Kepuhi Beach, Molokai

Kepuhi Beach, located on Molokai's west shore, is a long and wide sandy beach. On the southern end of the beach is Kaiaka Rock, which was once the location of a heiau, or Hawaiian temple.

Even though the beach looks inviting, swimming is only possible here on very calm days because of strong alongshore currents that can be treacherous. In the winter months or when the surf is up, the entire length of the beach gets pounded by high waves with dangerous shorebreaks. This is when powerful rip currents occur.

Sometimes the waves are good enough for bodyboarding or surfing, but only for experts. During extended periods of heavy surf, the waves often erode the beach and pull the sand offshore, exposing large beach rocks.

Kepuhi Beach has two sections, which are divided by a few large lava rocks along the shoreline. The northern part is smaller and doesn't have exposed rocks on the shoreline. The longer southern part has exposed beach rocks.

Key Features

Wide golden-sand beach on Molokai's west shore
Fronts the Kepuhi Beach Resort and Kaluakoi area near Maunaloa
Kaiaka Rock stands near the south end of the beach
Kaiaka Rock was once the site of a Hawaiian heiau
Large lava rocks divide the beach into a smaller north section and longer south section
The southern section has more exposed beach rocks
West-facing shoreline gives Kepuhi strong sunset scenery
Heavy surf can pull sand offshore and expose large rocks
Winter waves, shorebreak and rip currents can be dangerous
Beach trees and old shoreline paths add to the quiet Kaluakoi setting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kepuhi Beach located?

Kepuhi Beach is on Molokai's west shore near Maunaloa, fronting the Kepuhi Beach Resort and Kaluakoi area.

Is Kepuhi Beach good for swimming?

Only on very calm days. Strong alongshore currents, shorebreak and winter surf often make the water unsafe.

What is Kaiaka Rock?

Kaiaka Rock is the large scenic rock landmark near the south end of Kepuhi Beach and was once the site of a Hawaiian heiau.

Why does Kepuhi Beach change so much?

Heavy surf can pull sand offshore and expose large beach rocks, especially during winter or long periods of rough water.

What should visitors watch for at Kepuhi Beach?

Watch for shorebreak, rip currents, exposed rocks, falling coconuts near beach trees and rough trail sections near the shoreline.