Kiowea Beach Park

Molokai Beach Guide

Kiowea Beach Park

Kiowea Beach Park is a quiet south Molokai park near Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, known for picnics, fishing, royal history, freshwater springs and poor swimming conditions.

Coconut Trees
Coconut Trees

Kiowea Beach Park, Molokai

Kiowea Beach Park is located right next to a well-known coconut grove, known as Kapuaiwa or Kamehameha Coconut Grove, on Molokai's south shore. It is named in honor of the high chief Kapuaiwa, who in 1863 became King Kamehameha V. It is said that either he himself planted the coconuts in this grove, or that the trees were planted by his agent and ranch manager, Rudolph W. Meyer.

Kiowea Beach is narrow and composed of detrital sand. The ocean bottom is rocky, shallow and the water murky, so the swimming conditions are poor. The shoreline here is quite eroded. In the past, there had been several freshwater springs in the park, but because of erosion, they are now located in the ocean offshore. They can be seen bubbling up at low tide.

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Gregory

April 1, 2012

The tall coconut trees drew our attention as we drove into Kaunakakai, so we decided to check out the area on the way back. The gate was locked, so we parked on the side of the road and walked in. There was a nice shaded picnic area right on the beach. The beach itself is not spectacular - the water was murky and dark, so I don't think it is a good swimming beach. But the park is definitely worth a stop. We took some great photos of coconut palms leaning over the ocean.

Photo gallery

Browse Kiowea Beach Park photos featuring coconut trees, picnic pavilions, park facilities, parking area, fishing boat, restrooms and views toward the coconut grove.

Location, Parking and Directions

Kiowea Beach Park is located at 460 Maunaloa Highway in Kaunakakai, HI 96748, next to Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove on Molokai's south shore. Parking, restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a pavilion are available at the park. Use caution near the shoreline and avoid restricted coconut grove areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kiowea Beach Park located?

Kiowea Beach Park is located at 460 Maunaloa Highway in Kaunakakai, next to Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove on Molokai's south shore.

Is Kiowea Beach Park good for swimming?

No. Kiowea Beach Park is not a good swimming beach because the nearshore bottom is shallow and rocky, and the water is often murky.

What is Kiowea Beach Park known for?

Kiowea Beach Park is known for its location beside Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, picnic facilities, fishing, offshore freshwater springs and quiet south shore views.

Can you see freshwater springs at Kiowea Beach Park?

At low tide, visitors may see bubbling areas offshore where freshwater springs rise near the reef. These springs were once located closer to the park before shoreline erosion.

What facilities are available at Kiowea Beach Park?

Kiowea Beach Park has picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, a pavilion and parking. There are no lifeguards.