Kiowea Beach Park

Kiowea Beach Park is a quiet south Molokai shoreline beside Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, with royal history, freshwater springs, shade trees and shallow rocky water that is poor for swimming.

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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 and shallow, and the water is murky, so the swimming conditions are poor. The shoreline here is quite eroded. In the past, there were 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.

Key Features

Quiet south Molokai shoreline beside Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
Located at 460 Maunaloa Highway in Kaunakakai
Named in honor of Kapuaiwa, who became King Kamehameha V in 1863
The nearby coconut grove is connected with King Kamehameha V and Rudolph W. Meyer
Narrow detrital-sand beach with an eroded shoreline
Nearshore ocean bottom is shallow and rocky
Water is often murky, so swimming conditions are poor
Freshwater springs that once flowed closer to shore are now offshore because of erosion
Bubbling spring water may be visible near the reef at low tide
Coconut grove areas should be viewed with care because of falling coconut danger

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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. 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 setting beside Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, royal history, offshore freshwater springs and quiet south shore views.

Can visitors see freshwater springs at Kiowea Beach Park?

At low tide, bubbling areas offshore may show where freshwater springs rise near the reef.

What should visitors watch for near the coconut grove?

Stay outside restricted grove areas and watch for falling coconuts near the palms.