Murphy's Beach, Molokai
Murphy's Beach on Molokai's southeast shore is a narrow white-sand beach shaded by a few palm trees. The beaches along Molokai's south shore, when driving east from Kaunakakai, aren't great swimming beaches because the nearshore ocean bottom is shallow and the water murky. However, Murphy's Beach is an exception. When the ocean is calm, the water is clear here and the ocean looks inviting for a refreshing dip.
The swimming conditions are fair since the nearshore ocean bottom is shallow and rocky, with a few sandy patches in between. But the snorkeling can be good on calm days. Stay close to shore because outside of the reef area the currents can be treacherous. The beach is also a good fishing spot.
Beyond Murphy's Beach the road becomes even narrower. Kamehameha Highway turns into a one-lane road about 2 miles before Murphy's Beach, so many visitors, those on a tight schedule and larger tour vans drive only up to Murphy's Beach and then turn around. There is a small parking area that overlooks the beach, which is a popular lookout point. Pictures taken from here grace quite a few Hawaiian wall calendars. Since Murphy's Beach is 20 miles east of Kaunakakai, it is also known as Twenty Mile Beach or Mile Marker 20 Beach.
Key Features
Beach Activities
Activities
Beach Facilities
Facilities
Reviews
Reviews and Ratings
Visitor Reviews
Rated 4.0 out of 5 based on 2 rated visitor reviews.
Been Here? Add your Review
Rosa
June 6, 2012
Tom Witte
Sat Jan 28, 2012
Map
Location, Parking and Directions
Murphy's Beach is located along East Kamehameha V Highway on Molokai's southeast shore, about 20 miles east of Kaunakakai near mile marker 20. The small roadside parking area overlooks the beach, and the road becomes narrower before and beyond this part of the coast.
Photos
Murphy's Beach Photos
Photos show Murphy's Beach, also known as Kumimi Beach, with the narrow white-sand shoreline, palm trees, reef views, roadside lookout and southeast Molokai coast.
Video
