Murphy's Beach

Murphy's Beach, also known as Mile Marker 20 Beach, is a scenic white-sand stretch on Molokai's southeast shore. Known for its calm, clear waters on good weather days, it offers fair swimming and good snorkeling close to shore. Though the beach has a shallow, rocky ocean bottom, sandy patches and tranquil conditions make it a favorite stop for visitors driving along the Kamehameha Highway. Its peaceful ambiance and panoramic views make it ideal for a picnic or a quick ocean dip.

Murphy's Beach, Molokai

Murphy's Beach (view panorama) × 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 inbetween. 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-land road about 2 miles before Murphy's Beach), so many visitors or those on a tight schedule (as well as 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 of Murphy's Beach

Scenic white-sand beach: Narrow shoreline shaded by a few palm trees, offering postcard-worthy views.
Also known as Mile Marker 20 Beach: Named for its location 20 miles east of Kaunakakai along Kamehameha Highway.
Fair swimming and snorkeling: Shallow and rocky bottom with sandy pockets; snorkeling is best on calm days.
Popular lookout point: Convenient roadside parking makes it a frequent photo and rest stop for drivers and tours.
Peaceful and uncrowded: A quiet alternative to busier beaches, often visited by locals and casual snorkelers.

Reviews and Comments:


This is probably the best beach on the island to swim and snorkel at! We took our snorkeling equipment, but we didn't go into the water the first time we were there. It was on a Friday and we felt some unfriendly looks coming from the local guys who were sitting in the beach parking lot. So being two foreign girls we didn't feel very safe so we decided to leave and come back another day. The second time we came we were the only people on the beach and we enjoyed great snorkeling there.
Rosa, June 6, 2012


Water visibility would be a good add to this site. Typical in the winter and summer and how the visibility is affected by the wind.
Tom Witte, Sat Jan 28, 2012

Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Why is it called Murphy's Beach?

The beach is nicknamed after a local family and is also referred to as Mile Marker 20 Beach due to its location 20 miles from Kaunakakai.

🏖️ Is Murphy's Beach good for swimming?

Swimming is fair. The beach has a shallow and rocky bottom, but conditions are better on calm days, especially in sandy nearshore spots.

🐠 Can I snorkel at Murphy's Beach?

Yes, snorkeling can be good when the ocean is calm. Stay close to shore, as strong currents may occur outside the reef.

🚗 Is there parking nearby?

Yes, a small roadside pull-off provides convenient parking with a view overlooking the beach.

🚫 Are there any facilities?

No. Murphy's Beach has no restrooms, showers, or lifeguards, so bring your own supplies and exercise caution in the water.