Po'olau Beach

Molokai Beach Guide

Po'olau Beach

Po'olau Beach is a small west Molokai cove known for white sand, black lava rocks, fishing, picnics, calm-day snorkeling and an easy-to-miss access road.

Beach Road
Beach Road

Po'olau Beach, Molokai

Po'olau Beach is a small sandy cove on Molokai's west shore, located south of the more popular Papohaku Beach. Parts of the beach as well as the nearshore ocean bottom are covered by lava rocks. It is therefore more suitable for a peaceful picnic rather than a swimming destination. When the ocean is calm (usually in the summer months) this beach sometimes attracts snorkelers. In the winter (November to March), the surf can be up.

Access to the beach is via a paved beach access road, which can easily be missed. The other beaches along Pohakuloa Road (such as neighboring Paka'a Beach and Papohaku Beach) have signs that mark the public right-of-way to the shoreline, but the sign at Po'olau Beach is currently missing.

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Frank

Tue Aug 28, 2012

A great getaway beach. We came here once on a weekday and enjoyed the serenity of this place. We decided to come again the following Saturday, which was our last day on Molokai, but when we arrived there was a truck parked at the beach entrance and a big dog without a leash blocking the beach access path. We didn't see the owner nearby and nobody else was there. We didn't like the way the dog looked at us. He was sitting still and staring at us, so we didn't dare to walk past him. We went to Papohaku Beach instead.

Photo gallery

Browse Poolau Beach photos featuring the beach road, beach shower, rocky shoreline, white sand, black lava rocks and scenic Molokai coastal views.

Location, Parking and Directions

Po'olau Beach is located off Pohakuloa Road near Maunaloa, HI 96770, on Molokai's west shore. Access is by a paved beach road that can be easy to miss because signage may be limited. A parking area is available, but there are no restrooms, showers or lifeguards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Po'olau Beach located?

Po'olau Beach is located off Pohakuloa Road near Maunaloa on Molokai's west shore, just south of Papohaku Beach.

Is Po'olau Beach good for swimming?

Po'olau Beach is not a great swimming beach because parts of the shoreline and nearshore bottom are rocky. Conditions are best only when the ocean is calm.

Can you snorkel at Po'olau Beach?

Snorkeling may be possible close to shore on calm, clear days, especially in summer. Avoid snorkeling during surf, wind, poor visibility or winter conditions.

How do you find Po'olau Beach?

Access is by a paved beach road off Pohakuloa Road. The turn can be easy to miss because signage may be limited, so use the map location and drive slowly.

What facilities are available at Po'olau Beach?

Po'olau Beach has a paved access road and parking area, but no restrooms, showers or lifeguards. Bring water, sun protection and supplies.