Get away to western Molokai for a quiet retreat featuring some of the state's largest and least visited beaches. The arid West End faces the Kaiwi Channel, the treacherous, 41-mile stretch of Pacific Ocean that is the arena for the annual Molokai Hoe canoe competition, raced from Hale O Lono Harbor in Molokai to Waikiki on Oahu.
The western coast is also home to Papohaku Beach, one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii, and Kapukahehu Beach (also known as Dixie Maru Beach) a perfect spot for romantic Molokai sunsets. The small plantation town of Maunaloa offers unique shopping including the hand made kites of the Big Wind Kite Factory. Once a resort area, the West End is still a great place to find condominium and cottage rentals. And as you make your way down Kaluakoi Road westward, be on the lookout for wild Axis deer. These spotted deer were given to King Kamehameha V as a gift in the 1860's.
West End, Molokai Highlights:
- Maunaloa, Molokai - This small, charming plantation village set in the hills above the coast is West End's town for shopping and nearby accommodations.
- Papohaku Beach, Molokai - At three miles long, Papohaku Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii.