Popohaku Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
Swim
Spanning a distance of 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 100 yards (91 m) wide, Papohaku Beach on the west shore of Molokai is one of the longest and widest white-sand beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. Low sand dunes and thorny kiawe trees make up the backshore. It is a great beach for a long shoreline stroll. Even though the beach looks inviting, swimming isn't safe here due to strong rip currents. Papohaku Beach doesn't have a protective reef, so it is fully exposed to the open ocean. Strong surf can occur at any time of the year. Since nothing blocks the waves, they break forcefully and can wash up high on the beach, which can pose a danger to anyone walking near the water's edge, especially children. Occasionally, experienced bodyboarders go out and surf here, but this is not a beach for other water activities.
More Information
Papohaku Beach - To-Hawaii.com
Papohaku Beach on Molokai is a huge white-sand beach with dunes, sunset views, kiawe trees and dangerous open-ocean surf.
https://www.to-hawaii.com/molokai/beaches/papohaku-beach.phpDirections
From Kaunakakai, Hawaii
- Head southeast on Makaena Pl toward Maluolu Pl (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto HI-460 (14.5 mi)
- Turn right onto Kalua Koi Rd (4.6 mi)
- Turn right onto Kaiaka Rd (0.5 mi)
Located on Molokai's west shore, along Kaluakoi Road.
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Kepuhi Beach
Maunaloa, Hawaii
0.6 miles NA long, wide sandy beach on Molokai's west shore with a historic Kaiaka Rock heiau at its southern end — scenic for photography, but swimming is only safe on very calm days due to strong currents and dangerous shorebreak.
Swim
Pelekunu Bay
Lahaina, Hawaii
23.8 miles EA scenic bay on Maui's northeast coast known as a solid fishing spot — whether you're trolling, fly fishing, or baitcasting, Pelekunu Bay gives you a good chance at a bite.
Swim
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
27.1 miles WLegendary surf breaks and calm, beginner-friendly water where Duke Kahanamoku once taught visitors to ride waves — Waikiki's beach culture runs deep.
Swim
Makapu'u
Waimanalo, Hawaii
27.6 miles WA 2-mile paved trail leads to one of Hawaii's most familiar landmarks, the 1909 Makapu'u Lighthouse, with a fantastic view of the Windward Oahu coastline and the island of Molokai.
Swim
Shipwreck Beach
Lanai City, Hawaii
28.2 miles SEA wild and scenic 8-mile beach on Lanai with brilliant shells, magnificent views of Molokai, and great spots for sunbathing, picnicking, and exploring — swimming is unsafe here.
Swim
Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo, Hawaii
28.2 miles WWaimÄnalo Beach is a census-designated place located in the City & County of Honolulu, in the District of KoÊ»olaupoko, on the island of OÊ»ahu in the U.S. state of HawaiÊ»i.
Swim
Sandy Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
28.2 miles WPowerful shorebreak and strong currents make Sandy Beach a dramatic spectacle — experienced bodyboarders love it, but red warning flags fly most days for good reason.
Camp, Swim
Cockroach Cove
Honolulu, Hawaii
28.4 miles WA rocky ocean cove on Oahu's southeastern shore — deep enough to swim in and lively with waves, it feels more like a wave pool than a beach, tucked between the Halona Blowhole and the Japanese Fishing Shrine.
Swim
Blowhole
Honolulu, Hawaii
28.4 miles WA dramatic rock formation on Oahu's coast that shoots sea spray high into the air like a geyser on windy, high-tide days — a spectacular roadside view above Hanauma Bay.
Swim
Oahu Area 3 Places
Honolulu, Hawaii
29.4 miles WSwim near Honolulu, Hawaii
Swim
Robins Nest
Waimanalo, Hawaii
29.5 miles WThis legendary oceanfront Hawaiian estate on Oahu's southeast coast — the "Pahonu" Anderson Estate — gained fame as a filming location for Magnum P.I.
Canoe, Swim
Hanauma Bay
Honolulu, Hawaii
29.6 miles WOne of Hawaii's most beloved snorkeling spots, with calm clear water, white sand, and up to 3,000 visitors daily in a protected nature preserve on Oahu's southeast coast.
Swim
Golden Sands
Waimanalo, Hawaii
32.3 miles NWOne of only two private residences at Ka'anapali Beach, this premier Maui home features 40-foot retractable doors, heated pools, and a beachfront pagoda.
Canoe, Swim
Murphy Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
33.0 miles EA coconut palm-lined beach along Molokai's eastern coast with shallow crystal-clear waters good for wading, snorkeling, and calm-day swimming — some rocky areas mixed with sand.
Swim
Kawili Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
33.2 miles EA quiet beach in the beautiful Halawa Valley — safe for swimming in calm conditions, but strong rip currents when surf is up; always a serene spot to relax.
Swim
Lanikai Beach
Kailua, Hawaii
33.3 miles NWRanked among the best beaches in the world, with endless calm aqua-blue water on Oahu's windward coast — it's nearly impossible to look without jumping in.
Swim
Hanouli Maloo Bay
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
33.4 miles EA partially protected sandy bay on Molokai's eastern coast offering calm conditions for snorkeling and swimming, known also as a good surfing beach.
Swim
Kailua Beach
Kailua, Hawaii
34.0 miles NWHalf a mile of soft white sand and turquoise water on the Windward Coast, with gentle breezes and a hub for windsurfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, and parasailing — with rentals and shops nearby.
Swim
Black Sand Beach
Lanai City, Hawaii
34.4 miles SEA stunning black sand beach on Hawaii's Big Island, formed by lava meeting the ocean, where endangered Hawksbill and Green sea turtles bask on the volcanic shore.
Swim
Kahala Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
34.4 miles WA quieter, more secluded alternative to Waikiki — Kahala Beach has calm, shallow water perfect for swimming or kayaking, though some areas have a rocky shoreline so water shoes help.
Kayak, SwimNearby Campsites
Sandy Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
28.2 miles WPowerful shorebreak and strong currents make Sandy Beach a dramatic spectacle — experienced bodyboarders love it, but red warning flags fly most days for good reason.
Camp, Swim
Kualoa Beach Park
Kaneohe, Hawaii
44.3 miles NWA calm, peaceful beach park in Kaneohe with a large grassy area buffering you from nearby road noise — just the break Oahu's busy vibe sometimes calls for.
Camp, Swim