Located on the south coast of Molokai, Kakahaia is a 42-acre beach park nice for birdwatching or picnicking though not a good swimming beach due to the rocky, shallow seafloor. Fishermen also frequent this beach which is part of a bird sanctuary and the Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge.
Great For: Picnics, fishing, birdwatching.
Highlights
This is a great place to see the Hawaiian black-necked stilt and the Hawaiian coot, two endangered Hawaiian species. The stilt, or aeo, is black and white with long skinny legs and likes to wade in the water. The coot, or alae keokeo, looks more like a duck and has an ivory white bill. Bring binoculars for better bird viewing.
Need to Know: The rocky, shallow seashore can make this a dangerous place to swim when the surf is large. Recreational swimmers should visit one of Lanai’s better swimming beaches and appreciate this beach for its beauty.
Lifeguard: No
Facilities: Picnic tables.
Access: Kakahaia Beach is located on Molokai’s south shore about 5.5 miles east of Kaunakakai and 2 miles east of One Alii Beach on Kamehameha V Highway (Hwy. 450).