The entire time I was on Molokai, not only did it rain but there was a pulverizing surf. I am a strong swimmer and grew up at the beach, but no way was I going in the water. The locals, however, were amazing. The aloha spirit runs strong here.
This is the most famous beach in Molokai, so has a good visible sign and facilities, but we didn't see anyone else.The beach is pretty, but water is rough, and no life savers, so won't take any risk to go in the water.The beach has tiny prickly plants which sting my feet, so recommend to ware shoes to avoid any injury.
We accessed this beach both from the road and from our rental condo at Kepuhi Shores. It offers a great walk with views of crashing waves and small sand dunes. Never did see anybody, though we did see some footprints.
I think others have pretty much covered it, in terms of the beautiful sand, only rare encounters with creatures of the human kind, and the warning about not even thinking of going here to swim. (Tide and rock shelf are treacherous even for strong swimmers). Picnic/luaus followed by a walk seems to be the way to go for regulars, while mostly the beach is deserted for large stretches.This is a huge public state park beach, used but never much of a crowd on the beach. As others have said, there's little shade, lots of water churning, a 3-mile sandy expanse which seems like yours alone, perhaps with the footprints of an earlier walker. I'd add that the sunset is very nice, especially just to watch and enjoy, but for photography there's really not much in the way of foreground (trees or rocks or boats), just a lovely sky and lots of sand.Near the park entrance (where you can park, free) there's a little campsite area and locals enjoy this more than the beach, so it's a happy compromise between locals (who may or may not be welcoming of tourists) and the few who walk the beach for exercise &/or nature loving. There are palm trees at the outer edge of the beach, and some bramble (watch your step barefoot!) The beach is much wider in the summer months than winter. Last tip: If you've made it to Moloka'i, and want to swim or photograph, ask the locals (they don't bite, really!) Serious swimming is mostly at beaches which are volcanic rock more than sand. (There are black sand beaches too, as well as white or peach or whatever the light is making it look like at the moment.) This one here is very fine sand, and at '3 miles' of it, quite postcard-lovely. Nice to walk.More serious swimming tends to be at other small beaches, not far from here, along the West Coast, many with calm water and safe swimming, in little coves. There are many dirt-road accessible beaches (where the locals truly are a bit protective, having seen land threatened) East and West. Keep in mind, as some say, things may seem to be tough locally, but some of the ruins are left as reminders, part of history from ancient times to more recent efforts to colonize the land, and then bring in destructive building and other threats to the real Hawai'ian ways which this small island tries to honor and maintain. Respect for land and Hawaiian Style. Aloha.
There's a reason it's so unpopulated, undeveloped and pristine, everyone gets blown off it shortly after arrival. If you think you're going to have a relaxing day basking in the sun, forget it. It's good for a few pretty pictures and then adios!
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Papohaku Beach! We did not enter the water but loved the beautiful sand and view. Molokai'i is a great, restful place if you can live in harmony with the geckos.
We stayed here for 3 nights, and were almost alone at the campsite. The facilities we really clean, there was a shower both inside and outside.As well there were some tables and benches, which made it great to have a dinner and breakfast under the trees. In the morning you would be able to listen to the sounds of the birds, at night you could watch the milky way..We reall enjoyed our stay and could highly recommend this quiet and very clean campsite to everyone!The woman at the Maui County Department in Kaunakakai, where you would have to register your stay, Elisabeth, was so helpful and even could speak some german!
If you want to feel like you are the only one left- this is a wonderful beach. we had the only foot prints in the sand. We did not do any swimming, we were warned by the locals about the bad riptides and told to do our swimming on another beach. It is a beautiful beach and wonderful for spending quiet time and walking the length.
This is one of the largest beaches of Hawaii--akin to Makena beach on Maui, yet there is no one here. It is absolutely gorgeous with great sand and some waves close to the shore. There are some eating pavillions and toilets, but no other facilities nearby. Great beach--highly recommended if you are a beach type person.
Pāpōhaku Beach is a wonderful beach that appears to be virtually uninhabited. We spent a lovely evening there, renewing our wedding vows. I couldn't think of a better place to do that renewal.