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Getting around Moloka'i is as easy as
poi. The highway crosses the island from east end to west
end with a couple of roads that branch off for short distances. It's
almost impossible to get lost. Even though it's the same
road, you'll note from the map that it has two highway numbers. 450 &
460. Kamehameha V Highway (450) starts at Kaunakakai and ends 27 miles
(43km) east at Halawa.
Maunaloa Highway (460) also begins at Kaunakakai,
passes the airport at Ho'olehua and ends 16 miles (26km) west at the
village of Maunaloa. Turn at mile 15 to reach the Kaluakoi Resort area. To
get to Kualapu'u, Kala'e and the Kalaupapa lookout, take Highway 470 where
it branches from 460 in the middle of the island.
There are green mile posts every mile. Directions
to someone's house, a resort or a great beach usually include the nearest
mile marker number or landmark. For example; "My house is east 6/10s
past mile 12. Mauka (mountain) side" or "Wavecrest resort is at
exactly mile 13 east, makai (ocean side)."
Distances & Driving Times
Below we've listed a few point-to-point mileage and driving times. While
the driving times may seem a little high for the distance involved, they
are based on some real life-on-moloka'i factors.
The highest posted speed limit anywhere on the island is 45mph (72kph) and
in many places it's less. Since agriculture plays a major role in island
life, you may come upon farm equipment being moved from place to place
using the highway or someone just poking along on their way home.
Folks on Moloka'i aren't usually in a rush to get anywhere. The philosophy
being - Why hurry, it's an island.
- Maunaloa to Kaunakakai - 16 miles (26km) - 25
minutes
- Kaluakoi Resort to Kaunakakai - 22 miles
(35km) - 35 minutes
- Kaluakoi Resort to Kalaupapa lookout - 24
miles (38km) - 35 minutes
- Kaluakoi Resort to Airport - 15 miles (24km) -
20 minutes
- Kaunakakai to Wavecrest Resort - 13 miles
(21km) - 20 minutes
- Kaunakakai to Halawa - 27 miles (43km) - 50
minutes
- Kaunakakai to Kalaupapa lookout - 10 miles
(16km) - 20 minutes
- Kaunakakai to Airport - 8 miles (13km) - 20
minutes
Driving Trip to the East End
Moloka'i is only 10 miles wide and 38 miles long.
Moloka'i is the home of Hawaii's the longest, least crowded of the
accessible beaches.
When leaving Ho'olehua Airport, a sign reminds
you that Moloka'i roads, which have no stoplights, are a place to
"Slow Down"- one of the reasons many people come to Moloka'i.
Moloka'i's East End shoreline road is riddled
with ancient Hawaiian fishponds, taro farms, mango patches, and incredible
inlets and bays with surf. At the end of the road, you reach Halawa with
its valley walls, waterfalls, meandering stream and Hawaiian village.
One of the largest heiau (Hawaiian temples) in
the state, Ili'ili'opa'e, is located near Puko'o, and a Hawaiian family
takes visitors by horse-drawn wagon on an interpretive tour, designed for
individuals or groups. Moloka'i Horse & Wagon Ride also offers
prearranged activities and an informal Hawaiian picnic on the beach next
to the largest mango patch in Hawaii.
As you approach the end of Kamehameha V Highway,
the scenic drive becomes more winding and the coast more rugged. The tiny,
turtle-shaped isle of Mokuho'oniki is just offshore. As you descend into
Halawa Valley there are beautiful lookouts and the mouth of the stream is
a wonderful place to rest. The walking trail up the valley is closed to
the public.
The highway ends at Halawa, marking the beginning
of the inaccessible North Shore and the world's highest sea cliffs. The
deep valleys were agricultural centers of old Hawaii with taro patches
and many house sites. Today, the valleys are visited by hunters, fishermen
and paddlers of kayak and canoe. It is best to find a guide, as the coast
is very rugged. The return road trip from Halawa to the airport is 37
miles, and is most enjoyable driven leisurely, taking several hours for
scenic stops.
For more
information on driving on Molokai, go to:
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more general information
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