Kamehameha V Highway: Molokaʻi East End

HI 450 · Kaunakakai → Hālawa

Twisty25 mi1 hr 10 min1,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 700 ftOne way

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The drive

Kamehameha V Highway (Highway 450) runs east from Kaunakakai, the island's only town, along Molokaʻi's south shore. It is 25 miles, takes about 1 hr 10 min, and ends at Hālawa Valley. Mount Kamakou rises on the left and a fringing reef, about 28 miles long and the longest continuous one in Hawaiʻi, lies to the right.

Along the way are fishponds, small churches and pocket beaches. St. Joseph's Church, built in 1876 by Saint Damien, and Kalua'aha Church, originally built in 1833 and described as Molokaʻi's first Christian church, are both on this coast. Kūmimi Beach, also called Murphy Beach, is a snorkeling spot. The bends are mostly gentle until the last few miles, where the road climbs and drops to the valley.

Hālawa Beach Park sits at the end of the road, with the valley behind it. The waterfalls are on private land and are reached by a guided hike.

Along the way

Kaunakakai
Hālawa

Elevation

1,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 700 ft

KaunakakaiHālawa

Curves

Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch

mi 18–26

KaunakakaiHālawa

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Fuel is scarce east of Kaunakakai, so fill up in town before you leave.
Hālawa has only this one road, so a washout at any point cuts it off, and the state has done emergency repairs on the road near mile 18.7 before.
Storm damage and slides have closed parts of this highway before, so check the state's Molokaʻi closure page before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Hawaii DOT: Molokaʻi lane closures.

Questions about this drive

How long does Kamehameha V Highway on Molokaʻi take?

Kaunakakai to Hālawa on Highway 450 is 25 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min without stops.

Is there another way to reach Hālawa Valley?

No. The state notes that Kamehameha V Highway is the only access to Hālawa, so if the road closes the valley is cut off.

Can I hike to the waterfalls in Hālawa Valley?

Hālawa Valley is reached by guided hike. The waterfalls are on private land, so a local guide is required.

Is Highway 450 on Molokaʻi twisty?

Partly. It is mostly gentle along the shore, with one twisty stretch near the east end where it climbs and drops to the valley.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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