The Halawa Valley is one of the most beautiful places on Molokai and one of the oldest inhabited places in the Hawaiian Islands.

According to archaeological sites, people have been in the valley mouth since 650 BC. However, since there is no museum or excavation site open to the public, the main attraction is the hiking trail through the interior of the rainforest-covered valley along the river to the falls.

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Trek to Moa'ula Falls

A total of 6.5 km (3.2 miles one way) long, this trek on a beaten path follows the same route there and the same route back and is classified as moderately strenuous.

Even hikers without much training should be able to do it, just be careful of stepping over slippery rocks in some passages.

The trail starts at a road about 200 from the sea and its first third runs mostly on private land of local residents.

Please heed the signs posted along the way and stay strictly on the trail. The locals, in cooperation with the local government, voluntarily make their land available to hikers free of charge, so please be respectful.

The trail first passes through meadows and fields before plunging into the depths of the rainforest and a narrow valley surrounded by steep mountain slopes. The second half of the trail runs just along the Hālawa River and offers spectacular views.

The destination is at Moa'ula Falls, about 20 metres high, which drops into a romantic pool in the middle of the dense jungle.

Route map

How to get there

Hālawa Valley lies to the east of Molokai and is accessible via Highway 450.

From the Molokai airport, you'll enjoy a beautiful 55 km (about 1.5 hours) scenic drive along the winding road along the coast and through rolling farmland.