The wild northern coast of Molokai offers an ethereal spectacle of the world's highest true sea cliffs, which, according to various standards, rise practically perpendicularly from the ocean to heights ranging from 600 to 1,010 metres above sea level.

It rivals other even higher reefs in New Zealand, but these count as mountains and not as pure sea cliffs by geographical standards.

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Much more accessible are the 8th highest reefs in the world on the Na Pali coast, which is on the neighbouring island of Kauai.

The highest in the world

The Guinness Book of World Records lists Umilehi Point as the world's tallest sea cliff at 1,010 m above sea level, rising at an average angle of 55°.

However, it is not possible to reach the highest reef directly, there are no roads or hiking trails leading to it. The only way to see the very highest cliffs is to travel to the historic village of Kalaupapa on the peninsula of the same name, from where the cliffs can be seen.

Another option is sightseeing helicopter flights from Maui (no tour company is based on Molokai) with prices around 340 usd per sightseeing flight (for example, Sunshine Helicopters, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters or Maverick Helicopters).

The last least certain option is a scheduled Mokulele Airlines flight from Kahului Airport (Maui) to Molokai Airport, which may follow a route around the reefs.

If flying to Molokai, the cliffs can be seen on the left side, if flying to Maui on the right side. However, it depends on the wind direction and some flights take the southern route away from the cliffs. The cheapest one-way ticket is 85 usd.

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View from Palaʻau State Park

The cliffs west of the Kalaupapa Peninsula are well accessible with a height of "only" 600 feet above sea level.

At Palaʻau State Park, you'll find a beautiful lookout right on the edge of the cliff that drops practically perpendicularly below you into the depths of the Pacific.

It's easy to get here by car; just steps from the overlook, Highway 470 ends with a small free parking lot (see location on map). There is no charge to enter Palaʻau State Park either.