Molokaʻi day trip: the East End to Hālawa

Drive east from Kaunakakai along Kamehameha V Highway, the slow coastal road past old Hawaiian fishponds and St. Joseph Church, built by Father Damien in 1876, to the end of the road at Hālawa Valley and Hālawa Beach Park. Pick up hot bread or lunch in Kaunakakai first; there are few services out east.

1. Kaunakakai
2. Kanemitsu Bakery
3. St. Joseph Church
4. Hālawa Beach Park

• 1. Kaunakakai: gas up, then Kanemitsu Bakery for breakfast or bread.
• 2. St. Joseph Church (Kamalō): small wooden church built by Father Damien in 1876.
• 3. The coast road: ancient fishponds along the shore; the road gets narrow and winding past mile 20. Drive slowly and wave.
• 4. Hālawa Valley and Hālawa Beach Park at the end of the road; book the guided falls hike ahead.
• Plan most of a day; same road back.
• Tap "Open all stops in Google Maps" for the whole route. Phone browsers may show only the first few stops; the Google Maps app shows them all.

Sources: GoHawaii: Molokaʻi East End · Wanderlustyle: Molokaʻi travel guide (Aug. 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.