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Free Traveling Guides » States » Hawaii » Molokai & MauiHalawa Valley
The Hälawa Valley is one of the most spectacular places in Molokai. It was first inhabited by the people from the Marquises Islands in the 7th century. It continued to be an active and a prosperous community until the area was struck by two devastating tsunamis. The first tsunami hit the area in 1946 and the other in 1957. These 45-foot (14-m) tidal waves destroyed all the buildings in the area and covered the entire valley with a plant-killing salt.
At present, the Hälawa Valley is inhabited by a small population and is mainly used for recreational activities like camping and hiking in the mountains, and fishing, surfing or swimming at the Hälawa Beach Park, located nearby. Hälawa Valley is located nearly 30 miles (48 km) from Kaunakakai and is easily accessible via Highway 450.
The major attractions in the Valley are the two large and magnificent waterfalls, which can be seen falling down from the beautiful mountains. One of these is the 250-foot (75- m) waterfall, popularly known as the Moaula Falls. It is nearly 2 miles (3 km) up the valley. According to a legend, a giant lizard called “mo’o” lives in the deep pool fed by the Moaula Falls. It’s a common tradition here to drop a Ti–leaf in the pool before swimming. If the leaf floats, it is safe to swim. But, if the leaf sinks, the Mo’o might not welcome you and it is dangerous to swim!
The other waterfall is the 500-foot (150-m) Hipuapua Falls. It is located ¼ mile (0.4 km) north of Moaula. Both falls are situated on private property and a local guide with a permit is needed to take you here. Hälawa Valley offers beautiful scenery, excellent overlooks, breathtaking views of the picturesque landscape, sandy protected beaches, awesome facilities for picnicking, showers and public restrooms, and great hiking opportunities.
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