Hālawa Valley
Hālawa Valley
4.5
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Situated on the eastern side of Molokai.
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- Al L21 contributionsHalawa Falls AdventureThe pre trip talk before hiking to the falls was a great way to get immersed to the local lore and history. First time eating a Hawaiian banana from the tree and starfruit. Great hike and swim at the falls. Guide was excellent and very helpful.Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 11, 2023
- Terry LSparta, New Jersey16 contributionsMemorable experience in Halawa ValleyOne of the highlights of my 2-week stay in Molokai. Starts with an interesting hour-long discussion about the history and culture of Hawaii, Molokai and Hālawa Valley. Fascinating. Learned a lot. The hike was moderate but not easy—had to navigate over and under fallen trees and over streams. Be sure to bring good hiking and water shoes. The highlight of the day were the waterfalls and the swimming hole—brace yourself for chilly water! Acclimated quickly. The drive to and from Halawa was a treat unto itself — narrow, winding road along the cliff with outstanding views. Halawa Valley Beach itself was not as nice as Murphy Beach (mile post 20) or Sandy Beach (about two miles further east), which you pass along the way. Even though the guides charge $75/person, I highly recommend — the trail and waterfalls are on private property so you can’t do it on your own.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 23, 2024
- Sean CHaleiwa, Hawaii1,739 contributionsBeautiful valley, and breathtaking scenery on the winding drive thereBeautiful valley, and breathtaking scenery on the winding drive there. *Note: the drive is definitely not as twist/turn as “the road to hana” but it is up and down cliffs and mountainside much of the way, on a narrow road, some parts are one lane. The views on the way to the valley are just as beautiful as the valley and enormous waterfall itself. We did not have a hiking tour, and were disappointed we didn’t arrange for this in advance. Nevertheless we enjoyed our time and appreciated the beautiful valley and chilled on the beach for a bit. There are public bathrooms (decent enough) which was nice after the 45+min drive. Would recommend.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
240 reviews
Excellent
177
Very good
40
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
8
Nati0nalParkFan
Saint Louis, MO22 contributions
Jan 2020
I made reservations on-line for the tour/hike a month ahead of time. Just two days before the hike, I got an email saying the tour had been cancelled and my credit card credited for the fee but I could still take the tour, but had to pay cash. It didn't make much sense to me. I drove out th Halawa Valley (an hour drive), waited 30 minutes and no one ever showed up. I'm still not sure what was going on.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenny C
Jefferson, SD57 contributions
Feb 2020
The road is narrow and full of 90 degree turns and switch backs. It’s not for the timid or nervous driver. Most of the road has a great ocean view of some of the prettiest part of Molokai. There are bathrooms and pavilions at the end. The beach at the end is nice but not the highlight. There is a trail back to the waterfall into the valley but you need to have a guide to cross the private property.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy E
Lahaina, HI17 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Definitely go on the Halawa Valley Falls cultural hike. So beautiful. Greg welcomes you to his home and guides you through the valley while providing lessons of the true Hawaiian culture. Be prepared to cross a stream with flowing water that can go up to your knees. I wore my water shoes and was glad I did. It is a once in a lifetime adventure.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greta B
Calvert City, KY9 contributions
Apr 2023
My niece decided to sign us up for the Halawa Valley Cultural Hike with The Solatorio Family. From the beginning, you are immersed in local culture as your guide blows a conch shell to let the family know that we care coming. After a gift exchange greeting, we were given a wonderful talk about the valley, the people and the culture of the area. Then, we went on a hike up the valley to a waterfall, where we were free to swim, relax and rest. It was a highlight of our trip to Molokai. Be sure to pack water, snacks and wer GOOD hiking shoes/sandals!
Written May 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary B
Vancouver, Canada482 contributions
Feb 2023
We drove out to Halawa Bay on our own from Kaunakakai town. The route takes you along the waterfront as far as Murphy's Beach and then up into the hills to Puu O Hoku Ranch. Along the way, watch out for Kewala Plantation, Kakahaia Wildlife reserve, The Pukahuwa Battlefield where Kamehameha defeated the island rulers to add Molokai to his kingdom, the Smith-Bronte Landing (or crash) site, the Bellstone, Lihuopae Haiue (difficult to find), the Pukoo Grindz store (great for local lunches and strong coffee), a number of taro patches, the Dunbar Cottages, and lots of beaches, harbours and lookout points. If you are lucky you might see a mongoose (which we did see), deer, and even a nene. The road is paved all the way to Halawa, although you should watch for rock fall on the switchbacks down int to he bay. We regretfully had not booked the hike up to the falls, and the local tropical flower farms was closed the day we drove out. We parked at the end of the road and walked the beaches and waded in the river, and then headed back. If I ever go to Molokai again, I will book the hike and if it's available might stay at one of the cottages at Puu O Hoku ranch because this end of the island is really something.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy V
7 contributions
May 2024 • Family
The drive is very difficult and you tube videos we watched ahead of time made it seem a better destination than it really is so don’t be fooled by the you tubers who like to put out click bait. Small rocky beaches and brownish sand with no amenities. Any hiking in area is on private property so you need a local guide to arrange ahead of time. Disappointing.
Written May 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al L
21 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The pre trip talk before hiking to the falls was a great way to get immersed to the local lore and history. First time eating a Hawaiian banana from the tree and starfruit. Great hike and swim at the falls. Guide was excellent and very helpful.
Written November 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christy G
12 contributions
Feb 2023
I have traveled extensively and I can honestly say this place was in the top two. Imagine being dropped in Jurassic World with hardly anyone else about. People think that my pictures are photoshopped all the time and I have to assure then that they are real and I was standing there when I took the picture. Incredible.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elenita D
Penn Valley, CA37 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
This was not only an adventurous hike to a beautiful waterfall but also a fabulous cultural experience. My husband and I learned a lot about the real history of the area. It was a very interesting presentation before the hike, given by the son of the last living resident. You’ll meet the grandfather, the son and grandson.
At the waterfall you can swim, eat your lunch, relax before heading back.
The drive out there is also a beautiful, scenic drive.
At the waterfall you can swim, eat your lunch, relax before heading back.
The drive out there is also a beautiful, scenic drive.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue J
Boise, ID398 contributions
Feb 2020
Road signs threatened a bad road, but it was fine! So glad we ventured to the end of the road and beautiful setting.
Stop at all the wide spots and take in the views along the way. Drive to the very end of the road where there is a much bigger parking area (and picnic tables) than the first place you see where there are only a few spots to park.
But do take some time in the old townsite of Halawa where there is an old church with trees now growing in it. great photo ops.
The prettiest part of the drive is through the Ironwood forest, near the end of the road.
Stop at all the wide spots and take in the views along the way. Drive to the very end of the road where there is a much bigger parking area (and picnic tables) than the first place you see where there are only a few spots to park.
But do take some time in the old townsite of Halawa where there is an old church with trees now growing in it. great photo ops.
The prettiest part of the drive is through the Ironwood forest, near the end of the road.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What level of fitness is required for the hike to the falls?
Written February 15, 2019
We didn't do it as it was raining the day we went out there, but I would say mid level fitness. We are physically fit but don't work out to stay in shape. We saw some people of all types and sizes hiking from the morning tour . Sorry I'm so late to answer.
Written March 3, 2019
hallo und guten tag, danke für ihren bericht, wie kann ich den von ihnen erwähnten guide kontaktieren? wollte gerne email, oder telefon.
können sie mir auch die kosten für die führung sagen
danke und mfg
wolfgang decker, neuwied,
Written August 30, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Someone stated the father and son talked for a long time, two to three hours about the history of the islands. This person wrote because of rain their hike was cancelled until the next day. Was wondering if that was the reason the information session lasted so long or was the long information session the usual?
Written September 1, 2016
My impression from our greeter and out guide is that they are VERY proud of their heritage and culture. They seemed quite happy to share it with us and answer any questions that we had. However, I did get the sense that not all of the guides and groups that offer this hike have the same feeling or knowledge. Our greeter was likely the one you mention as we did walk to their house & observe a greeting ceremony with our guide, the greeter and his father. As we hiked, our guide was great and answered ALL the questions my 14 year old, very inquisitive son could ask. It was great, but may depend on who you get. We booked our hike through the shop in town, but search Halawa valley Molokai
Written October 27, 2016
There seem to be a lot of alternatives for guides - why do you recommend Eddie Tanaka, as opposed to the Solotorio family? And should we take water shoes of some sort to cross the rivers?
Thanks
cathy
Written December 28, 2015
We learned that if you try to walk in on your own, the owner stops you and charges you the fee.
A real highway robber ! He owns the land.
We drove to the end of the road and enjoyed lovely view up River to the fall. The shoreline is very lovely there, also.
Written November 17, 2015
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