Hālawa Valley

Hālawa Valley is a lush valley on Molokai's northeastern coast with two major waterfalls dropping from the surrounding ridges. The landscape features steep walls of vegetation, a stream running through the floor, and scattered remnants of ancient stone structures.

Settlement in this valley dates back over a thousand years, making it one of the earliest inhabited sites in the Hawaiian Islands. The community developed sophisticated irrigation systems and religious structures that shaped life for many generations.

For centuries, families lived in this valley growing taro and other crops, relying on water from the waterfalls to irrigate their fields. The community was closely tied to the land and maintained traditions passed down through generations.

Access to the valley is via Highway 450 on the eastern side of Molokai. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths can be muddy and steep, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Large ocean waves from two major tsunamis in the mid-1900s reshaped the valley floor and destroyed much of the vegetation and structures. This natural disaster prompted most residents to leave, leaving the valley far less populated than it was for over a thousand years before.