As the fifth largest Hawaiian Island, Molokai has a usable land area of 260 square miles and is located east of Oahu and north of Lanai. It is easily one of the most wild and beautiful places in all of Hawaii (maybe even the world) and is home to countless incredible wonders including the historic Kalaupapa Leper Colony, the never-ending Papohaku Beach, and the world’s tallest sea cliffs. If you’ve yet to explore these sea cliffs in Hawaii, now’s the time!

Towering at more than 3,500 feet on Molokai's northern shore are these impressive sea cliffs inaccessible via land, making this one of the most remote natural wonders in the world.
versello/Flickr
The cliffs surround the former leper colony of Kalaupapa, and are among the tallest sea cliffs in the world.
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
While the sea cliffs are impossible to witness via land, there are a few ways to check out these majestic sea cliffs: via a helicopter tour from Maui or a direct flight from Maui to Molokai,
Shannon Kettering/Flickr

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You can also head to the famous Kalaupapa Overlook in Pala’au State Park, or taking a mule ride - or hike - down to the former leper colony of Kalaupapa. In the summer months, you can even take a boat tour of the sea cliffs.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The island of Molokai was formed from two distinct shield volcanoes: the east and west Molokai volcanoes. The East Molokai Volcano suffered from a catastrophic collapse approximately 1.5 million years ago, forming the impressive sea cliffs you’ll find today.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
The sea cliffs are not only part of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, but are also part of the 88 miles of undeveloped coastline you’ll find on this small Hawaiian Island.
University of Hawaii - West Oahu/Flickr
Herds of mountain goats have made their home on these towering cliffs, and you can often see them from the helicopter if you look closely enough. During the rainy season, you might also catch a glimpse of some of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
A brilliant hue of emerald green, the Molokai sea cliffs range in height from 3,500 to 3,900 feet above sea level, and are a can’t miss Hawaii experience.

Have you visited the beautiful Molokoi Sea Cliffs in Hawaii before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! Interested in exploring a bit more? Check out what else this beautiful island has to offer in this recent feature.

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More to Explore

molokoi sea cliffs

Sarah M. | August 02, 2022

What are some other scenic places to visit in Hawaii?

Pretty much *all* of Hawaii is immensely beautiful; it really is one of the most stunning places on the planet! But nothing beats the Molokai Crater. From afar, Molokini Crater looks like just another one of Hawaii's 137 islands and archipelagos. But In Hawaii, some of the most spectacular wonders are hiding in plain sight -- Molokini Crater included! A crescent-shaped crag of land rising 160 feet off the west coast of Maui, Molokini Crater is brown and barren from above -- but an entire prismatic planet awaits beneath its rocky shores. A superlatives superstar, Molokini Crater is the state’s only island marine sanctuary; one of just three volcanic calderas in the world; and the very best place to go snorkeling in Hawaii. You'll be charmed and transfixed by this hidden realm, which feels a bit like stepping into Oz from Kansas. Life that you never knew existed, in every color of the rainbow, is right there, just beneath the surface. All you have to do is jump in! Truly -- the experience of exploring Hawaii from the pristine waters of Molokini Crater is a bucket list adventure and absolutely something you will remember for the rest of your life.  

What are some other sea cliffs in Hawaii?

The shorelines of the Aloha State are positively perfect, and the state's sea cliffs are truly something to experience. Makapu’u Beach has some of our favorite coastline and sea cliffs; as you look into the vast Pacific Ocean, you’ll be mesmerized by the sparkling blue water, but take a closer look: the views of the offshore Rabbit Island and the Makapu’u Lighthouse are hard to beat!

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