Page 1433 - Dive the Seas and More-2
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from the Marquesas Islands in the 7th winds create a lush tropical environment
Century. A self- sustaining community that is in deep contrast with the dry west
built homes, temples, terraces, and taro end of the island. At the 20 mile marker
patches complete with a water system that on Hwy 450, the road narrows down to a
existed until several modern day disasters curvy one lane paved road from here to
hit the area. Some families left the valley Halawa Valley. A hiking trail begins at
after the 1946 tidal wave wiped out houses Halawa Valley and continues through
along the shoreline and inundated the private property toward the valley's pair of
lower taro patches with salt. But the famous waterfalls - Moaula Falls and
major blow was a 1964 flash flood that Hipuapua. The drive to Halawa Valley is
destroyed much of the remaining taro spectacular, the hike is even more
infrastructure. The local families were spectaular.
either too old or too young to repair the HIKING IN HALAWA VALLEY
damage. Many left to find work and a new Halawa Valley is private property.
life outside of the valley. Today family Permission to hike into the valley or to
members are returning to restore the taro visit the waterfalls is required. A high-
in the valley. Fees from a cultural hike quality cultural tour is offered daily at
into the valley go to this project.
9:15am. Contact the Halawa Valley
MOAULA FALLS The falls and its Cooperative at (808) 553-9803 for
beautiful swimming hole are the information or to book reservations.
destination of your cultural hike into Bring water, mosquito repellant, and good
Halawa Valley. Permission to hike to hiking shoes. Park and meet your guide at
visit the waterfalls is obtained by the Halawa Beach Park pavilion. Expect
contacting the Halawa Valley a moderate one-and-a-quarter hour hike
Cooperative at (808) 553-9803. Legend up muddy trails and across the river past
states that a giant lizard or “Moo” lives in ancient Hawaiian rock work to a fantastic
the deep pool at the base of Moaula Falls. lookout point and to the natural swimming
Before swimming, drop a ti leaf into the pool at Moalua Falls. Tours can also be
pool. If the leaf floats, it is safe to swim. arranged at the Hotel Molokai, Molokai
If it sinks, the Moo will not tolerate any Fish and Dive, Molokai Outdoors, or
disturbance and swimming is dangerous. Molokai Ranch Lodge. Highly
The larger and less accessible falls in the recommended.
valley is Hipuapua Falls.
HALAWA BEACH PARK A river exits
Molokai's EAST END Molokai's highest Halawa Valley and creates a boulder jetty
mountains formed the east end of the with two grey sand-curved beaches on
island. Here the moisture-laden trade either side. As you look down from the
