Kalaupapa Sea Cliffs

About this spectacle

The Kalaupapa sea cliffs on Moloka'i's north shore rank among the tallest sea cliffs in the world, plunging from lush green plateaus dramatically into the deep blue Pacific. Standing at the cliff edge, visitors are met with an overwhelming sense of vertical scale — walls of dark basalt streaked with waterfalls dropping thousands of feet to a narrow shore far below. The roar of surf is muffled by distance, replaced by wind and the calls of seabirds riding updrafts along the cliff face. The Kalaupapa peninsula, visible below, sits in stark contrast to the surrounding wilderness. Clouds frequently thread through the upper reaches of the cliffs, adding an atmospheric quality to the view. Access to the overlook is via Pala'au State Park, where a trail through ironwood forest leads to a dramatic vantage point. The scale and isolation of the scene create an almost surreal visual experience — raw volcanic architecture shaped over millions of years, still largely untouched.

When to go

Year-round

Getting there

Nearest airport: MKK. Nearest city: Kaunakakai.

Booking options

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