The fifth largest Hawaiian Island – measuring in at just 260 square miles – located east of Oahu and north of Lanai, Molokai is as remote as it gets. The island was even named one of National Geographic’s most wild and beautiful places in the world. This small island is reminiscent of all things “Old Hawaii,” and is known for its culturally significant historic sites, the world’s tallest sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, more than 100 miles of stunning shoreline, and beaches that stretch on for miles. What it is not known for, however, is the breathtaking Mo’omomi Preserve, an incredible natural oasis that should be added to everyone’s Hawaiian bucket list.
Located on the isolated northeast corner of Molokai, this sprawling 921-acre preserve protects one of the state’s last intact coastal regions, a holdover from an ancient era.
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Steady and strong northeast trade winds have shaped the linear sand dunes, which measure in at nearly a mile long and hundreds of feet wide.
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It is within these seemingly barren dunes that native grasses and shrubs flourish. In fact, here you will find more rare coastal species than any other single location in the main Hawaiian Islands.
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Home to more than two dozen native Hawaiian plant species, including a member of the sunflower family found exclusively at Mo’omomi, the preserve is also a nesting site for native shorebirds, the Hawaiian owl, and green sea turtles.
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Throughout the last century, many of Hawaii’s native beaches have been lost due to coastal development. Mo’omomi Preserve, created in 1988, is the most intact beach and sand dune area found across the main Hawaiian Islands.
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This isolated and windswept area is easily one of Hawaii’s most wild and beautiful locations, wouldn’t you agree?
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The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii regularly offers guided hiking tours of this magnificent preserve. For more information, contact the Molokai field office at 808.553.5236 or email hike_molokai@tnc.org. Reservations are required, but there is no fee to participate. You can visit on your own, but it is much more difficult.
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While on the enchanting island of Molokai, be sure to visit Papohaku Beach, one of the longest beaches found in Hawaii.
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