Hale O Lono or "House of Lono" is a long and narrow white-sand beach on Molokai's south shore. It was once a heiau, or a place of worship, for Lono, who is the Hawaiian god of agriculture and fertility, one of the four principal gods of ancient Hawaii.
The beach is a prime spot for humpback whale watching between December and April. The island of Lanai is often visible. A small boat harbor, popular today with local fishermen and sailors, was built in the late 1950s. Camping and fishing are favorite activities here, but not swimming and snorkeling due to a rocky ocean bottom. Be aware that there are no lifeguards or restroom facilities at Hale O Lono, and no drinking water or food either.
During the 1960s sand was barged from Lono to Oahu for Waikiki construction. On a regular schedule crushed rock and sand were hauled on barges across the Kaiwi Channel to Honolulu.
This harbor is also the starting site for 2 championships of long-distance outrigger canoe racing. The Na Wahine O Ke Kai (Women of the Sea) is held every year at the end of September, and the Molokai Hoe for men 2 weeks later. Starting from Hale O Lono Molokai and ending in Waikiki Oahu crews paddle through fierce swells in the 41-mile Kaiwi Channel. Teams from over 50 countries come together to compete in these races.
Directions: Park along the side of the road as it turns left toward the ocean and before it goes to the camping area and harbor. Walk along the beach or by the small side road. Cache is a small snap-lid container with lots of swag, FTF help yourself!
