East Molokai Volcano Volcano

East Molokai Volcano is a large shield volcano that forms the eastern portion of the island of Molokai in the Hawaiian Islands and is responsible for the island’s dramatic northern sea cliffs.

The volcano’s northern flank rises steeply from the ocean to cliffs that reach roughly 1,000 metres in height, among the highest ocean cliffs on Earth; those cliffs and the adjacent flat Kalaupapa Peninsula are commonly seen on aerial tours and boat trips.

The volcanic edifice was built by shield-style eruptions and was modified by large flank-collapse events that produced the peninsula and the steep coastal escarpments.

The volcano occupies much of Molokai island in Maui County, Hawaii; the community of Kaunakakai lies on the island’s southern coast and is the usual access point for services and transport to Molokai.

• Viewing access: Best observed from the air or by boat because road access along the northern cliffs is limited and parts of the coast are within managed park or private lands.
• Kalaupapa: The Kalaupapa Peninsula contains Kalaupapa National Historical Park, which preserves the former isolated settlement established in the 19th century and is subject to restricted access and management requirements.

What to See#

• Kalaupapa Peninsula: A low-lying coastal plain formed by massive landslide and erosion debris at the base of the northern cliffs; contains the historic Kalaupapa settlement and the federally protected Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
• Northern sea cliffs: Steep ocean-facing escarpments along the volcano’s northern flank that are among the highest sea cliffs in the world, commonly viewed from air tours or boats.

Molokai is reached by plane from Maui or Oʻahu (flights into Molokai Airport, near Hoʻolehua) and by ferry from Maui to Kaunakakai on limited-schedule services. Road access on Molokai is by narrow two-lane highways; some interior and coastal viewpoints require a sturdy vehicle. Helicopter tours from Maui or Oʻahu are a common way to see the island’s volcanic structure and dramatic coastlines.

• A helicopter or small aircraft tour is the most dramatic way to appreciate Molokai's volcanic structure and coastal cliffs - book in advance and check weather windows.
• Road access on Molokai is limited; if driving, fuel up in Kaunakakai and expect narrow, two-lane roads.
• Respect private property and Hawaiian cultural sites; many valleys and ridges are culturally significant and access may be restricted.