Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The drive along Kamehameha V Highway unfolds slowly, the odometer ticking past coconut groves and red-dirt driveways until you reach the twenty-mile marker where Kumimi Beach sits quiet against the reef. The sand here is finer than most of Molokaʻi's volcanic coastline, a mix of white coral fragments and weathered shell that squeaks underfoot. Locals call it "Twenty Mile," and on weekdays you might share it with no one but the mynah birds perched in the kiawe trees. The reef keeps the shore calm, the water pooling in turquoise shallows that warm under the midday sun. You'll wade out over sand ripples, toes sinking into pockets smoothed by the tide, and feel the temperature rise a degree with every step. Beyond the reef, the channel between Molokaʻi and Maui darkens to navy, a lane for inter-island ferries and the occasional outrigger canoe heading east toward Hālawa. Bring what you need—shade, water, snacks—because there's nothing here but beach. No lifeguard stand, no concession hut, no parking lot with painted lines. Just a pull-off wide enough for three cars, a fringe of naupaka bushes, and the kind of uninterrupted afternoon that reminds you why Molokaʻi refuses to rush.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Kumimi Beach (20 Mile Marker Beach).
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Swimming conditions at Kumimi Beach vary depending on the season and ocean conditions. The beach generally has calm waters, making it suitable for swimming during summer months. However, winter swells can create stronger currents and waves. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimmers should exercise caution and assess conditions before entering the water. The reef offshore can provide some protection, but always check current conditions and avoid swimming alone. If waves appear rough or currents seem strong, it's best to enjoy the beach from shore.
Kumimi Beach can be visited year-round, though each season offers different experiences. Summer months (May-September) typically bring calmer waters and better swimming conditions, while winter (November-March) can see larger waves. For the calmest conditions and clearest water, visit during late spring or early fall. The beach is located on Molokai's south shore, which tends to be drier and sunnier than the north. Early morning visits offer the most serene atmosphere and best lighting for photography, with fewer visitors throughout the day due to its hidden location.
Kumimi Beach is located along Kamehameha V Highway, approximately 20 miles east of Kaunakakai town (hence its nickname '20 Mile Marker Beach'). Drive east from Kaunakakai and look for the mile marker 20; parking is informal along the roadside. There's limited space for a few vehicles on the shoulder near the beach access. The beach is somewhat hidden and unmarked, so watch carefully for the marker. A short walk from the road leads to the beach. The road is paved but narrow in sections, suitable for regular vehicles.
Kumimi Beach has no facilities—no restrooms, showers, picnic tables, or food vendors. It's a completely undeveloped, natural beach. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including water, snacks, and sun protection. The nearest restaurants and grocery stores are in Kaunakakai, about 20 miles west. Lodging options are also limited to Kaunakakai and other parts of Molokai. Pack out all trash to help preserve this pristine beach. Due to the remote location and lack of amenities, plan ahead and come fully prepared for your visit.
Kumimi Beach earned its nickname '20 Mile Marker Beach' because it's located at approximately the 20-mile marker along Kamehameha V Highway, measured from Kaunakakai. Since the beach has no official signage and remains relatively hidden from the main road, locals and visitors use this mile marker as the primary landmark for finding it. This naming convention is common in Hawaii, where remote beaches are often identified by their nearest mile marker rather than formal names, making navigation easier along long coastal highways with multiple beach access points.
