{"ok":true,"data":{"id":4005,"slug":"kumimi-beach-20-mile-marker-beach-kaunakakai","name":"Kumimi Beach (20 Mile Marker Beach)","country":"USA","state":"Hawaii","city":"Kaunakakai","coords":{"lat":21.1047,"lng":-156.8168},"beachType":null,"tags":["hidden"],"article":{"hero":"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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nBring 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.","teaser":"You'll know Kumimi by the handwritten sign nailed to a plumeria tree and the crushed coral that lightens the sand to the color of raw almonds. The water here stays bath-warm year-round, lapping at your ankles while you scan the horizon for humpback spouts in winter or simply watch the clouds stack over Maui.","uniqueAngle":"The white coral sand stands out on an island dominated by dark volcanic shores, offering rare pale beaches without the crowds.","accessType":"Roadside pull-off","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Wade Warm Shallows","subtitle":"Reef-protected, ankle to waist deep"},{"icon":"snorkel","title":"Spot Reef Fish","subtitle":"Calm conditions, scattered coral heads"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Frame Maui Views","subtitle":"West Maui mountains across channel"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Stretch Out Alone","subtitle":"Empty sand most weekdays"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Forget your board—Kumimi's protected by an offshore reef that kills swell before it reaches shore. The closest rideable waves are miles west at Dixie Maru or Kepuhi, where winter northwest swells wrap around Molokaʻi's western tip. Here, the water stays flat as a lake, good for watching conditions across the Pailolo Channel but useless for anything beyond a bodysurfing attempt on rare summer kona swells. Save your wax for the windward coast.","couples":"Arrive an hour before sunset when the light turns Maui's ridgelines violet and the sand glows amber. The beach curves gently, offering long walks with nothing but your footprints trailing behind. Pack a cooler with wine and poke from Friendly Market in Kaunakakai, spread a blanket under the kiawe shade, and let the evening stretch. For lodging, the Molokaʻi Shores condos sit ten miles west—modest but oceanfront, with lanais perfect for morning coffee while spinner dolphins arc offshore.","backpacker":"Sleep free at Papohaku Beach Park campground fifteen miles west—permits from the county office in Kaunakakai run $5 per night, cold showers included. Kumimi has no facilities, but the swim's free and the shade's abundant if you claim a kiawe tree early. Grab plate lunch at Kanemitsu Bakery ($9 for kalua pork and rice) before heading out, or hit Misaki's for musubi ($2.50). Hitchhiking works along the highway if you're patient; otherwise, rent a beater car with other travelers and split the $40 daily rate.","local":"Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. keep the beach yours—tourists sleep in, and the fisherfolk have already moved to deeper spots. The best swimming is at high tide when the reef pools fill; low tide exposes sharp coral and makes wading awkward. Locals know the strip of sand just east of the main pull-off catches more shade from the naupaka and stays cooler. Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the county's been cracking down, and the reef here deserves protection.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"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.","q":"Is Kumimi Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"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.","q":"When is the best time to visit Kumimi Beach?"},{"a":"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.","q":"How do you get to Kumimi Beach and is there parking?"},{"a":"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.","q":"Are there any amenities, food, or lodging near Kumimi Beach?"},{"a":"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.","q":"Why is Kumimi Beach called the 20 Mile Marker Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Kumimi Beach: Molokai's Hidden White Sand Shore at Mile 20","description":"Powder-soft white sand meets turquoise shallows at this unmarked coastline near Kaunakakai. Local fishermen know the spot; now you will too.","ogImage":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1588522120517-ceb034ec3514?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080"},"images":[{"id":"773487","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1777285126791-697df00d7de6?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1777285126791-697df00d7de6?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"Wooden post with marker on a sandy beach"},{"id":"773488","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1562390532-81a7e425cb4e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1562390532-81a7e425cb4e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"yellow pedestal signage"},{"id":"773489","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1719697794696-e6d53c907d85?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1719697794696-e6d53c907d85?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"A sign on a post on a beach near the ocean"},{"id":"773490","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1690888341135-98b4a1f06f02?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1690888341135-98b4a1f06f02?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"a sandy beach next to the ocean under a cloudy sky"},{"id":"773492","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1735326852695-975be56ad6d9?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1735326852695-975be56ad6d9?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"A couple of signs sitting on the side of a road"},{"id":"773493","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1634113287384-ae026f7478ef?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1634113287384-ae026f7478ef?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxLdW1pbWklMjBCZWFjaCUyMCUyODIwJTIwTWlsZSUyME1hcmtlciUyMEJlYWNoJTI5JTIwYmVhY2h8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc4MDQzMDQ0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"a sign on a beach near the 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