Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

rouneezie t1_j77jzns wrote

Fun fact: Molokai's north cliffs are so tall because... they once were connected to an entire other half of the island that just sheared off from a massive earthquake and the resulting landslide. If you take a look at Google maps in the satellite imagery mode just north of the island, you can see the debris of the parts of land that slipped away into the depths.

353

kw661 t1_j78gocg wrote

We get landslides every time it rains to one degree or another. Lava is very crumbly.

60

rouneezie t1_j78pnw5 wrote

What boggles my mind is that the Nu’uanu slide, when it took out half of the Ko'olau range, is suspected of having created the largest tsunami wave ever at 100m+ in height!

With great tropical beauty comes great geologic risk, I guess.

60

SaltAd2986 t1_j794ewl wrote

actually, although 100m+is very tall. this tsunami in AK was estimated at 1,720' or 520m...wow

​

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2022/09/01/fault-facts-worlds-largest-tsunami-was-our-backyard/#:~:text=Alaska%20is%20home%20to%20the%20largest%20tsunami%20ever%20recorded.&text=ANCHORAGE%2C%20Alaska%20(KTUU)%20%2D,who%20died%2C%20and%20four%20survived.

31

badgerandaccessories t1_j7cwspu wrote

That doesn’t really count since the wave only went 600 feet to the other side of a bay. The wave wasn’t 1720 feet tall, just that’s how far water splashed up the mountain on the other side.

In your link they even say a small boat survived by letting out enough anchor line and being able to ride the wave. No chance they did anything over a 150 foot wave like that.

1

Chipotle42 OP t1_j77k9e9 wrote

Quite amazing, and makes me wonder about Kilauea doing same😱

57

rouneezie t1_j77n8l4 wrote

Definitely going to happen someday - it's a question of when not if. The nature of the islands' porous volcanic rock makes them susceptible to this phenomenon.

47

NormalAccounts t1_j79aobq wrote

Half of Oahu did this too. The whole west east side of the island collapsed overnight thousands of years ago. Can see debris halfway to North America

33

taikin13 t1_j78ridy wrote

That’s going to be a hell of a tsunami.

22

djinner_13 t1_j79orhi wrote

Is there any tradition of throwing dead bodies off the cliffs?

3

HiitlerDicks t1_j79n9ly wrote

I can see why the ultra wealthy are choosing this as their stronghold location for the upcoming collapse

2

AgentFlatweed t1_j77lx3s wrote

Damn. I’ve been to the Cliffs of Moher, which are about 702 feet above sea level at their tallest, and those looked massive. And these are 3000 feet above sea level.

138

BritniRose t1_j78rwzc wrote

Jeeeeeesus, no, no I do not want to see them in person.

Cliffs of Moher was bad enough for me. Noooope.

27

lifestream87 t1_j79mj2h wrote

100% agree. Don't know how so many people took photos near the edge. I literally sat down and scootched my way as close as my body would allow. Which wasn't all that close 😂

14

BritniRose t1_j7a6j1t wrote

I made some other tourists laugh because I held onto my mom’s coat while she was wondering on the Dangerous Death Cliff Side of the little slate fence thing. She said “I’m FINE, let go” and I, in my panic, said “well, you’re the only one that knows how to drive standard!”

I did climb over on the danger side on some of the wider parts, took a selfie with my mom and brother and then scooted right back over.

5

StarryNorth t1_j79uh3d wrote

Believe it or not, I actually saw a wedding taking place on the Cliffs of Moher. It was a windy, blustery day and I kept thinking, "Please don't let them be blown off the cliff."

10

BritniRose t1_j7a6smb wrote

Yeah no nope. As far as I ever experienced, all the wind came off the ocean, but I wouldn’t risk it in the off chance the wind swung around. I’d be screwed. (Disclaimer I was only there 3 days before moving on south, during the tail end of what was left Hurricane Oscar, my experience is limited, admittedly)

2

StarryNorth t1_j7cssdg wrote

Exactly. The wind can change direction in an instant and the day I was there, the wind never let up.

2

An_O_Cuin t1_j78tb73 wrote

sliabh liag are another set of sea cliffs in ireland, the tallest in europe in fact, and reach nearly 2,000 feet tall

27

Jaybeann t1_j799syx wrote

Google says sliabh liag is the second highest in Ireland next to Croaghan, which is the third highest in Europe.

12

Jupiter68128 t1_j7725l6 wrote

Life pro tip:. If you are ever in Maui and you are debating if the helicopter tour is worth it, it is definitely worth it.

136

FLORI_DUH t1_j77oua8 wrote

Unless you tend to get carsick, and then--I can't stress this enough--stay on the ground and save your money.

41

PersnicketyHazelnuts t1_j78953s wrote

And if you get carsick easily, don’t take the ferry from Maui to Molokai either. I knew I was in trouble when I saw locals wearing those wrist bands to prevent motion sickness.

27

cbetsinger t1_j78a4c7 wrote

Them things been falling out the sky left and right lately. It’s been on our news. The safety record isn’t so spotless recently

30

MSgtGunny t1_j79mgjz wrote

Haven’t the recent crashes all been related to landing visibility, like fog and such?

4

MurphStanley t1_j78euv1 wrote

Did one in July of last year, was insane flying over these

4

Larkenx t1_j797fao wrote

100% this - did it last year and it was amazing

2

pewterpetunia t1_j7ca857 wrote

You may want to look at the stats on helicopter crashes in Hawaii first.

1

JGCities t1_j77bvrf wrote

Been to Molokai, but didn't get to see the cliffs. Was disappointing.

For some reason when you fly from Maui to Molokai on the little plane they don't fly past the cliffs.

BTW Molokai is a great place to visit if you want a couple days of doing nothing but relaxing. No chain restaurants or stores all local places. Was a nice 2 days.

67

Chipotle42 OP t1_j77djwf wrote

I saw it from a doorless helicopter from Maui. A helicopter might be the only way

28

JGCities t1_j77kykd wrote

Am sure you can get boat rides too.

Cruise ships sail by the Nāpali Coast on Kauaʻi, but none I know of sail by the Molokai cliffs, guess they too far out of the way.

I did see the leper colony from the top of the cliffs. Amazing view from up top looking down.

14

PocketSandThroatKick t1_j79kyoh wrote

Do what now with the leper colony?

5

JGCities t1_j79q98r wrote

It was still being used by the last two survivors (I believe it was two)

It was basically set up so they could use it for their entire lives and the last two people have yet to die off. Who knows what will happen at that point.

It's in an amazing location, so maybe retirement home for rich people or natives or something. Who knows. No one asked me.

12

duke_awapuhi t1_j79z0en wrote

It’s about a dozen, but you got to meet two on the trip there. Unfortunately one of them, Boogie, passed away a couple years ago. He was an extremely kind person

6

JGCities t1_j7bz2nc wrote

We didn't meet any, was going off what our tour guide said. Could be wrong on the number as I wasn't paying that much attention, was too busy taking pics.

1

plusharmadillo t1_j7h8acn wrote

There is a fictional but well-researched book called Moloka’i by Alan Brennert that delves into the history of the colony on the island. I had no idea this was a thing until I read it and found it fascinating and thought-provoking.

2

Free_DKT t1_j78r9an wrote

Is TC still flying the choppers or did Magnum find some other pilots?

3

harlanwade90 t1_j7ctzhu wrote

Every so often, dive boats from Oahu will make an overnight run from Hawaii Kai to most of the way down the backside of Molokai. You squeeze in as many dives as you can, three tanks at least, but there's also some truly breathtaking beaches and arches you can swim to. I've never seen as many lobsters, octopus, and monk seals as I did on that trip. It's very much worth it if you ever get the chance.

2

Spiritfire737 t1_j79aibm wrote

My wife and I spent a week in Molokai and the locals just laughed at us. We did the tour down the cliffs to the colony, but opted to hike on foot rather than ride the donkeys. It was absolutely stunning, but the hike back up sapped us of everything we had.

15

duke_awapuhi t1_j79z4ju wrote

My aunt: “going up was fine but going down was awful”. I still have no idea what she’s smoking. Going down was a piece of cake. Going back up was brutal

5

tan_blue t1_j7iy1l7 wrote

You use different muscles going downhill, ones that aren't used regularly, so going down a long, steep, slope can cause aches you're not used to.

1

PA2SK t1_j77mj8a wrote

I flew there from Maui on a little 8 seater or something, they went right past the cliffs and the leper colony

8

JGCities t1_j77on1w wrote

Whatever.... not jealous..... I guess weather was bad both times we flew there & back.

Still if anyone goes to Maui and has a day to spare the ride to and from Molokai is CHEAPER than a helicopter ride and almost as amazing. Could fly over in the morning, rent a car and drive around the island and fly back that night and still be cheaper than a helicopter ride.

We did do a copter ride in Maui, started in Hana and went around the east and south ends of the island across the middle back to the main airport. That was amazing too. The east side of Maui is amazing and so few people see it because it is nearly impossible to get too.

7

entipy t1_j797s80 wrote

400k people a year drive the road to Hana... I wouldn't call that "so few people" or "nearly impossible."

8

mmmountaingoat t1_j79n7et wrote

Like 90% of people turn around or stop in Hana. It’s what comes after that’s truly incredible

6

JGCities t1_j79fhc2 wrote

That isn't the 'east side' I am talking about. I am talking about after Hana and around the whole south east side of the island.

Years ago you weren't even supposed to drive along the far side of the island, they had signs saying your car insurance would not cover you past certain points on the road. Not sure if still the same.

3

schaudhery t1_j79ni2z wrote

When I went to Maui in 2019 they had signs at the rental car places that showed places you weren’t allowed to drive on the island.

3

JGCities t1_j79qhnf wrote

Yea, the whole 'east' side of the island and I believe the far north west corner as well.

You can see the roads on google earth and the road on the east side becomes one lane for much of it and looks like it hasn't been repaved since it was created.

There is just nothing on that side of the island so few people go there. But am sure it would make an amazing drive. It's on my list of things to do when I win the lotto and won't worry about destroying a rental car gif

2

seaofgrass t1_j79za9f wrote

We drove around the NW side on pur honeymoon. Can confirm, it was basically a single lane goat trail at parts. Lots and lots of chickens and pigs running around. Very steep on both sides of the road.

The views were incredible. I don't know if I'd do it again, but it was worth the drive..

6

taku240se t1_j7babci wrote

The winds are super high,and they don't need to fly you around molokai on the scenic tour to take you to the airport... but I did see these cliffs on a heli tour and it was mind blowing!

1

Ok-Albatross430 t1_j77c1i4 wrote

The cliffs of insanity!

35

anOnionFinelyMinced t1_j77kcxn wrote

You were supposed to be this Colossus. You were this great legendary thing, and yet he gains!

24

theelljar t1_j780d7i wrote

well I'm carrying three people! and he's got only himself!

11

mrflippant t1_j78r84w wrote

Did I make it clear that your JOB is on the line?!

8

EmperorRosko t1_j78sh29 wrote

Why are we not talking about that insane waterfall? Incredible

30

bobsmith93 t1_j7929ww wrote

I like how that tiny stream of water is cutting a huge gash into the side of the cliff over time

17

Chipotle42 OP t1_j78zdbh wrote

3000+ ft, >1000m (I'm glad you noticed it)

10

ihatereddit41 t1_j7837ph wrote

Yeahhhh…. I’m gonna need a banana in there somewhere

16

lekoman t1_j78dm5l wrote

There are thousands of bananas. You just can't see 'em. Cliff's too tall.

10

SINGULARITY1312 t1_j78etx4 wrote

It’s crazy how lush it is considering the extreme verticality.

13

Chipotle42 OP t1_j78h5q8 wrote

It reminds me of the lush cliffs on Kauai, they both get a whole lot of rain

7

sckego t1_j78nn7u wrote

It would be pretty f’d up if you had a population of undesirable people and just parked them at the bottom of those cliffs so they’d be completely cut off from the rest of society

10

Entire-Ad2058 t1_j78lx07 wrote

Wow. Read the book "Molokai" a long time ago. This really makes the story more poignant... thanks for sharing.

9

duke_awapuhi t1_j79zd66 wrote

That book made me cry. I couldn’t finish it. My great great great grandma got mentioned in the first couple pages though which was cool. Alan Brennart does great research.

Unless youre talking about the Bushnell Molokai book, which is also good, but not a moving story like the other one

3

Entire-Ad2058 t1_j7a1wj5 wrote

No, it was the Brennart one. Read it 26 years ago but kept my copy and have loaned it out numerous times. Incredible story, told with talent and great sensitivity... (Oh, great, I sound like some commercial, but still!!!...) Anyway - thank you for the post.

2

duke_awapuhi t1_j7a21an wrote

You probably know this but he’s written at least 1-2 other Hawaii books. I’m spacing on the name, but I believe one is called Honolulu

1

Entire-Ad2058 t1_j7a2xrt wrote

No, I didn't know about that one. I just received a sequel to "Molokai", as a gift... "Daughter of Molokai"... Hope you can try the original again. It was a hard read (and I have no ties to the islands, so can't possibly understand how you feel), but I thought it very important, and riveting. Best to you!

2

duke_awapuhi t1_j7a531g wrote

Oh yeah that’s right! I saw that one recently. I’ll definitely give it another stab. I’m obsessed with Hawaiian history and yeah, have deep ties to the islands, plus Molokai is my favorite island haha. I’ve spent too much time there to not give the book another chance. Best to you as well! Happy reading and happy travels!

2

Entire-Ad2058 t1_j7a5w3a wrote

Thank you! One more thing... the reason your photo caught me is that there is a passage in "Molokai" where a group of young girls actually climbs that cliff (!!!) in order to socialize with locals for one night. Although the novel is fiction, it is based upon reality and old stories, so that segment stayed with me.

2

duke_awapuhi t1_j7a69et wrote

Ah yes I remember that part. And from everything I’ve heard, that’s absolutely based on something real that would happen, where people in the settlement would sneak up to the main part of the island. Definitely a treacherous journey though, and even more treacherous at night. It is pitch black out there. Only the stars and moon provide light. Nowadays you can see a glow coming from Honolulu, but at the time when the book took place you definitely couldn’t. Also, having myself walked around in the jungle at night on Molokai, it’s not for the faint of heart. There’s spooky noises and lots of creepy crawlies. Whenever I’ve gone into the thick of it I bring a machete lol. Also my late Uncle carried a gun lol

2

cbetsinger t1_j789z8g wrote

Lucky live Hawai’i 🤙

8

HItide69 t1_j78n71f wrote

Always felt surreal to boat around backside molokai, like going to jurassic Park

7

Chrgrfan55 t1_j78qiw9 wrote

I bet there is NOT a "no diving" sign at the top

4

Chipotle42 OP t1_j78z1ki wrote

I bet you're entirely correct! I've seen a little of the top through the clouds, and didn't see any safety signs of any sort

2

Small_Brained_Bear t1_j793126 wrote

When the game designers wall off a higher level area and call it a “natural terrain feature”.

4

duke_awapuhi t1_j79xut6 wrote

If you ever get the chance to go to Molokai, you have to take the pilgrimage down to Kalaupapa. You traverse down those cliffs on 26 switchbacks, and enter what used to be a “leper colony” starting in about the 1870’s. Today we call leprosy Hansen’s Disease, and there are still a dozen or so patients with Hansen’s Disease who live in the Kalaupapa settlement. You will get to meet at least one of the patients (you cannot catch the disease just from meeting and shaking hands with a person who has it). You tour around the whole Kalaupapa peninsula, and it’s just an incredible experience. 10/10. Down to one of the most isolated communities In the world. If you are catholic, I recommend the journey even more strongly, and you’ll see why once you get there.

Bring lots of water, you have to hike back up the trail afterwards. You used to be able to take a mule or horse down, but I dont think they have that option right now. For those who are not fit enough to make the hike, you can also fly into the peninsula (you aren’t allowed to stay the night), but if you are able to do the hike, I recommend it. The views are amazing. Those are the only two ways in and out of the Kalaupapa settlement. Once the last Hansen’s disease patient dies, it will become a national park that’s much more accessible.

4

My_brother_in_crisis t1_j7adwzn wrote

>you cannot catch the disease just from meeting and shaking hands with a person who has it

Well how can I catch it? You're holding out on us and I'm in a hurry!

2

Raps2k14 t1_j78mree wrote

Went on a helicopter trip through this area. Shocking how big it truly is

3

DoubleATB t1_j79apx0 wrote

The cliffs of insanity!!!

3

mattpsu79 t1_j796ujn wrote

“We’re not just for lepers anymore!”

2

p50one t1_j79bhmr wrote

Rented an airplane in Maui about 20 years ago, flew around the islands, the back side of Molokai was the most memorable. At 500 ft over the ocean, the cliffs climbing into the clouds, and the water falls! I would love to do it again.

2

Chipotle42 OP t1_j79bw9k wrote

Flying along it was surreal - the motion helped communicate the scale of the place

1

jooyjooy t1_j79h9c5 wrote

So Mountport can be real after all lol

2

Flurmann t1_j7a3zsi wrote

The cliffs of insanity

2

A4S8B7 t1_j7d7yzk wrote

That's a lot of pixels tall!

2

AutoModerator t1_j771915 wrote

Hi Chipotle42! Dont worry, this message does not mean that your post is removed. This is a reminder to quickly check your post to make sure it doesnt break any of our rules. Human moderators check the following --

Thanks!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

Chipotle42 OP t1_j771fi3 wrote

Taken as the clouds were clearing, and the rain stopped enough to see the cliffs clearly.

1

MrSten15 t1_j78j1lf wrote

“Molokai and Rigby, you’re both fired!”

1

toastibot t1_j78kppz wrote

Hi and welcome to r/EarthPorn! As a reminder, we have comment rules in this subreddit. Failure to follow our rules can result in a temporary or permanent ban.

> Hate Speech, Abusive remarks, homophobia, and the like have no place on this subreddit, and will be removed on sight.

> Please contribute to the discussion positively; constructive criticism is fine, but if you don't like a picture and you wish to voice your opinion please refrain from abusing the photographer/submitter.

1

ZacheyBYT t1_j78vqmf wrote

I took a flying lesson in Maui, got to fly by these cliffs and WOW they are tall. Look out for the lepers though!

1

meeroos t1_j793no8 wrote

What is that red thing on the shore to the right?

1

Chipotle42 OP t1_j7944yp wrote

This makes me sad. It's probably some plastic trash that has washed up.

1

ryanisatease t1_j79csey wrote

Imagine how crazy landscape photography could be on other planets in our universe? Scary.

1

Gloworm02 t1_j79esny wrote

Is this where they shot that scene in the Princess Bride?

1

Pieceoffartt t1_j79ojxh wrote

I don’t think you understood the assignment

1

dominatrixyummy t1_j79qips wrote

Probably more accurately titled "Some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world"

Mitre Peak in Milford Sound is 5560' (1690m) tall almost vertical drop into the sea.

1

Iancreed t1_j7abm3n wrote

Has anyone climbed that?

1

kmjml t1_j7bbsiz wrote

Ohhhh

1

jackbr1989 t1_j7ctc8h wrote

I would jump there easily.

1

Izz-Rei t1_j78o6tl wrote

It’s the North coast right? Arnt ‘shores’ for the land borders of lakes?

0

Foxfire2 t1_j78shd1 wrote

The Jersey shore just entered the chat.

3

JonLongsonLongJonson t1_j78r0ui wrote

No, and it’s “aren’t”. But it should have been “isn’t” anyways if you put shores in quotations how you did.

2

Izz-Rei t1_j78st3j wrote

If you want to be pedantic then your correct is also in error as it’s not capitalizing the first word of a sentence. Anyways, about that usage of the single word ‘shores’…

1

JonLongsonLongJonson t1_j78u4l1 wrote

You mean when I copied you doing that in your comment, to be accurate as to what you wrote? What about it?

Anyways “shore” can be used for an ocean, lake, river, no problem with the language police.

1