Molokai
Molokai The Friendly Isle!
Molokai stands as a testament to Hawaii’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and the spirit of aloha that defines the islands. From the historical significance of Kalaupapa to the pristine shores of Papohaku Beach, Molokai welcomes visitors to experience the essence of Hawaii in its most authentic form. Embrace the tranquility, immerse yourself in the island’s cultural tapestry, and discover why Molokai is rightfully known as the “Friendly Isle.” Aloha and welcome to the heart of Molokai!
Molokai Best Beaches
Best beaches
Molokai is a beautiful island in Hawaii that is known for its pristine beaches. Here are 20 of the best beaches on Molokai:
Papohaku Beach – Located on the west end of Molokai, Papohaku Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii.
Kapukahehu Beach (Dixie Maru Beach) – Located on the east end of Molokai, this secluded beach is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming.
One Alii Beach Park – Located on the south shore of Molokai, this beach is popular for its calm waters and stunning views.
Palaau State Park – This state park on the north shore of Molokai features a beautiful beach, as well as hiking trails and a botanical garden.
Murphy’s Beach – This secluded beach on the south shore of Molokai is accessible only by boat, but it offers pristine waters and stunning views.
Halawa Bay – This bay on the east end of Molokai is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, with calm and clear waters.
Kawakiu Beach – This beach on the south shore of Molokai is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, with soft white sand.
Kepuhi Beach – Located on the west end of Molokai, Kepuhi Beach is a great spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Honouliwai Beach – This secluded beach on the north shore of Molokai is accessible only by boat, but it offers stunning views and clear waters.
Honomuni Beach – This beach on the south shore of Molokai is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Kamalo Beach – Located on the east end of Molokai, Kamalo Beach is a quiet spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Kumimi Beach – This beach on the south shore of Molokai is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, with calm and clear waters.
Mo’omomi Beach – This beach on the northwest shore of Molokai is a great spot for hiking and birdwatching, as well as swimming and sunbathing.
Pakala Beach – This beach on the north shore of Molokai is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, with clear waters and stunning views.
Papohaku Beach Park – This beach park on the west end of Molokai offers camping facilities, as well as a beautiful white sand beach.
Paukauila Beach – This beach on the south shore of Molokai is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, with soft white sand.
Sandy Beach – Located on the east end of Molokai, Sandy Beach is a secluded spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Waialua Beach – This beach on the south shore of Molokai is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, with clear waters and soft white sand.
Waikolu Beach – This secluded beach on the north shore of Molokai is accessible only by hiking or by boat, but it offers stunning views and pristine waters.
Wailau Beach – Located on the north shore of Molokai, Wailau Beach is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, with clear waters and stunning views.
Molokai Bike Trails
Molokia Bike Trails
Kaunakakai Wharf – This is a popular area for biking in the town of Kaunakakai. The road along the wharf offers views of the ocean and nearby islands.
Papohaku Beach – The long, flat beach at Papohaku offers a good option for beach biking.
Kaluakoi Resort – The former Kaluakoi Resort area on the west side of Molokai offers some paved roads for biking and scenic ocean views.
Kepuhi Beach Resort – Another former resort area on the west side of Molokai with some paved roads for biking.
Maunaloa Highway – This main road on the island offers a flat, straight route for biking with views of the island’s rural landscape.
Pala’au State Park – This park on the west side of Molokai offers some unpaved trails for mountain biking through the forest.
Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove – This historic coconut grove in Kaunakakai offers a short, flat route for biking.
Kawela Bay – This bay on the south side of Molokai offers some dirt roads for mountain biking and views of the ocean.
Waialua – This small community on the east side of Molokai offers some scenic roads for biking through the lush forest.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park – While bikes are not allowed on the Kalaupapa Trail, the park offers some paved roads for biking with views of the ocean and cliffs.
Halawa Valley – The road through Halawa Valley offers a scenic and challenging route for biking with views of waterfalls and the ocean.
Mo’omomi Dunes – The dirt road leading to Mo’omomi Dunes on the northwest coast of Molokai offers a scenic route for biking with views of the ocean and sand dunes.
Pelekunu Valley – The road through Pelekunu Valley on the north shore of Molokai offers a scenic and challenging route for biking with views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Kamehameha V Highway – This scenic route on the east side of Molokai offers views of the ocean and lush forest.
Dixie Maru Beach – The road leading to Dixie Maru Beach on the south side of Molokai offers a scenic route for biking with views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Kawakiu Beach – The road leading to Kawakiu Beach on the south side of Molokai offers a scenic route for biking with views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Pohakumauliuli Beach – The road leading to Pohakumauliuli Beach on the south side of Molokai offers a scenic route for biking with views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Halawa Ridge – The road leading up to the Halawa Ridge on the east side of Molokai offers a challenging and scenic route for biking with views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Wailau Valley – The road leading to Wailau Valley on the north shore of Molokai offers a scenic and challenging route for biking with views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Waikolu Valley – The road leading to Waikolu Valley on the north shore of Molokai offers a scenic and challenging route for biking with views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Molokai Wind Surfing
Molokia Wind Surfing Spots
Molokai is known for its great wind surfing conditions, with consistent trade winds and warm waters making it a popular destination for windsurfers of all skill levels. Here are 5 wind surfing spots on Molokai:
Kawakiu Beach: Located on the eastern end of Molokai, this beach is known for its strong trade winds and choppy waters, which make for exciting and challenging wind surfing conditions.
Halawa Bay: Located on the northeastern coast of Molokai, Halawa Bay is a scenic spot that offers good wind surfing opportunities during the summer months, when the trade winds blow consistently.
Papohaku Beach: Located on the west coast of Molokai, this long and sandy beach is a popular spot for wind surfing beginners, with its calm waters and gentle breezes providing a great learning environment.
Puko’o Beach: Located on the east coast of Molokai, this beach is known for its shallow waters and steady wind, which make it a good spot for intermediate wind surfers looking to improve their skills.
Dixie Maru Beach: Located on the south shore of Molokai, this beach offers some of the best wind surfing conditions on the island, with strong winds and large waves providing an adrenaline-filled experience for advanced wind surfers.
It’s important to note that Molokai’s wind surfing conditions can vary depending on the season, with the best winds typically occurring from May to September. Additionally, wind surfers should always check the weather and ocean conditions before heading out, and should be familiar with the local rules and regulations governing wind surfing on the island.
Molokai Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
Kalaupapa Trail – Located on the north shore of Molokai, this trail offers stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. It is a challenging hike that requires a permit to enter the Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Mo’omomi Dunes Trail – Located on the northwest coast of Molokai, this trail leads through a pristine sand dune ecosystem and offers excellent bird watching opportunities.
Pu’u O Hoku Ranch Trail – Located in the central part of Molokai, this trail offers scenic views of the ocean and is known for its native plant species.
Halawa Valley Trail – Located on the east side of Molokai, this trail leads through the lush Halawa Valley and offers stunning views of waterfalls and the ocean.
Papohaku Dunes Trail – Located on the west side of Molokai, this trail leads through a unique sand dune ecosystem and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.
Kamakou Preserve Trail – Located on the east side of Molokai, this trail leads through the Kamakou Preserve, a 2,774-acre area of rainforest and native plant species.
Pepeopae Bog Trail – Located on the east side of Molokai, this trail leads through a unique bog ecosystem and offers excellent bird watching opportunities.
Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove Trail – Located in Kaunakakai, this short trail leads through a historic coconut grove and offers insight into the island’s cultural history.
Kaluakoi Resort Trail – Located on the west side of Molokai, this trail leads through the former Kaluakoi Resort and offers scenic views of the ocean and nearby islands.
Moa’ula Falls Trail – Located on the east side of Molokai, this trail leads through the lush forest and offers stunning views of the Moa’ula Falls.
Kahiwa Falls Trail – Located on the east side of Molokai, this trail leads through the lush forest and offers stunning views of the Kahiwa Falls.
Waikolu Lookout Trail – Located on the north shore of Molokai, this trail offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Dixie Maru Beach Trail – Located on the south side of Molokai, this trail leads to a beautiful secluded beach and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Pelekunu Valley Overlook Trail – Located on the north shore of Molokai, this trail leads to a scenic overlook of the Pelekunu Valley.
Palaoa Point Trail – Located on the north shore of Molokai, this trail leads to a scenic overlook of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
Pohakumauliuli Beach Trail – Located on the south side of Molokai, this trail leads to a beautiful secluded beach and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Puu Kole Trail – Located on the west side of Molokai, this trail leads through the lush forest and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.
Kumimi Beach Trail – Located on the south side of Molokai, this trail leads to a beautiful secluded beach and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Halawa Ridge Trail – Located on the east side of Molokai, this trail leads through the lush forest and offers stunning views of the Halawa Valley and nearby ocean.
Kamiloloa Beach Trail – Located on the south side of Molokai, this trail leads to a beautiful secluded beach and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Molokai Attractions
Attractions
- Kalaupapa National Historical Park: Located on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, this park is a former leprosy colony and now a memorial to those who lived there.
- Halawa Valley: This lush valley on the eastern side of the island offers scenic hikes and waterfalls.
- Papohaku Beach Park: This stunning beach on the west coast is known for its golden sands and gorgeous sunsets.
- Pu’u O Hoku Ranch: This working ranch in the center of the island offers guided tours and horseback riding.
- Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove: This historic grove in Kaunakakai was planted in the 1860s by King Kamehameha V.
- Molokai Plumeria Farm: Located in Maunaloa, this farm cultivates over 300 varieties of plumerias.
- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church: This charming church in Kamalo was built in 1876 and is one of the oldest churches in Hawaii.
- Molokai Museum and Cultural Center: Located in Kaunakakai, this museum showcases the history and culture of the island.
- Kaunakakai Harbor: This bustling harbor is the main hub for boat transportation to and from the island.
- Pukoo Beach: This quiet beach on the east coast offers calm waters and great snorkeling.
- Coffees of Hawaii: Located in Kualapuu, this coffee farm and cafe offers tours and tastings of their locally-grown coffee.
- Ironwood Hills Golf Club: This golf course in Kualapuu features stunning views of the ocean and the island’s lush greenery.
- Kumimi Beach: This secluded beach on the east coast is known for its calm waters and great fishing.
- Mo’omomi Preserve: This remote preserve on the northwest coast is home to several endangered species and offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities.
- Kepuhi Beach: This beach on the west coast is known for its large waves and great surfing.
- Molokai Fish and Dive: Located in Kaunakakai, this shop offers fishing and diving tours, as well as rentals for equipment.
- Waikolu Lookout: This scenic overlook on the north shore offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the island’s rugged landscape.
- Maunaloa Town: This small town in the center of the island was once home to a thriving pineapple industry and still has remnants of that history.
- Molokai Outdoors: This adventure company offers guided hikes, bike tours, and water sports on the island.
- Moana’ula Trail: This challenging trail in the east end of the island offers stunning views of the coastline and the Halawa Valley.
Molokai Surf Spots
Surf Spots
Molokai is not known for its surf spots, and there are only a few locations where surfing is possible. Here are some of the surf spots on Molokai:
Kepuhi Beach: Located on the west coast of Molokai, Kepuhi Beach is a popular spot for beginner surfers.
Hale O Lono Harbor: Located on the south shore of Molokai, Hale O Lono Harbor is a small harbor that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Kamalo Harbor: Located on the east side of Molokai, Kamalo Harbor is a small harbor that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Halawa Bay: Located on the east side of Molokai, Halawa Bay is a scenic location that can produce some good waves on certain swells.
Murphy’s Beach: Located on the west coast of Molokai, Murphy’s Beach is a small, secluded beach that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Pukoo Beach: Located on the east coast of Molokai, Pukoo Beach is a long, sandy beach that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Waialua Beach: Located on the west coast of Molokai, Waialua Beach is a rocky beach that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Dixie Maru Beach: Located on the west coast of Molokai, Dixie Maru Beach is a small, secluded beach that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Kaunakakai Wharf: Located on the south coast of Molokai, Kaunakakai Wharf is a small harbor that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Moomomi Beach: Located on the northwest coast of Molokai, Moomomi Beach is a remote location that can produce some good waves on certain swells.
Papohaku Beach: Located on the west coast of Molokai, Papohaku Beach is a long, sandy beach that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Halawa Beach Park: Located on the east coast of Molokai, Halawa Beach Park is a scenic location that can produce some good waves on certain swells.
Waikolu Valley: Located on the north coast of Molokai, Waikolu Valley is a remote location that can produce some good waves on certain swells.
Mo’omomi Bay: Located on the northwest coast of Molokai, Mo’omomi Bay is a remote location that can produce some good waves on certain swells.
Kawela Bay: Located on the east coast of Molokai, Kawela Bay is a small, secluded bay that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Kamiloloa Beach: Located on the south coast of Molokai, Kamiloloa Beach is a long, sandy beach that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
One Alii Beach Park: Located on the east coast of Molokai, One Alii Beach Park is a small, secluded beach that can produce some decent waves on certain swells.
Waihanau Bay: Located on the east coast of Molokai, Waihanau Bay is a remote location that can produce some good waves on certain swells.
Mokio Point: Located on the east coast of Molokai, Mokio Point is a remote location that can produce some good waves on certain swells.
Moa’ula Falls: Located on the east coast of Molokai, Moa’ula Falls is a remote location
Hotels Deals
Towns Of Molokai
Kaunakakai – the largest town and main commercial center of Molokai, located on the south central coast. It has a variety of restaurants, shops, and services, and is also the main hub for transportation around the island.
Kualapu’u – a small town located inland on the eastern side of the island. It is known for its historic buildings, including the Kalaupapa National Historical Park visitor center, and its proximity to the scenic Pala’au State Park.
Maunaloa – a small town located on the western side of the island, near the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. It is primarily a residential area, but does have a few restaurants and shops.
Kalama’ula – a former leprosy settlement, located on the northern coast of Molokai. It is home to the St. Philomena Church, which was built in 1878 and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Hawaii.
Ho’olehua – a small town located inland on the central part of the island, known for its airport. It also has a few shops and restaurants, and is home to the Molokai Plumeria Farm, which offers tours and sells plumeria plants and leis.
Kipu – a small town located on the southern coast of Molokai, known for its fishing and surfing. It is home to the Kipu Kai Beach, a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking.
Pukoo – a small town located on the eastern coast of Molokai, known for its fishing and beautiful beaches. It is also home to the Molokai Coffee Plantation, which offers tours and sells coffee and other local products.
Kawela – a residential area located on the southern coast of Molokai, known for its beautiful views of the ocean and nearby islands. It is primarily a residential area, but does have a few vacation rentals and a small general store.
Halawa – a remote village located on the eastern side of the island, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It is home to the Halawa Valley, which features hiking trails, waterfalls, and ancient Hawaiian cultural sites.
Wedding Spots In Molokai
Molokai is a beautiful and romantic island that offers several stunning wedding venues. Here are some of the top wedding spots on Molokai:
Papohaku Beach: This beautiful beach on the west coast of Molokai is the longest white sand beach in Hawaii and offers a stunning backdrop for a beach wedding.
Kalaupapa Lookout: This scenic overlook provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kalaupapa Peninsula and offers a stunning location for an intimate wedding ceremony.
St. Joseph’s Church: This historic Catholic church was built in 1876 and offers a beautiful and romantic setting for a traditional church wedding.
Molokai Plumeria Weddings: This wedding venue is located in the heart of Molokai and offers a beautiful garden setting for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Hula Shores at Hotel Molokai: This beachfront restaurant and bar offers a beautiful location for a casual beach wedding with stunning ocean views.
Hale Kupuna: This beautiful private estate offers a stunning location for a romantic outdoor wedding with panoramic views of the ocean and the island.
Coffees of Hawaii: This beautiful coffee farm offers a unique and rustic setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception.
Waialua Congregational Church: This historic church was built in 1890 and offers a beautiful and romantic setting for a traditional church wedding.
Ironwood Hills Golf Club: This beautiful golf course offers a stunning location for a wedding ceremony and reception with panoramic views of the ocean and the island.
Puu O Hoku Ranch: This beautiful ranch offers a unique and rustic setting for a romantic outdoor wedding with stunning views of the ocean and the island.
Coffee Shops
Molokia Coffee Shops
Coffees of Hawaii: Located in Kualapuu, this coffee farm and cafe offers tours and tastings of their locally-grown coffee.
Aina Coffee Cafe: Located in Kaunakakai, this cafe offers a selection of coffee drinks, smoothies, and pastries.
Espresso Hawaii: This mobile coffee cart can be found at various locations around the island, including at the Kaunakakai Wharf and the Kualapuu Cookhouse.
Hotel Molokai Restaurant: This restaurant in Kaunakakai serves breakfast and lunch, and also offers a selection of coffee drinks.
Seafood Restaurants
Molokia Seafood Restaurants
The Molokai Room: Located at the Hotel Molokai in Kaunakakai, this restaurant serves Pacific Rim cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients.
Hula Shores: This oceanfront restaurant at the Wavecrest Resort in Kaunakakai serves Hawaiian fusion cuisine, with a menu that features fresh seafood and locally-grown produce.
The Lodge at Molokai Ranch: This upscale resort in Maunaloa offers fine dining at the Ranch House Restaurant, which serves a menu of contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients.
Paddlers Restaurant and Bar: Located in Kaunakakai, this restaurant and bar offers a menu of American and Hawaiian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local produce.
Hiro’s Ohana Grill: This restaurant in Kaunakakai serves a mix of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and grilled meats.
Kualapuu Cookhouse: This restaurant in Kualapuu serves a mix of American and Hawaiian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local produce.
Family Restaurants
Family Restaurants
Molokai is a small island with a limited number of restaurants, but there are several family-friendly options that offer casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Here are 10 family restaurants on Molokai
Molokai Burger: Located in Kaunakakai, this casual burger joint serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a selection of local craft beers.
Kamoi Snack-N-Go: This food truck in Kaunakakai serves a variety of snacks and drinks, including shave ice, smoothies, and grilled hot dogs.
Kualapuu Cookhouse: This restaurant in Kualapuu serves a mix of American and Hawaiian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local produce.
Paddlers Restaurant and Bar: Located in Kaunakakai, this restaurant and bar offers a menu of American and Hawaiian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local produce.
Hiro’s Ohana Grill: This restaurant in Kaunakakai serves a mix of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and grilled meats.
Kualapuu Market: This small grocery store in Kualapuu also has a deli that serves a variety of sandwiches and salads made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Manae Goods and Grindz: This grocery store in Kaunakakai also has a deli that serves sandwiches, salads, and other prepared foods made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Molokai Pizza Cafe: This restaurant in Kaunakakai serves Italian cuisine, including pizza and pasta dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Kamoamoa Cafe: Located in the town of Kualapuu, this casual restaurant serves Hawaiian cuisine and local favorites such as plate lunches, burgers, and sandwiches.
Friendly Market: This small grocery store in Kaunakakai also has a deli that serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and other prepared foods made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.