Molokai Attractions

Molokai is like no other island. This island is Old Hawaii at its best. The cultural and spiritual places here are unique, especially Kalaupapa and the Halawa Valley. On this page you’ll find some of our favorites. This is only a brief description of the attractions on Molokai. Each owner here will have details to share with you, like –

“Our most treasured attraction on the island – sitting on the stumps or the bench at Wavecrest and looking at the other three islands as the sun sets and the wind blows in your hair.”

at-kalaupapaKalaupapa Tour
Ride the famous Molokai mules down the world’s highest sea cliffs to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Perhaps the most stunningly beautiful and inspirational place in Hawai’i. An unbelievable experience for even the most seasoned travelers. You will cherish this tour as one of your most memorable experiences.

Halawa Valley and Waterfalls
Absolutely Breathtaking and the home of Molokai’s first residents.
IMPORTANT – Because the trail to the falls is across private land, access to the falls has been for many years, restricted. Visitors may only hike to the falls with a guide on a paid cultural tour.

Ili’ili’opae Heiau
Ancient Molokai was known throughout Hawaii as a center of religious mastery. Iliiliopae Heiau was built in the 13th Century and is one of the largest and oldest religious sites in Hawaii. The stone platform is about the size of a football field.

Kamakou Preserve
Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the Kamakou Preserve is situated in the remote rain forest of Kamakou near the summit of Molokai’s highest mountain. The 2,774 acre preserve is home to hundreds of Hawaiian plant species. A bird lovers paradise. You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Your best bet is to join the Conservancy staff for their once a month guided hike. Reservations are required – 808.553.5236

Canoe Races – Summertime Fun
About every other Saturday morning in June and July, the Molokai canoe clubs compete in outrigger canoe races. Be at the Kaunakakai Wharf by 9:00am for the start of the first race.

Hotel Molokai
Friday evenings see the “Aunties” from 4-6 pm. Enjoy a cool drink oceanfront at the hotel. The entertainment is free.

Yoga Classes
Yoga classes are available at the Bahai Center and Karen’s Place as well as a couple of places in town.

at-beachesBeaches
There are many wonderful beaches on Molokai, some are a little difficult to find, but owners will be happy to tell you their favorites and how to find them. Here are just a few:

   West End
Kapukahehu Beach – aka Dixie Maru Beach
Follow Pohakuloa Road until it ends in a cul de sac. The beach access road is on the makai side and is narrow enough to look like a driveway. Parking is about 100 yards down the access road.

   East End
Kumimi Beach – aka Murphy Beach
Located at the 20 mile marker, great for snorkeling.

   Puko’o Beach
At mile 16, look for beach access signs opposite the neighborhood store. Short, flat beach about 50 yards long, very private.

Molokai Fishing
at-ahi
Captain Mike aboard the 27′ Ahi is an excellent choice for your deep sea or near shore fishing wishes and he can provide snorkel outings and whale watch tours in season.

Captain Clay Ching will provide an excellent experience whether you want to fish, snorkel or whale watch. He is familiar with the waters around the island and we receive lots of positive feedback from our renters and friends who have gone out with Captain Clay.

Scuba & Snorkel
Molokai Fish & Dive is the place to go for scuba adventures and reef snorkeling trips. You can also try their whale watching excursions December – April.

Ironwood Hills Golf Course
One of Molokai’s lesser known attractions is the wonderful golf course in Kalae. This delightful nine hole course is rated at 70 for two trips around at par of 68. It may be the toughest little course you will ever play. It is a little rough around the edges, but this 1930s former Dole Plantation course offers an opportunity to play an old fashioned and challenging Hawaiian golf course.

Molokai Hot Bread
Kanemitsu Bakery – Where else but on Molokai can you go to the bakery’s back door about 10:00pm and buy fresh-from-the-oven French Bread? Yummmmm! Smeared inside with butter, cinnimon, sugar, cream cheese, lilikoi jam in any combination. Every night except Monday.

Purdy’s Macadamia Nut Farm
Visit a working macadamia nut farm. Enjoy some delicious nuts and learn all about Macadamia Nuts.

at-coh-hulaCoffees of Hawaii
The only coffee plantation on Molokai is located on the fertile plain surrounding the village of Kualapuu. They have a very nice gift shop and a coffee/lunch bar where you can taste the results of their efforts.  Hear local entertainment on Tuesday mornings at 10 am to enjoy a ukulele jam session, anyone with a ukulele is invited to join in. Fun Fun Fun.

Kumu Organic Farm
Kumu Farms Provides organic fruit and vegetables for stores around Hawaii and they offer their produce fresh-from-the-fields at the farm by the airport. Great papaya, corn, basil, lettuce, cabbage and more.

Saturday Morning Market
Kaunakakai Town in front of the banks – Find fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, local artists, and flea market. Starts early!

Plumeria Farm
Looking for Hawaiian tradition, try the art of making a flower lei. Located on the Maunaloa Highway (460) about 2.5 miles west of Kaunakakai, is a beautiful plumeria orchard – Molokai Plumerias.

at-orchidHalawa Valley Flower Farm
Kalani Pruet grows spectacular tropical flowers on his farm in the lush Halawa Valley and ships them to delighted clients everywhere. He cultivates over 30 varieties of tropicals including a wide variety of ginger, heliconia and calathea. Visit his wonderful flower farm for a free tour. You can also book a tour of Halawa Valley and the Moaula Falls with Kalani.

The Visit Molokai Visitor Center contains tons of information about this beautiful island and more details regarding activities and attractions.