Welcome to Molokai, a hidden gem in the Hawaiian archipelago, where the spirit of aloha meets unspoiled natural beauty. When it comes to things to do in Molokai, the possibilities are as diverse as the island itself. Immerse yourself in the authentic Hawaiian experience by exploring the unique attractions that make Molokai a destination like no other.
Begin your Molokai adventure with a visit to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where you can learn about the fascinating history of this isolated peninsula. Take a guided mule ride down the steep cliffs or embark on a scenic flight for breathtaking views. As you delve into the rich cultural heritage, you'll appreciate the resilience of the people who once lived here.
For nature enthusiasts, Papohaku Beach beckons with its three miles of pristine white sand—the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a sunset picnic. Capture the serenity of the moment, and let the tranquil waves wash away any stress. This beach is a must-visit on the list of things to do in Molokai.
Things to Do in Molokai
Continue your exploration by hiking through the Halawa Valley. Witness the lush landscapes, ancient taro fields, and the stunning Moaula Falls. The journey not only provides a physical adventure but also a spiritual connection to the island's roots.
Don't miss the chance to discover the vibrant underwater world with a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Molokai's crystal-clear waters reveal an array of marine life, including colorful coral reefs and playful sea turtles. Make sure to include this aquatic adventure in your things to do in Molokai checklist.
Exploring the historic town of Kaunakakai is another highlight. Indulge in the local cuisine at the Kanemitsu Bakery, known for its iconic hot bread. Stroll through the quaint shops, and engage with the friendly locals to get a taste of Molokai's laid-back lifestyle. Adding Kaunakakai to your things to do in Molokai agenda ensures an authentic cultural experience.
Molokai's eastern shores boast the Mooula Falls Trail, a picturesque hike that leads to cascading waterfalls. As you traverse the lush landscapes, take in the beauty of the island's flora and fauna. This trek is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
1- HIKE THE HALAWA VALLEY TO MOAULA FALLS
If you are an adventurous soul who doesn’t mind getting your heart rate up, one of the best things to do in Molokai is to hike along the Halawa Valley to Moaula Falls.
You’ll need an experienced guide to do it, as you will be passing through private property and have around three hours at your disposal.
However, the trek takes you through a lush and mystical terrain that eventually leads you to the breathtaking Moaula Falls – a thunderous 250-foot cascade of translucent water surrounded by sheer cliffs and emerald-green foliage that will break you out in goosebumps.
2- CATCH A BIG FISH
Molokai is a prime spot in Hawaii for catching big fish, and you should be able to reel in plenty of marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi within the deep, cobalt-blue waters that reside around its southern coast.
Just make sure you charter a boat or join a local fishing excursion out into the expansive waters of the Pacific to maximise your chances.
If you would prefer to fish from land, make your way to the northern and eastern coast of Molokai.
There, you can cast a line off its rugged shoreline to try to snag a prized ulua.
3- SHOP AT THE SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET
One of Molokai’s main events is its Saturday Farmer’s Market.
It takes place in front of the two banks that reside on Ala Malama Street in the district of Kaunakakai and runs from 7 am to 1 pm.
The market usually accommodates around 35 vendors who offer everything from fresh produce and baked goods to Hawaiian-made jewellery and artwork.
Overall, its a lovely place to stroll around, seek out a bargain and banter with the locals.
4- CHECK OUT PALA’AU STATE PARK
Situated on the northern shoreline of Molokai, Palaʻau State Park is the only state park on the island.
It is a notable spot for hiking due to its beautiful forests and pasture lands.
It also accommodates a lookout point that provides superb views of the Kalaupala Peninsula, which contains structures from a leper colony.
In addition, another attraction in the park is Phallic Rock.
Locals believe this natural formation is a powerful source of enhanced fertility.
So, don’t be surprised if you find a few young couples here!
5- POST A COCONUT TO SOME (AT POST A NUT MOLOKAI)
Know anyone who loves a coconut? Well, you can mail one to them at the Hoolehua Post Office.
Here, the local postmaster keeps a massive stock of them, which they give out for free.
So you don’t need to purchase one.
(You will have to pay for postage though).
That said, you can personalise them with artwork and messages before you send them off, making it one of the most unique things you can do on the island.
6- VISIT THE MOLOKAI LEPER COLONY
I mentioned that you could see structures from a leper colony from Palaʻau State Park.
Well, you can check them out for yourself at Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
You must visit the colony with a tour company as entry to Kalaupapa is not allowed without a permit.
Additionally, you can only get to it by flight as there is no access to it by land or sea.
But once you are there, you will learn about the history of the colony and the work of Father Damien who dedicated his life to look after the sufferers.
It makes for a fascinating tour of discovery.
7- CHECK OUT THE FISHPONDS OF MOLOKAI
When Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778, one of the things he saw were traditional fishponds, or loko i‘a.
All up there were around 400 fishponds across all the islands, which produced around 2 million pounds of fish annually.
These fishponds provided essential protein sources to sustain the local population during times when other food was sparse.
Today, most of the fishponds have disappeared, although you can still see a couple in the south eastern shores of Molokai.
They are worth checking out as they provide a tangible link to the past.
8- FLY-BY THE MOLOKAI SEA CLIFFS
The north shore of Molokai is famous for its magnificent 3800-foot-tall cliffs that drop dramatically into the ocean.
Taller than any other sea cliffs in the world, seeing them is something that should be on everyone’s bucketlist.
Unfortunately, they are not that easy to get to.
For instance, you could take a physically demanding and treacherous hike over a few days to the top.
Alternatively, you could pay a few hundred dollars to charter a boat to take you around the Halawa Valley.
However, my recommendation, if you can afford it, is to book a one-hour scenic flight with Mokulele Air, which will take you right past them.
The scenery is spectacular!
9- MOLOKAI MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER
Outdoor Pit Where Circling Mules Powered Cane-Crushing Machinery
Exploring Molokai’ Museum and Cultural Center is one of the top things to do in Molokai.
For those keen to discover more about the history of the islands, make sure you pencil in a visit to the Molokai Museum and Cultural Centre.
Situated in Kaunakakai, it presents a comprehensive showcase of artifacts, photographs and interactive displays that reveal ancient Hawaiian cultures and traditions.
Plan to spend at least half a day here as there is plenty to see.
10- MAKE YOUR OWN LEI AT MOLOKAI PLUMERIAS
Making your own lei is one of those iconic touristy things that every visitor to Molokai should partake in.
The best place to do this is at Molokai Plumerias, which offers tours of its facility and interactive lei-making activities.
If you think making a lei is easy, you might not be aware that it takes around 50 native flowers to create one.
However, skilled artists will be on hand to help you create something bespoke and truly special.
11- PLAY GOLF ON MOLOKAI
Those who like to play golf will want to play a round at the Ironwood Hills Golf Course – the only golf course on the island.
Unfortunately, it is only a nine-hole course.
However, it does present incredible views of the soaring sea cliffs around Molokai and Oʻahu, thanks to its high elevation.
Best of all, there are no tee times, so you can rock up whenever you want.
12- SUNSET AT PAPOHAKU BEACH
If you want a truly magical experience, why not watch the sunset at Papohaku Beach?
As the beach faces west, you can take in the gorgeous dusk colours as the sand turns from light gold to an inviting shade of deep red, and the sun dips below the horizon.
If you can’t make it to the beach at sunset, don’t worry.
You will be able to enjoy walks along its idyllic 3 km stretch of golden sand and swim during the day.
Although the water can get a little rough at times outside of the summer.
13- PURDY’S MACADAMIA NUT FARM
For something a little different, why not check out Purdy’s Macadamia Nut Farm?
They offer tours of their small, organic, family-owned orchards for free, after which you can enjoy samples and buy some of your favourite flavours.
They also give demonstrations, including how to crack open the shells with a hammer, which kids, in particular, seem to like.
Additionally, their gift store has some terrific products and souvenirs.
14- HIKE THE PEPEOPAE TRAIL IN KAMAKOU PRESERVE
Hiking Trail In A Beech Tree Forest In A Remote Countryside
Hiking the Pepeopae Trail in Kamakou Preserve is one of the things to do in Molokai, Hawaii..
If you are into nature, the Kamakou Preserve is a good place to indulge your nemophilist side.
It resides on the eastern side of the island, high up in the mountains and takes the form of a rain forest that houses more than 200 native species.
While there, you will be able to explore the preserve via a wood and metal boardwalk.
It takes you through the rain forest, which is heavily covered in moss and a primal mountainous bog that will eventually lead you to an incredible view of the Pelekunu Valley.
Again, this hike is best done as part of an organised tour.
15- DRIVE THE COASTAL ROAD TO HALAWA VALLEY
Driving the Coastal Road to Halawa Valley is Molokai’s equivalent of the ‘Road to Hana’ in Maui.
Best completed by hiring a car (it’s not the same in a taxi), traversing the historic and scenic 28-mile drive on the Kamehameha V Highway will showcase some of the best parts of the island.
You will see a few fishponds, historic churches, plenty of gorgeous beaches and even a couple of waterfalls in the distance.
Plan to spend at least three to four hours to complete this drive as you will want to stop regularly to capture Insta-worthy photographs.
16- SORTA GHOST TOWN OF MAUNALOA
Back in the day, the Molokai Ranch owned about a third of the island.
It also employed 120 people and ran various ventures such as a hotel, gas station, numerous restaurants, a movie theatre and a golf course.
All of whom resided in the upcountry district of Maunaloa.
However, after revealing plans to develop properties along the coastline, the ranch shut down its entire operation in 2008 on the back of vociferous protests from the local community.
While it’s not quite a ghost town – people still live there – it is worth driving through town to see the abandoned buildings which give some indication of how it used to thrive.
17- VISIT THE ILIILIOPAE HEIAU
Molokai is home to several important religious and historical sites, which you should make a point of checking out if you have some time spare.
One of the most revered is Hokukano-Ualapue Complex, in the district of Kona.
Comprising six places of worship, called ‘heiau’, one of them – Iliiliopae Heiau – is believed to be the oldest in Molokai, dating back to the 1300s.
It is a large structure that previously served as a fortress school for kahuna (sorcerers, priests, ministers, master craftsmen and magicians) and hosted various religious functions including marriage ceremonies and funerals.
18- LISTEN TO THE KANIKAPILA AT COFFEES OF HAWAII
Hawaii is synonymous with the ukulele and there is no better place to experience its beautiful sound on Molokai than at Coffees of Hawaii.
Regularly on Tuesdays between 10 am and 10 pm and Friday’s between 3 pm and 6 pm a bunch of locals get together to play American and Hawaii classics on these instruments.
It is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, while enjoying some of the java that was grown within the grounds of the 500-acre plantation.
19- PADDLEBOARD OR KAYAK TO THE BARRIER REEF
Paddle Board Man Doing Stand-Up Paddleboard On Ocean
Paddleboarding is one of the things to do in Molokai.
You might not be aware of this, but Molokai’s southern shoreline contains the longest barrier reef in the USA.
For those with an adventurous spirit, it provides an excellent opportunity for kayaking as you will be able to explore seaweed, mangroves and its rocky shoreline until your heart is content.
If you do venture out, try not to go outside the reef, as the water can be dangerous, and if the winds pick up you could find yourself halfway towards Australia!
20- SEE HUMPBACK WHALES
If you happen to visit Molokai in winter one of the best things to do is join a whale watching tour.
While February and March are the peak times to see them, it is possible to spot them as early as October or as late as May.
Several companies run tours that will take you to places where you have the most chance of seeing them.
But a popular one to try is Whale Watch Molokai, which has received plenty of positive reviews.
FAQ
Q1: What are the top attractions in Molokai?
A1: Molokai offers captivating attractions like the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Papohaku Beach Park, Molokai Forest Reserve, Halawa Valley, and the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center.
Q2: How can I get to Molokai?
A2: You can reach Molokai by air through Molokai Airport (MKK) with direct flights from Honolulu, Maui, and other neighboring islands. Ferry services are also available from Lahaina, Maui.
Q3: What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Molokai?
A3: Molokai is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as hiking in Halawa Valley, snorkeling at Kumimi Beach, exploring Papohaku Beach, and taking a mule ride to Kalaupapa.
Q4: Are there accommodations on Molokai?
A4: Yes, Molokai offers various accommodations, including hotels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfast options. Check with local establishments for availability and reservations.
Q5: What is the best time to visit Molokai?
A5: The best time to visit Molokai is during the drier months from April to October, with pleasant temperatures and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. However, Molokai's charm can be enjoyed year-round.
Conclusion: To truly appreciate Molokai's beauty, embark on a Molokai Fish and Dive charter. These excursions offer a unique perspective of the island from the ocean. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales as you cruise along the coastline. Including a maritime adventure in your things to do in Molokai list guarantees a memorable experience.
Conclude your Molokai escapade with a visit to the Molokai Plumeria Farm. Breathe in the sweet fragrance of plumeria blossoms and witness the meticulous cultivation process. This serene farm provides a tranquil setting for a relaxing afternoon.
Molokai offers a plethora of activities that cater to every taste. From cultural immersions to outdoor adventures, the island's charm captivates visitors. So, make sure to include these things to do in Molokai on your itinerary and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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