Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Hawaii, United States
- 5.0 Polihua Beach (57 reviews)
-So Worth The Trip
Beaches
An isolated white sand beach. See more..
- 5.0 Sweetheart Rock (31 reviews)
-Fabulous walk with variety
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Lanai isn't big on signs, so if you don't know about this, PLEASE check it out, but don't look for the sign. From Hulopo'e Beach, walk along the left side. Please take some time to explore the wonderful tide pools! From the place where the stairs go down to the tide pools, there's a little path to the left that will take you over to a beautiful arch rock and Sweetheart rock (which we've always called Chocolate Cake rock.) This is a VERY short hike that could be done in flip-flops. Bring your camera. You will see tide pools and beautiful water and rocks, a little beach that's difficult to get to ... and of course, the great rock. NOTE: there are no rails, and some very steep cliffs. If you have children, do not let go of their hands! :-) See more..
- 5.0 Kamakou Preserve (26 reviews)
-Pepe’Opae Trail at end of Kamakou Forest Preserve Road
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Molokai's rain forest preserve. See more..
- 4.5 St. Joseph's Church (87 reviews)
-Interesting and very historical
Churches & Cathedrals
This is one of our annual stops when we drive to the east side of the island. Father (now Saint) Damian devoted his life to the patients and built three churches on the island, this being one of them. Thanks to the efforts of the late Larry Helm, there is now a statue there of Brother Dutton which also has a great history surrounding it. Certainly worth the time to visit and learn. See more..
- 4.5 Dixie Maru Beach (Kapukahehu) (68 reviews)
-Great Beach for swimming
Beaches
There were nobody on this beach when we went. I was not wearing my bathing suit, so I went skinny dipping. How liberating! See more..
- 4.5 Munro Trail (63 reviews)
-What a fiasco!
Hiking Trails
This hike is supposed to be 12.3 miles and by the time we were done it was 19 miles! The trail is by the cemetery behind Koele Lodge. The signs point to Koloiki Ridge Trail so we knew that was a branch off trail from the Munro. However, there were many different trails without signs! We had to hike the Koloiki Ridge since we were here so we did that and we were not disappointed. We now had to find the Munro Trail and we finally found it at 1:30. We saw a sign as we walked about 800 meters so we knew we were finally on it. It’s just a 4x4 road and now that I did the whole thing I would tell people it was very boring! There was a lot of cloud cover so we didn’t see much and the last 4 miles were very long and boring. I would suggest the Koloiki Ridge Trail. The Munro Trail is off limits to vehicles so that is the one nice thing about the trail. I wouldn’t want to hike and share the road with off road vehicles. See more..
- 4.5 Molokai Museum and Cultural Center (61 reviews)
-Great experience and lovely staff!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM History Museums
Me and the misses came around here during our 3,5 week tour of the Hawaiian islands. This museum is great as it gives a perfect insight in the history of the Mill and the island itself together with the awefull happenings at the Leper Colony. You start the tour with a couple of video`s showing you the origins of the Mill and how it was established etc. We we're only with 4 people. Later you can wander around the plenty of photo`s hanging in the museum all telling you the story of what happened at the Leper Colony. We had a great time and it taught us a lot about Molokaii`s history. The staffmember helping was a great elderly gentleman and we loved his enthousiasm. Do not miss out on this if you visit Molokaii and want to know more about its history! See more..
- 4.5 Kepuhi Beach (51 reviews)
-Easy west side beach
Beaches
Some of the nicest beaches on this side of Molokai require 4 wheel drive or hours of hiking. This beach, reminiscent of similar beaches in Wailea, Maui, has the need accoutrements of civilization (a store to buy drinks, parking, showers) while still beholden to the wild vagaries of Molokai waters. In the winter, only for experts. In any season, a great place to experience the green flash of sunset, with Oahu in the background. See more..
- 4.5 St. Philomena Church (50 reviews)
-Forget the pope, this is the real thing.
Religious Sites
I dream of Molokai. Go back in time, forget the pope, forget large brassy places of worship that scream for attention, leave behind people who need to be noticed for the sake of being noticed with loud displays of not much of anything. Listen to the story, walk among the olive, banyon and monkey pod trees. Look out at the rock, think of being pushed off a boat and having to swim to shore and all that you pretty much know taken away or reduced to a caricature. Go to learn and walk or ride the mule, but don't be a tourist. Show respect for what has endured and what has been offered. And be sure to advocate that it never be turned into condos, or whatever garish plan some mainlanders would have. Then gracefully take leave (grab some hot bread on the way out of the island), and cherish. See more..
- 4.5 Kumu Farms (45 reviews)
-Fresh organic produce
Farms
If you’re visiting Molokai and you want to cook for yourself, Kumu farms is a must. Went there today and for a very reasonable price got a bunch of local, organic, fresh produce. Couldn’t be happier. Fresh pineapple, papaya salsa to go with my fresh fish. Love this island. Love the hospitality and friendliness. See more..
- 4.5 Halawa Falls (38 reviews)
-A must do in Molokai
Waterfalls
I am not even sure where to start, this tour was exceptional from start to finish. We met Greg at Halawa Park. He told us about his family and about the history of the Valley. He taught us about his culture and how he is keeping it alive by teaching us and others. We went thru ceremony of asking permission to visit his father, his home and his land. We hiked to Mo’oula Falls on the way seeing historical and sacred areas in the Halawa Valley. We swam at the falls. By the time we were done we felt very connected to the land, current residents and ancestors of Halawa Valley. I hope we can hold this in our heart long after we return home. See more..
- 4.5 Lanai Jeep Rentals (35 reviews)
-Great experience
Spent More than 3 hours Off-Road & ATV Trails
Rent from them, they are great! Yes, renting a vehicle on Lana’i for one day can be expensive, but it is worth it. I spoke with the owner Gail, when I called to book, received a check in text to make sure we were still coming the day before we arrived, and then Jim texted me right before we picked up the jeep. Jim showed us a map with points of interest, travel times, and a brief explanation of the beautiful little island. The jeep was clean, and didn’t have the feel of being a beat up rental. It literally felt like I just borrowed my friend’s car. Icing on the cake was that I accidentally left my camera lens in the jeep, and they are mailing it to me! Thanks, guys!! ❤️❤️ See more..
- 4.5 Molokai Plumeria (30 reviews)
-Beautiful farm, wonderful people
Farms
Dick Wheeler is wonderful. He allowed us to come tour his farm, let us pick plumeria and taught us how to make a lei while telling us so many wonderful things about Molokai. This is a small island with locals that are very proud of their island and strive to keep it from becoming what the other Hawaiian islands are - full of tourists. Come with respect and enjoy all that the island has to offer. See more..
- 4.5 Koloiki Ridge Trailhead (28 reviews)
-Worth the views!
Lookouts • Hiking Trails
My friend and I did this hike and totally love the breathtaking view at the end of this hike. One can see Molokai and Maui. The hike is not hard or long as it is on a 4x4 road. I highly suggest doing this 5 mile round trip hike. See more..
- 4.5 Manele Small Boat Harbor (25 reviews)
-Ferry from Lahaina lands here.
Spent 1-2 hours Piers & Boardwalks
Ve3ry modern and clean harbor, bathrooms and Grocery store and gift shop. Pick up a Shuttle up to Lanai City See more..
- 4.5 Lanai Art Center (24 reviews)
-Community Art Center
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries • Educational sites
Beautiful Art , Crafts and gifts! Very friendly staff . All proceeds benefit the students of the Island with Art teacher money and materials. See more..
What's a Hidden gem?
We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.
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- Points of Interest & Landmarks
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