Things to do & places to visit in Molokai, Hawaii, United States

Molokai embraces the true Hawaiian spirit but without the typical Hawaiian fanfare. The pace is slower here, the nightlife and megaresorts are practically nonexistent (no buildings taller than a coconut tree are allowed), you won't even find a traffic light on this small island (38 miles long and 10 miles wide). You will find tranquility and nature - waterfalls, beaches, coves, coral reefs and rainforests, all best explored by foot, horse or boat. Molokai is also known for its fabulous mountain biking.

Molokai island in Hawaii, United States. Timezone: Pacific/Honolulu, current date and time: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 19:23.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Post-A-Nut, Hoolehua Post Office (145 reviews)
- FUN
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I sent two of my hand decorated coconuts to Pennsylvania on a Friday & they arrived the following Monday! Amazing! It was a fun unique thing to send & Im glad I did. I chose medium coconuts from the bin, coconuts are free, my postage was $20.00 for each coconut.Not too bad for a special one of a kind souvenir. You find your not as good of an artist once you start drawing on your coconut. The mail lady behind the counter was very nice! I laughed so hard when my daughter in law let me know it arrived. She said her postman said “ that’s the first time I ever delivered a coconut.” A good assortment of pens in all colors are provided for you. Definitely a lot of fun❤️ 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..
5.0 Kawakiu Beach (8 reviews)
- Beautiful beach - takes work to get to it!
Beaches

On a hike towards Ilio Point in January of 2010 (never got all the way there), I passed Kawakiu Beach. I spent a bit of time enjoying the spot, and was the only one there the whole time. It's about a mile or so north of the west-end condos. The "road", if you can call it that, will take your 4WD vehicle's abilities to the edge. I was happy to get back without rolling mine onto it's side! In retrospect walking would have been safer. There were some other footprints in the sand; no telling how long they had been there. It may be possible to get to the beach the LONG way from the Mo'omomi area, but I doubt it - there are likely locked gates along the many miles of dirt roads one would have to use. I made a little webpage with pictures of Kawakiu Beach - enjoy! http://stevenmichelsen.com/Molokai/Ilio_point/ See more..
4.5 Halawa Valley (230 reviews)
- It's a long drive but a beautiful valley
Scenic Drives • Valleys

Situated on the eastern side of Molokai. See more..
4.5 Kalaupapa National Historical Park (207 reviews)
- Wonderful
Historic Sites • National Parks

This historical park was a former leper colony run by Father Damien in the 1930s. See more..
4.5 Kalaupapa Overlook (158 reviews)
- A view one never tires of
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

I live 2 miles from this overlook and never tire of walking up to it to see it. It is different every time depending on the weather, the light, the time of day. When you realize how isolated this peninsula is from the rest of the world, it also hits home as to what people had to endure when banished to this place. See more..
4.5 Papohaku Beach Park (151 reviews)
- Waves, Whales and Wonderful Memories
State Parks • Beaches

Quiet, secluded, large waves and simply a wonderful experience is a description of this location. There is a public access area for patrons along with the homes on the beach. That stated very few people were seen on the beach. One of the days whales about a 1/2-1 mile off shore pods of whales were seen jumping out of the water. Could spend a whole day there enjoying the water and seclusion. 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 Molokai Museum and Cultural Center (61 reviews)
- Great experience and lovely staff!
Wednesday: 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 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 Kalua'aha Church (18 reviews)
- Another Father Damien church- not as well cared for as St Josephs
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

No longer usable, this was the first church on the island See more..
4.5 Palaau State Park (17 reviews)
- Overlook to Kalaupappa State Park and Phallic Rock
State Parks • Lookouts

This is a great place to visit if you don't plan on taking a trip down to Kalaupappa State Park...or even if you are as a preview for a trip. The highway ends at the park. There are two paths - go right for the one to the overlook, a short gentle walk to the highest sea cliffs in the world. Jaw dropping beautiful; go left for the .13 mile hike (with slight incline, exposed tree roots, and rocks) Suggest tennis/hiking shoes, although I made it in flip-flops. Beautiful forest area. Faculties available. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Iliiliopae Heiau in Molokai (14 reviews)
- This Is About History Not Scenery
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Originally was a sight for human sacrifice. See more..
4.5 Barrier Reef (10 reviews)
- A visual underwater orgasm
Reefs

The longest and richest barrier reef of all the Hawaiian islands is located in the South Shore of Moloka'i. See more..
4.5 Halawa Tropical Flower Farm (9 reviews)
- Beautiful and fun
Farms

Had a lot of fun chatting while touring their garden, helping gather orders, and learning about the chocolate making process. The flowers are absolutely stunning! Challenging to find, but worth the adventure. After the church, the dirt road will fork and you need to go straight/left not right. Then you start looking for the grass hut. We ended up coming in the back way b/c we went right now knowing/got to a bridge owned by the ranch/then followed a grass trail to them. See more..
4.5 Molokai Art From The Heart (7 reviews)
- Must visit for arts and souvenirs
Art Galleries

Must visit for cool arts and souvenirs Great local place with fantastic art and local clothing. Prices are very reasonable but quality is off the roof. They accept credit card See more..
4.5 Kawela Battle Field (3 reviews)
- A Significant Site In Hawaiian History
Battlefields
This site is famous as a battleground and as a place of refuge. Kamehameha the Great shed rivers of blood in Kawela in order to capture the island as part of a larger assault on O'ahu. See more..
4.0 Phallic Rock (Ka Ule o Nanahoa) (116 reviews)
- INTERESTING
Geologic Formations

Name is an accurate description of this site. The rock formation also has a myth associated with it. See more..
4.0 Murphy's Beach (100 reviews)
- Easy to get to
Beaches

Murphys Beach is also referred to as 20 mile beach, as it sits at the 20 mile marker on the road. Beach area is protected by the fringe reef so there is no big surf here. There is shade, sand is nice, and it’s really easy to park right up next to where you want to sit. This is not a beach to boogie board, swim, or surf. Very shallow with rocks and coral. Generally ther is enough sand in the water to get out about thigh deep and take a dip to cool off. Surprisingly there are few people here as it’s one of the easier beaches to access on Molokai. Water clarity is clear and if you are okay with coral and rocks 12-13 “ under you while snorkeling, it’s fair. Most people say snorkeling in the wintertime on Molokai isn’t very good because of the winter swell and I totally agree. See more..
4.0 Molokai Harbor (63 reviews)
- Quiet Harbor With Amazing Mountain Views
Bodies of Water

The harbor of Molokai is not a large or busy port, but part of a small, quaint community with some of the most friendly and family orientated people around. The views from the harbor up towards the mountains and coast is simply amazing. See more..
4.0 Waialua Beach (18 reviews)
- Snorkeling from Beach #1 on Molokai
Beaches

Two beaches in Molokai are "beach snorkelable," with the other being Dixie Maru on the far southwest side. Murphy Beach (aka Waialua) is great for kids, as it is shallow, probably maximum 3ft out 100 ft and protected especially inside the old rock wall rubble. Almost no fish inside the rock pile. Outside, there are few, so intermediate to advance snorkelers probably not so happy due to fish shortage. However, there are small fragments of colorful coral and the shallow waters make the beach great for kids. There also are some good shade trees to rest beneath. Wheelchair accessibility would only be one of the new rugged terrain wheelchairs or to stay in one of the parking areas, which is doable. See more..
4.0 Molokai War Memorial (11 reviews)
- Lest we forget
Monuments & Statues

Kaunakaki is a very small town on the small, but very Hawaiian Island of Molokai. The entire island only houses about 7000 people, but they remember and respect those who have served the islands and the country. The memorial itself only occupies a small, but beautifully maintained triangle of land on the east side of town. The original memorial was "erected by the people of Molokai" and it was dedicated on May 30, 1951 by the Molokai Post 14 of the American Legion. Plaques to the left and right of the original were added in 1998 by the VFW Post 3870, the left one honoring those who lost their lives in Korea, and the one on the right for Vietnam. Certainly worth a moment of your time to pause and reflect. See more..
4.0 Kakahaia Beach Park (9 reviews)
- Beautiful,large beach front park
Beaches • Parks

This is a large park with a nice stretch of beach. It is very well maintained. There are several shelters and some playground equipment, plus plenty of open space for walking or play. See more..
4.0 Kalokoeli Fishpond (7 reviews)
- Largest Fish Pond Rock Wall
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We accessed this trail from the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. It can also be reached from Hawaii Volcanos, Pu’uhonua o Honaunaum Parks and the Pu’ukohola Heiau Historic Site. Largest fish pond wall in the state of Hawaii, this was King Kamehameha I favorite pond. The coastal trail is175-miles long and runs along the west and south shores of the Big Island but is not a continuous one. Hence, the access points mentioned above. The fishpond is accessible by a rough, unpaved road north of the Visitors Center of Kaloko-Honokohau National Park. The bumpy road passes by ancient rock walls and foundations entroute to the Kaloko Fishpond and Kaloko Kuapa. A kuapa is a rock wall fishpond. These were constructed using interlocking large and small rocks. The only part open to the public is the stonewall next to the parking lot. There are picnic tables if you choose to sit and enjoy the view or have a picnic lunch. See more..
3.5 Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove / Kiowea Park (49 reviews)
- Here's The Story On Coconut Groves
Historic Walking Areas • Parks

Visitors assume that coconuts and the islands go together. They don't. Hawaii is too far by water for a coconut to remain viable floating here. Coconuts were brought to Hawaii by the early voyagers as one of their canoe plants. If you see coconut palms in the wild they were planted there. It might be along a trail as you'll see in the H-3 valley on Oahu. Or in this case they were planted for the king's refreshment when he visited Molokai. One caveat, don't go wandering around under the trees. They drop dangerous nuts and fronds. Ever notice the goats keeping the grass down? Enough said. See more..