Things to do on Molokai
Activities & Things to do on Molokai
NOTE:
Because this island is so small and there isn’t a whole lot to do here,
you won’t find an info sheet in the Google drive for this island. Everything will be listed here.
NOTICE: Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Access to the park, including Kalawao County, the Kalaupapa Trail, the settlement, and Waikolu Valley, is restricted to residents and visitors with approved permits issued by Hawaii State Department of Health. Violations will result in arrest/fine.
NOTE: Currently, there is no active permitted tour operator, and no tours are available at this time. Please continue to check this website for updates.
Golf
Ironwood Hills – This is Molokai’s only golf course. There are no tee times, golf pros or a clubhouse. This plantation-style nine-hole course sits on the central Molokai’s north coast mountains, not far from the airport. Easy on the pocketbook and easy going play.
Hiking
Halawa Valley
On the Eastern tip of Molokai, is one of Hawaii’s most important cultural sites. The valley is believed to be one of the first Polynesian settlements in Hawaii & inhabited since 650 AD. You’ll need to take a guided tour with the Solatorio ohana. You’ll crisscross several miles of jungle, past ancient heiaus, rock terraces, and cultural landmarks to reach Moʻoula Falls. Along the way, you’ll witness traditional Hawaiian protocols, learn about native species, and hear the legends and history of Halawa Valley from your guide.
Kalaupapa Lookout
The isolated and scenic Kalaupapa Peninsula is one of Hawaii’s most historically compelling sites. When Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) began appearing in Hawaii in the mid-1800s, King Kamehameha V relocated those afflicted to Molokai’s remote Kalaupapa Peninsula to live in isolation. In 1873, Father Damien, a Catholic priest from Belgium, moved to the peninsula to help care for the ill who lived in exile. Unfortunately, after 16 years of service, he succumbed to the disease and was later canonized as a Saint for his noble efforts. Today, Kalaupapa is home to about ten permanent residents remaining patients from the former colony. The lookout is located in Palaʻau State Park, also home to Ka Ule o Nanahoa, a sacred Hawaiian fertility rock.
NOTE: The peninsula itself is off-limits to the public. But you can still glimpse the peninsula’s panoramic beauty and learn about the history from a safe distance at the Kalaupapa Lookout.
You can find more hiking trails on Molokai here: alltrails.com/hawaii/molokai
Water Activities
Kayaking
Kayak excursions will need to be booked locally. The length of the trip varies based on your experience level. You’ll cruise inside or outside Molokai’s fringing reefs, depending on the conditions. Your expert guide will help you navigate and share stories and the history of Molokai along the way.
Scuba Diving
Molokai offers some of the best scuba diving in Hawaii. Twenty-five miles of coastline is bordered by the largest fringing reef in the state, and the island’s isolation keeps the reef in pristine condition.
Snorkeling
Some of the best snorkeling spots on Molokai are:
Kumimi Beach Park, Papohaku Beach Park, Kaunakakai Wharf, and Halawa Bay
Cultural
Molokai Farmer’s Market
The Molokai Farmers Market is held every Saturday in Kaunakakai. This weekly market is a fantastic place for visitors to connect with members of the Molokai community and explore the island’s bounty of fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade souvenirs. The Molokai Farmers Market takes place weekly from 7 am to 1 pm on Ala Malama Street.
Molokai Museum & Cultural Center
Located on the site of a former sugar mill, the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center features a varied collection of exhibits from ancient petroglyphs to plantation-era heirlooms. Explore over a century of well-preserved Molokai history through newspapers, videos, photos, and personal accounts from island residents. This quaint museum also sheds light on Molokai’s past about the former Leprosy colony at Kalaupapa Peninsula.
Molokai Plumeria Farm
Just a few miles outside Kaunakakai sits a vast plumeria orchard. The farm is operated by the Wheeler Family, who welcomes visitors to tour their farm and learn to make lei. During your visit, you’ll explore the orchard and learn about the history of the farm and Molokai. They’ll also help you correctly identify the best flowers for lei-making. Then you’ll go through the orchard to fill a bag with blossoming plumeria. When you’re ready, you’ll sit down for a lei-making demonstration. You’ll practice stringing your own lei and you’ll also get to take it home with you as a souvenir. molokaiplumerias.com