Top Things to do in Molokai
10 Free Things to do in Molokai That You Shouldn't Miss
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.
Restaurants in Molokai
1. Kamakou Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Molokai's rain forest preserve.
Reviewed By nerissa21 - New York City, United States
Wow! Worth the trip to Moloka’i! Rent a good 4WD l. We parked close to the entrance of the Preserve and hikes all the way to the trail (as the road gets really muddy after some rain). Though you can drive all the way to the Pepe’Opae trailhead at the end of the road with a good vehicle. We passed by fragrant Eucalyptus groves, tall Ironwood pines. The Wailuku Lookout was gorgeous after the clouds cleared up in the afternoon (last 2 pics). The Pepe’Opae trail itself was a trip back in time with moss covered trees, ferns. At the end, there is a beautiful lookout. We had the trail all to ourselves! It was wet and boggy at parts, but the beauty of the trail is so worth it! Would return to Moloka’i just for this hike.
2. Kalele Bookstore & Divine Expressions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
3. Papohaku Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Danielsj6 - Honolulu, United States
This beach is incredibly beautiful and back to nature. You can spend the whole day there and not see another person. There are public bathrooms and free parking. It also has a wonderful view of Lanai.
4. Palaau State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 211janicep
This park has the overlook of the lower peninsula as well as the phallic rock. It also has restrooms! A great place to visit.
5. Purdy's All-Natural Macadamia Nut Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By TgroveBob - Belton, United States
It is easy to miss and drive past, but if you have a little time, it is a very interesting place to visit. You will see an incredibly compact organic farm where , depending on the weather, you will see how nut are gathered, dried, and the cracked. You get an opportunity to crack and taste fresh raw nuts and learn how they are optionally roasted.
6. St. Joseph's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By untravelledworlds - Chicago, United States
If you stay at WaveCrest, this church is a very short drive away. So simple, so austere. It reminded me of what it must have been like when it was an outpost for Fr. Damien's work on the island. The inspiration was incredible. It is such a beautiful, quiet, peaceful place for reflection and prayer.
7. Dixie Maru Beach (Kapukahehu)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By rintoulk - Kimberley, Canada
We discovered this beach on one of exploring days. The water was very calm, clear and inviting. There was only one other couple at the beach the day we found it and they left shortly after we arrived. After doing some exploring of the surrounding area, (make sure you have proper footwear as the Kiawe trees have very sharp and sometimes long thorns!) a nice swim in the calm waters was the order of the day. As it was later in the afternoon when we discovered this beach, we decided to remain here while the sun set. It was magical: being on our own private beach and watching the sun sink beyond the horizon. A perfect end to a perfect day.
8. Ili'ili'opae Heiau
9. Kalua'aha Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
No longer usable, this was the first church on the island
Reviewed By couplessPS - Seattle, United States
This one seems more utilized and while it has been saved, peeling doors and railings cry out for a fix up party. Still, a lovely setting and a spiritual purity in its simplicity and setting. You can walk in - or at least it was unlocked for us.
10. Kepuhi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By kurtt225 - Salt Lake City, United States
This is a perfect evening spot! Drive to the end of the Kepuhi Pl. road in the old Kaluakoi resort area where parking is ample (this is past the Ke Nani Kai condos). Start by watching skilled locals surf (8-10ft waves when we were there). Whales jumping out in the strait between Oahu and Molokai. Then watch waves crash and thunder. All while the sun was setting in a kaleidoscope of colors. Dreamy, scenic and romantic, just as it was 28 yrs ago on our first trip here, even tho the old resort is closed producing a tinge of bittersweetness. We also walked along the shoreline to the point to the north on the old golf course, and that too was a nice short walk yielding a different perspective. A group of ~10 folks all had their beach chairs pulled up for the scenery, which were fun to engage, and they knew what they were doing ;) The convenience store ("Da Store" on da map) in the old resort complex does have sodas, snacks and some food items along with souvenirs. The only caution is Kepuhi isn't a swimming beach in winter, as the churn, undertow and large waves crashing on jagged rocks are conducive to neither intact skin nor skulls!
