Top Things to do in Molokai
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Molokai, Hawaii (HI)
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. Wailau Valley
2. 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.
3. Puko'o Beach
4. Kawa‘Aloa Beach
5. Kawakiu Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Cfrulla
We drove here and parked by the entrance to the condos. From there, it is a 10 minute walk to the first beach. Then, there are additional beaches to the north. You can cross the rocks and get to the other beaches. We went on a Sunday and there were very few people here. At the second beach, with the huge cliff, there was nobody at all. We found a shady spot under the rock overhang and enjoyed the amazing views. Be careful swimming here as there is a decent shore break. We waded in the shallow water and did just fine. Beauuuuuutiful spot!!!
6. Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
This historical park was a former leper colony run by Father Damien in the 1930s.
Reviewed By JoeP808 - Estes Park, United States
Kalaupapa - the leper colony - Fr Damien. Kalaupapa National Historical Park is now run by the National Park Service. It occupies a small 3 mile by 3 mile peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. Access today is only by the small planes operated by a couple local airlines. Note: There used to be access by a guided mule trail down the cliffs, but the trail has been closed for some time due to rock slides. Your flight must be coordinated with a tour guide in Kalaupapa who will get the permits necessary to visit. Otherwise you will not be allowed to leave the airport property. The Historical Park preserves the living community where people were banished to live apart from the rest of the world with leprosy, now called Hansen's disease. The cure for Hansen's disease was found in the 1940, but many of the residents elected to continue to live on their peninsula. Six still live there, aged 78 to 96. Touring the area will take you through the town of Kalaupapa, the original settlement area of Kalawao, and past the original churches still standing. The cemetery holds the tomb of Fr Damien, the priest who came to minister to the patients, and ended up dying of the disease. All the while you are there you can look to the south and see the sea cliffs that cut the peninsula off from the rest of the island, called topside. These sea cliffs are the highest in the world. I can see why being made to live there was referred to as the most beautiful prison in the world. What an interesting glimpse into history.
7. Barrier Reef
8. Halawa Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Situated on the eastern side of Molokai.
Reviewed By TrainsRFun - Boise, United States
Road signs threatened a bad road, but it was fine! So glad we ventured to the end of the road and beautiful setting. Stop at all the wide spots and take in the views along the way. Drive to the very end of the road where there is a much bigger parking area (and picnic tables) than the first place you see where there are only a few spots to park. But do take some time in the old townsite of Halawa where there is an old church with trees now growing in it. great photo ops. The prettiest part of the drive is through the Ironwood forest, near the end of the road.
9. 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.
10. 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.
