Top Things to do in Molokai
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks 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. Post-A-Nut, Hoolehua Post Office
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By TataandPapa - Soldotna, United States
Had a lot of fun drawing on the nuts. The joy these nuts brought to our friends and family was well worth it. The fun stories of receiving theses are what makes great memories.
2. Lanikaula's grave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
According to legend, this is the spot where the greatest of the kahunas, Lanikaula, was buried. A kahuna was a Hawaiian priest or holy man.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Kawela Battle Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
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.
7. 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.
8. St. Philomena Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By dawnw968 - Wisconsin, United States
The stories behind the church and the people who attended there are very interesting. It's humbling to hear what the people had to endure.
9. Ili'ili'opae Heiau
10. 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.
TAGS
