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Barrier Reef

Barrier Reef This beautiful stretch of coral is one of the only barrier reefs north of Australia, and it stretches for about 28 miles off the south shore of Moloka`i. There is a great variety of sea life to see here, including Hawaiian green sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and more. If you're lucky, and if you're visiting during whale season, you'll be treated to views of Humpback whales as they reach the end of their migration patterns from more northern locations in the Pacific. The reef is accessible via dive boat and since it's fairly out-of-the-way, is usually not crowded and makes for a great place to dive to experience rich, unspoiled reefs. More »

Big Wind Kite Factory

Big Wind Kite Factory The windy shores of Maunaloa make it a must visit for kite-fliers, and the ideal location for Big Wind Kite Factory. Owned and operated by Jonathan and Daphne Socher, kite designers and Bali-philes, you'll find kites of every shape, color, and style, as well as a nice selection of local and Balinese handicrafts. For those interested in taking a deeper look at the "high" art of kite making, free factory tours are offered, as are free kite-flying lessons. More »

Church Row

Church Row A cluster of churches serving primarily Hawaiian congregations sits across the street from the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove in Kaunakakai. The simple, boxy structures rest side by side, closely resembling early missionary homes. More »

Coffees of Hawaii

Coffees of Hawaii Ever wonder where that aromatic Hawaiian coffee you drink every morning comes from? Head over to the Coffees of Hawaii Moloka`i plantation for a tour of 600 acres of some of the most lush coffee-growing land in the islands. Located in the hills of Moloka`i, Coffees of Hawaii offers three distinct tours of the plantation--the Morning Espresso Tour, the Mule Drawn Wagon Tour, and the Afternoon Hiking Adventure. The Morning Espresso Tour will lead visitors on a walking tour of the farm, showcasing growing methods and farming practices. The Mule Drawn Wagon Tour takes visitors all around the plantation, through the fields and by some of the on-site irrigation reservoirs--all while being led by two mules and a guide. Finally, if you're looking for a longer, more adventurous tour, take the Afternoon Hiking Adventure, which lasts about 2.5 hours and leads through the lush fields up to the top of Kualapu`u Hill, giving visitors gorgeous scenic views of the entire island. After touring, head to the famous Coffees of Hawaii gift shop and Espresso Bar and Cafe, where you can pick up some great coffee souvenirs to take home, or taste some of the freshly grown, roasted, and brewed drinks (and tasty food) first hand. More »

Dixie Maru Beach

Dixie Maru Beach A lovely, relatively protected little cove with good snorkeling and swimming in the summer months, Dixie Maru beach's name comes from a Japanese vessel that foundered on the offshore shoals near the reef. The nameplate from the boat's prow washed up on the beach and the name stuck. The beach is on the southwestern shore of Molokai, near the large beach at Papohaku. While it is considered one of the safest beaches for swimming on Molokai, make sure to check conditions and safety locally, especially in the winter, when the surf can get quite intense. More »

Halawa Valley & Bay

Halawa Valley & Bay A beautiful and remote valley that ends at a beautiful bay with a pristine beach, Halawa Valley is worth the trip. This area is vintage Molokai at its low key best, with beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and ancient Hawaiian religious and cultural sites. The lush valley landscape should be visited with a knowledgeable local guide--don't venture out hiking on your own in this area, as the experience will not be nearly as enriching. The beautiful crescent of sand and crystal clear water of Halawa Bay make it an ideal, secluded spot to sunbathe, body surf, or snorkel when the surf is calm. More »

Ili'ili'opae Heiau

Ili'ili'opae Heiau A heiau is an ancient worship temple of the tribal Hawaiians that used to inhabit the islands. The Ili'ili'opae was known as one of the "schools of sacrifice", where sorcerers would go to learn the art of sacrifice (typically human). Today, what is left is a 320 x 120-foot field of stones, but historians believe that the heiau temple was originally about three times this size. Although there are only ruins that remain, the 13th century heiau is one of the largest and oldest in the islands, built on its location overlooking the shore so people approaching the island by sea could see it. This heiau is located on private land, so if you want to see it, you'll have to call for permission to visit. And, as with any spiritual relic, please be respectful when visiting the heiau and don't walk on top of or remove any of the rocks. More »

Ironwood Hills Golf Course

Ironwood Hills Golf Course Play your way into Moloka`i's plantation history on this 9-hole course that winds its way through the island's lush highlands, offering stunning scenery as well as challenging golf. Originally built as a diversion for the Scottish workers of the pineapple and sugarcane plantation communities, long before tourism came to the island, the course will test your skills with narrow, tree-lined approaches, and windy, uphill shots. The public course is a par 34 and 3088 yards long. There are no water features, and the layout is fairly straightforward. Hole 5 and hole 9 are reputed to be the most difficult: typical of the course, the biggest challenge on both holes is the uphill approach and tricky wind. More »

Ka'ana

Ka'ana This field, although unassuming, is said to be the birthplace of the dance hula, originally brought to Ka'ana by a woman named La'ila'i. She settled in the area, and taught her relatives this sacred way of dance and art, which they had never seen before. For five generations, hula was only taught and learned by her descendants, who kept the secret in their family. Then, in the fifth generation, a descendant named Laka decided to spread the dance to the other neighboring islands of Hawaii--against her family's wishes, of course--and she is now known as the goddess or lady of the hula. More »

Kalaupapa Lookout

Kalaupapa Lookout Located in Pala'au State Park, the Kalaupapa Lookout offers one of the best viewpoints on the island. It's set high atop some of the world's tallest sea-side cliffs, which rise to 1700 feet (about 518 meters) and overlook the dramatic north coast of Moloka`i. There are various plaques placed at the top of the lookout that tell of the history of the area, which was once delegated as a leper colony and is now the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The lookout can be accessed via a short path from the access road, highway 470. More »

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kalaupapa National Historical Park Officially established in 1980, this significant historic site remembers the area's storied past as a colony that housed people with Hansen's disease (leprosy). About 1000 people with this disease were forced into exile to this lonely strip of land from 1866 until 1969, and were cared for by a kind man named Father Damien (Joseph de Veuster), who spent the end of his life devoted to these "outcasts". Father Damien heard of the plight of the people who were forced to live here, and in 1873 left his home country of Belgium and went to live with and care for the lepers in the colony. He helped treat their disease, build schools, oversee farm work, and finally succumbed to the disease himself in 1889, after 16 years of selfless service. Today, visitors can take a tour of this storied settlement, where some people with Hansen's disease still live. Out of respect for those who still live here, visitors must obtain a permit from the Hawai'i State Department of Health, and no one under the age of 16 is allowed access. More »

Kaloko'eli Fishpond

Kaloko'eli Fishpond As a tiny island surrounded by a big ocean, Moloka'i has long depended on aquaculture as a source of food and a way of life. Kaloko'eli Fishpond is a fine example of many similar ponds, most of which are 700 to 800 years old, fringing the island's southern shore. The ponds utilize gates, or "makaha," which allow seawater and little fish in, keeping the big predators out. Over time, the little fish grow too large to escape the gate's narrow opening and swim back out to sea. In the past, there have been more than 60 of these ponds operating along the Moloka'i coast at one time.
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Kalua'aha Church

Kalua'aha Church This was the first Protestant church on the island of Moloka`i, constructed by Christian missionaries in the 1800s. Although today only cement ruins are left standing, it's easy to tell that the building was once originally a squat, western-style church, possibly one of the largest in the islands of Hawaii. You can access the ruins if you walk inland a bit, as they're mostly hidden by the plants and vegetation, and you won't be able to view them well from the road. More »

Kamakou Preserve

Kamakou Preserve This 2,774 acre preserve is one of the most pristine tracts of rain forest to be found in Hawaii. It's not easy to get to--you'll need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, or sign up for one of the monthly hikes guided by Nature Conservancy staff (reserve a spot well in advance)--but the preserve is a wonderland of unique plants. There, you'll find at least 219 species of flora found nowhere else in the world and rare fauna. The higher you climb, the denser and lusher the vegetation becomes until the trail opens up to dazzling views over the Waikolu Valley. If you miss the guided hike and visit on your own, check in with the Nature Conservancy first to sign in and get directions. More »

Kamalo Wharf

Kamalo Wharf This now abandoned wharf was once the central shipping port for the island, but is now just a nice scenic lookout point. The natural harbor was built up in the mid-1800s and was a busy port during the pineapple and sugar heydays of the island, hosting all incoming and outgoing ships. Today, the main port has moved to Kaunakakai, along with much of the population that used to live in the Kamalo area, but there are remains of the wharf and a small village that have stayed--both are worth a visit if you're on this side of the island. You'll be assured of spectacular views from the wharf of the neighboring islands of Maui and Lana`i, as well as of the highest point on Moloka`i, Mt. Kamakou, which rises to about 4970 feet. More »

Kamehameha V Summer Home

Kamehameha V Summer Home Located near the village of Kaunakakai, the ruins of this house were once built up as the grand summer residence of King Kamehameha V. The remains of the home are located near the wharf (which now serves as the main port for the island). You'll see a raised stone platform here, which makes up the main portion of the ruins, and once could have been used as a heiau (ancient worship temple). King Kamehameha V was the last in the Kamehameha dynasty, and ruled the islands with a strong hand. He ruled from 1863 to 1872 and was known for revising the long existing constitution to suit his ideals and give him more power. Although he was a tough king, he was credited with staunchly maintaining many of the islands' cultures and traditions, and sponsored many hula festivals. More »

Kanemitsu Bakery

Kanemitsu Bakery A Moloka`i institution since 1922, you will probably the smell the Kanemitsu Bakery long before you find it. Best known for its "Moloka`i hot bread" and Taro Lavosh, this bakery and restaurant fills downtown Kaunakakai with the inviting fragrance of fresh baked bread. Besides being open for breakfast and lunch, the bakery is also open late-night to serve hot bread with sweet toppings like jelly, cream cheese, and butter. More »

Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove

Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove Planted by King Kamehameha V in 1863, this grove overflows with tall coconut trees and beautiful views of the ocean. It spreads across about 10 acres, and was once flourishing with over 1000 trees; now only a few hundred are still standing, but it's easy to imagine what the plantation used to look like. King Kamehameha V chose this spot to plant his trees because they provided shade for his seven sacred bathing pools that were located here. Try to visit the grove and nearby Kiowea Beach Park around sunset, when the views of the orange and pink sky through the groves of palm trees are stunning. Try not to walk through the groves themselves, and heed the on-site warning sign that reads, "Danger: Falling Coconuts". More »

Kaunakakai Harbor

Kaunakakai Harbor Said to be the largest wharf in Hawaii, Kaunakakai is the sole harbor on Molokai, and it is where you will arrive if you travel to the island by sea. In addition to the big ferries that arrive from Maui, the harbor is home to some charter companies that provide boats for snorkeling, whale-watching, or fishing cruises. The harbor is a transportation hub for the island, and taxis and shuttle buses are usually available.
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Kaunakakai Town

Kaunakakai Town Although it's the largest town on Moloka'i, most of Kaunakakai still only spans about three blocks in size. The town was founded at the turn of the century as a port and administrative center for local sugar plantations first, and as a pineapple production site later. Not much of those agricultural roots remain, however, as tourism has bumped its way to the top as the island's primary industry. The town is full of charm and still holds a strong community feel. Get your shopping in early if you're going to do any; most of the shops close up early for the dinner hour. More »

Kepuhi Bay Beach

Kepuhi Bay Beach A beautiful beach that is an ideal spot to take in a sunset or watch the crashing surf, the Kepuhi Bay Beach is the beach for the Kaluakoi Resort. One of a long string of beaches about 3 miles north of the well-known Papohaku Beach, Kepuhi is rocky rather than sandy. It is not always an ideal swimming beach; in winter, the surf here is very dangerous and extreme caution should always be exercised when entering the water. In summer, the beach can be calm at times, and it is possible to snorkel and body surf. Surfers often congregate here. More »

Lanikaula Grove

Lanikaula Grove A grove of sacred Kukui, a light green tree, marks the spot where Lanikaula, reputedly among the greatest and most powerful Kahuna to ever live, was finally felled by Kawelo, a rival sorcerer from Lanai. The story surrounding this grove and it sanctity is taken very seriously--the five-acre area is surrounded by barbed wire, and permission from the ranch manager at Pu'u O Hoku Ranch, where the site is located, should be obtained if you wish to visit it. Usually, the ranch manager will send a Hawaiian Kapuna with you if you do visit. Alternatively, the grove can be viewed from an overlook near the ranch. More »

Mapulehu Glass House

Mapulehu Glass House A greenhouse that houses a colorful collection of orchids is the centerpiece of this 10-acre farm, where exotic tropical flowers are grown commercially. The hothouse and surrounding nurseries and gardens make this a good stopping place if you are on your way to the East End of the island. The scent of the flowers is lovely, and the spectacular displays of heliconia, torch ginger, and plumeria make it well worth a visit. More »

Mauna Loa Museum & Cultural Park

Mauna Loa Museum & Cultural Park At present this is little more than a pleasant nice town park in Maunaloa, a sleepy little village on the west side of Molokai. Several trees, a lovely span of well-manicured grass, a few stone benches, and a picnic table or two is all that is here now. It is, however, a center of town activity, and more facilities may be available soon. More »

Maunaloa

Maunaloa On the western edge of Moloka'i, flanking the mountains, Maunaloa was once the epitome of a small, Hawaiian plantation village. The Moloka'i Ranch sprawled nearby with acres of pineapples and cattle, and the modest homes of farmers and "paniolo" (Hawaiian cowboys) gazed across the sea to Waikiki. In the 1990s, however, most of those old homes were bulldozed in favor of the new business in town: tourism. Today visitors from all over visit Moloka'i Ranch for camping, outdoor activities, rodeos, and the "Paniolo Round-Up" where city slickers can get a taste of ranch life. A few small businesses still survive on Main Street, however, including the Big Wind Kite Factory and a town market. The woods above Maunaloa are also of some renown, said by some to be where the goddess Laka learned the hula.
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Mitchell Pauole Community Center

Mitchell Pauole Community Center A hub of community activity, the Mitchell Pauole Community Center has free tennis courts and a baseball park in addition to providing space for all manner of local events, from community meetings to art shows and festivals. The center is also home to the offices of a number of public officials and is the Molokai fire department and police headquarters. A gymnasium and a well-equipped weight room are also available. More »

Mo'omomi Beach and Dunes

Mo'omomi Beach and Dunes The largest preserved beach area in the Hawaiian Islands, Mo'omomi Beach and Dunes is wildly scenic. The dune system stretches several miles inland from the coastline, and some of the dunes are almost 40 feet high. A summer sanctuary for ancient Hawaiians who fished at the beach in preparation for lean winters, the beach is accessed by a rutted dirt track best navigated with a four-wheel drive vehicle. The water is too rough and the winds too high for bathers in the winter months, and swimming is not advised in summer months, either, as the beach is remote and there are no lifeguards or facilities. More »

Moa'ula Trail & Falls

Moa'ula Trail & Falls Located in the Halawa Valley, this beautiful trail winds through the hills and up to the multi-tiered Moa'ula Falls. The falls tumble for about 250 feet (76-meters) from the hills to the rocks below, creating a beautiful pool. Although it's located on private property, it is accessible provided you get permission in advance and take responsibility for all of your actions on the trail (it's also best to sign up for a guided hike to this area as well). If you're looking for a place to cool off on your hike, the pool at the bottom of the falls makes for a nice site for a dip. More »

Moloka`i Acupuncture and Massage

Moloka`i Acupuncture and Massage Best known for its acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicinal treatments, Moloka`i Acupuncture and Massage also offers yoga and massage services. Located in downtown Kaunakakai, this small but highly recommended wellness center provides pain relief and healing therapy as well as excellent spa services like full-body salt wraps. Traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage is also available. More »

Moloka`i Fine Arts Gallery

Moloka`i Fine Arts Gallery If you're looking for art on the island, the Moloka`i Fine Arts Gallery is the place to visit. Many artists from around the island present their works here, so when you visit, you're sure to get a wide variety of different styles and mediums. Some of the pieces represented include jewelry, batiks, sculptures, Hawaiian dolls, wood carvings, paintings, and much more. The gallery is laid out in an inviting manner, allowing plenty of space to browse and take in all of the art without feeling cramped or like you're missing anything. This is definitely a great place to visit to bring back souvenirs for yourself or friends and family. More »

Moloka`i Lomi Therapeutic Massage

Moloka`i Lomi Therapeutic Massage Massage Therapist Allana Noury of Moloka`i Lomi Therapeutic Massage is a state-certified massage expert with 35 years of experience. Having trained in traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage under a traditional Kuma, or teacher, she has mastered the traditional Hawaiian technique that involves long, gentle strokes and emphasizes holistic body harmony. Moloka`i Lomi Therapeutic massage also offers a number of other services, including herbal therapies and treatments involving essential oils. More »

Moloka`i Plumeria Farm

Moloka`i Plumeria Farm You will no doubt see beautiful plumeria blooms all over during your trip to Hawaii. The wonderfully aromatic flowers, which start out a vibrant yellow and fade to an almost pure white, are used frequently in leis. The Molokai Plumeria Farm, the largest plumeria grower in Hawaii, is open during the afternoons for tours, and is a thoroughly pleasant place to take in the fresh, floral scented air and learn about how the farm works and the importance of plumeria blooms in Hawaiian culture.
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Moloka`i War Memorial

Moloka`i War Memorial A small but touching memorial to the citizens of Molokai who perished in American wars, the Molokai War Memorial is near downtown Kaunakakai. What at first appears to be a lovely, well-kept park actually contains simple, powerful tributes to the Molokai youths who sacrificed their lives. Built and lovingly maintained by the citizens of Molokai, the park contains a stone with the names of the fallen engraved on it to memorialize the dead. More »

Murphy's Beach Park

Murphy's Beach Park This beach is one of the most popular on the uncrowded east end of the island. It was constructed by the local Jaycees, who wanted to create a nice family beach and park on the east end of the island. They chose this area, which was part of land on a private ranch, owned by George Murphy, who allowed them to turn the beach into a park. There are picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a few other family-friendly amenities here, so the whole lot is sure to have a great time. The swimming beach here is also top-notch, with soft sand, palm trees for shade, and shallow, protected water. More »

Nene O Moloka`i

Nene O Moloka`i This non-profit organization is a wildlife preserve for the wild nene breed of birds. The organization, which is authorized by the state's Division of Forestry & Wildlife and publishes a quarterly newsletter about the bird as well as programs for students and education. The facility here is comprised of ten acres of predator-proof habitat to preserve the species in an environment as close to their natural one as possible. All visits to the facility must be made by appointment only. More »

One Ali'i Beach Park

One Ali'i Beach Park Once a favorite haunt of Hawaiian royalty (or "ali'i"), these days this lovely beach park is a favorite spot for picnickers and sun-worshipers. The beach is mostly sandy, with some rocks and coral. Swimmers should be careful, particularly in the winter months or when the surf is high. More »

One Ali`i Fishpond

One Ali`i Fishpond This is one of the many ancient Hawaiian fishponds on the island of Molokai that remains today. These fish ponds were constructed to hold and raise fish, most of which was usually supplied to the royalty. This particular pond is quite large and is located near the One Ali`i Beach Park and Beach. More »

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church The oldest Catholic church on the island, Our Lady of Sorrows was built by Father Damien, the heroic priest who devoted his life to working with lepers on the island. Built in 1874, the simple church is located in a beautiful mountain setting. A full-size statue of Father Damien, created by a local artist, stands in front of the church in honor of its founder and benefactor. More »

Pala'au State Park

Pala'au State Park Located on the northern side of the island, Pala'au State Park offers great hiking trails, views, and picnic areas. It encompasses over 230 acres and and its landscape is mostly made up of forest (eucalyptus, koa, and ironwood) and grassy pastures. It makes for a great place to take photographs of the dramatic scenery, as it overlooks the Kalaupapa Peninsula that sits about 1600 feet below, giving visitors nice views of the coastline and waves crashing ashore. There are also interpretive signs posted at the overlook point that explain the history and geography of the area. From the parking lot, a short trail leads to one of the main attractions of the park--Kauleonanahoa, an ancient rock that (according to traditional Hawaiian religion) is said to enhance fertility. More »

Pali Coast

Pali Coast Molokai's Pali Coast is the famous northern coastline featuring breath-taking sea cliffs. Because of the extreme terrain, the only real way to get a glimpse of the scenery is via sea or air. This remote coastline is very secluded and an impressive site to see. Book tours by boat, which happen less frequently due to ocean conditions, or by air with different tour companies. More »

Papohaku Beach

Papohaku Beach This is surprisingly one of Hawaii's and certainly Molokai's biggest beaches. The gold, soft sand extends over three miles and is about 300 yards wide, making for a pleasant stretch of picture perfect sand and surf. The beach is secluded and is usually pretty barren, so you may just have the place to yourself if you're lucky. Because it's located on the western shores of the islands, the Trade Winds can pick up in the afternoon, but overall this beach is very pleasant for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are no lifeguards, but amenities here do include restrooms, showers, drinking water, and picnic facilities. High surf picks up in the winter months, so use caution when entering the water. More »

Pepe`opae Trail

Pepe`opae Trail One of the most spectacular short hikes in Hawai`i, the Pepe`opae Trail will lead you deep into the pristine wilderness of the Moloka`i Forest Preserve, virtually unchanged for thousands of years. The three mile boardwalk takes you through misty forest scenery and allows you to see rare and beautiful plants. If you can find reliable four-wheel-drive transport, the experience is magical and well worth the effort required to get there: this is Hawaiian island paradise at its most sublime. More »

Phallic Rock

Phallic Rock Located within Molokai's Pala`au State Park, stands a six-foot-high famous fertility stone commonly called Phallic Rock. Ancient Hawaiians call is Kauleonanahoa, and for many years it has been a Mecca for women hoping for fertility. It is believed that if a woman should bring offering to the stone and stay here overnight, that they would leave the next day pregnant. An ancient legend tells the story of a man whose wife became enraged with jealousy when he admired a young girl. The wife attacked the young girl, and the angry husband pushed his wife off a cliff, where she turned to stone, and he also turned into stone, immortalized here at Phallic Rock. Aside from the fertility powers and legends of the stone, this rock remains a very popular attraction and photo-op within the state park. While phallic and suggestive stones and carvings populate many of the Hawaiian Islands from ancient times, this one seems to be most popular. The rock is accessible by a pathway and is located just about 200 yards from the Kalaupapa Lookout. More »

Plantation Gallery

Plantation Gallery In addition to being the prime showcase for the creations of Moloka`i's artists and craftspeople, the Plantation Gallery offers exotic gifts from all over the world, with emphasis on unusual Asian objects and art. The story also has a good collection of Hawaiian books, as well as high quality crafts from throughout Hawai`i. If you need a gift for loved ones back home, this gallery supplies plenty of options to choose from. More »

Puko'o Beach

Puko'o Beach Made up of two different beaches, Puko'o is a great place to come to swim or relax on the sand. One of the beaches tends to be a bit rockier and less hospitable, but the second boasts clear water, sandy ground under the water, and a nice crescent shape. Since the second beach sits in a natural protected cove, the surf tends to be calm and swimming is usually good, but use caution as the swells can occasionally get larger throughout the season. If you're looking for nice scenery, Puko'o offers great views of the island's coastline; it's also a generally a fairly deserted area, so chances are you'll have the beaches to yourself. More »

Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nut Farm

Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nut Farm Purdy's is a family owned and operated farm producing one of the Hawaiian Islands' favorite treat, macadamia nuts. After acquiring an acre of land where macadamia nut trees were first planed in the 1920s, the Purdy family established their farm in 1980 and it has since grown to five acres of macadamia nut trees. The small, but successful family business specializes in natural nuts and macadamia blossom honey. Stop by the farm for a look at how the delicious nut are produced and some tasty samples. The farm, which is open to the public, is located two miles west of Kualapu`u, on Lihi Pali Avenue, above the high school. More »

RW Meyer Sugar Mill and Museum

RW Meyer Sugar Mill and Museum Take a look at an authentic piece of Molokai's history at the RW Meyer Sugar Mill and Museum. Rudolph Meyer immigrated from Germany to Molokai in 1848 and married a local chieftess. He built the mill, which is Hawaii's oldest, in 1878 to process sugar cane. Today, the mill is in operating condition and can be toured along with the rest of the property, which features a museum and cultural center. Step back in time with a visit to the museum to view historic photographs of life in the 19th century for plantation workers on the island. The family home is also on the property, but is not open to the public. Visitors may take guided or self-guided tours here. More »

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

St. Joseph's Catholic Church Located along Molokai's southern coast, the St. Joseph's Catholic Church is another significant Father Damien attraction. Built by the legendary man in 1876, the church was later restored in 1971 and is still maintained and a must-see visit today. There is a Father Damien statue in the front of the church. Not to be mistaken with another of Father Damien's Churches at Kalaupapa, St. Joseph's is near the Kamalo Wharf. More »

St. Philomena Catholic Church

St. Philomena Catholic Church Nestled in a lovely valley in Kalaupapa National Historic Park, the St. Philomena Catholic Church is where Father Damien held services until his death. When Damien arrived at Kalawao in 1873, the church was a simple wooden building and with the help of others, Damien re-built the church nearly doubling its size. The church was later restored in 1989 but still maintains its historic look and feel. Father Damien was buried in the cemetery next to this church, and was then later transported back to his native country, Belgium. More »

Ualapu`e Fishpond

Ualapu`e Fishpond Located on Molokai's East End, this is one of Molokai's many historic ancient Hawaiian fishponds. Hundreds of years ago, these fishponds were created to raise and catch fish by locals. The Ualapu`e Fishpond is what's known as a loko kupa, which is a saltwater pond that is walled in. The fish raised here were meant to be prepared for the royalty. Through many years of neglect and destruction from a 1906 tidal wave, the pond also changed hands of ownership. Today, the pond is owned by the state and you can still see local fisherman here, a place with great scenic beauty and history. More »

Waialua Beach

Waialua Beach Located on Molokai's East End next to Twenty Mile Beach/Murphy's Beach Park is the beautiful Waialua Beach. This is a great white-sand beach, perfect for swimming, body surfing, and sunbathing. Though somewhat secluded, the beach does have nearby amenities such as a general store and there are some beach houses in this area as well. More »