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Browsing Moloka`i
Barrier Reef
This is one of Molokai's main attractions, located off the southern shore of Molokai. Measuring 28 miles from tip to toe, it is Hawaii's only barrier reef. There are two ways to see this reef: from a distance or up close and personal. To do the first, it's necessary to climb up a hill (possibly in the Kamakou Preserve or Kamiloloa Heights) and look down at the ocean. You can't miss it. An even better way, according to some, is to hop on a snorkel cruise and head out to sea. The snorkeling and diving along the reef are ranked among the best in the world.
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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.
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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.
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Coffees of Hawaii
Located in the foothills of 5,000-foot Kamakou Peak, this 600-acre coffee plantation previously grew pineapples. Anyone interested in coffee production will enjoy the fun and educational tour of the plantation in a mule-drawn wagon. Learn about coffee farming, processing, milling and roasting while ambling through the fragrant, scenic plantation. If you visit between September and January, you'll be able to witness the harvesting process. After the tour, visit the on-site espresso bar and plantation store.
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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.
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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.
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Ili'ili'opae Heiau
This is the largest and most famous of the heiau (ancient Hawaiian places of worship) on Moloka'i. It is an enormous stone platform measuring 120 feet wide by 320 feet long. In ancient times, priests conducted human sacrifice at the heiau, and villagers avoided and feared it—with good reason. According to legend, it was built during the time of the Menehune, who proceeded to baptize it with the blood of local sons. The heiau can be visited on foot or on horseback. As with all such sites, visitors are expected to show respect and stay within marked boundaries.
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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.
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Ka'ana
It may look like an ordinary pasture, but hundreds of years ago this was a sacred spot. According to legend, the goddess of hula was born here, under protection of a sacred forest of lehua trees. The yearly Hula Piko festival, a world-renowned celebration of the ancient dance, is held here. Recently, several students and community volunteers have undertaken an ambitious project: to plant 1,200 trees in the pasture and, over a period of many years, bring the forest back.
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Kalaupapa Lookout
From an elevation of approximately 1,600 feet, travelers can look down onto the Kalaupapa Peninsula and the winding trail that leads down it to the settlement. The majestic Pali Coast sea cliffs are also visible. A sign at the lookout gives history and facts about the Kalaupapa Settlement. Note: This lookout spot is located inside of Pala'au State Park, which is next to Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Anyone who wants to make the trip down the peninsula needs to contact Damien Tours or Molokai Mule Rides to arrange a guided tour.
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Kalaupapa National Historical Park
While Father Damien is a famous name throughout the Hawaiian Islands, the name of Kalaupapa is not nearly as recognizable. Yet, it is in this place that the legend of Father Damien began. He arrived in the desolate area in 1873, less than 10 years after King Kamehameha V displaced all Kalaupapa natives and established Molokai's famous leper colony on the tip of the peninsula. Shrouded in mystery and set apart from modern-day Hawaii by location and by choice, the Kalaupapa settlement is located at the very tip of the peninsula. Visitors can only get to the area on a mule or in a plane, and only a few groups are allowed to go at a time.
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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
Contrary to popular belief, there was a Christian presence on Moloka'i prior to the arrival of Father Damien. The first emissaries of the Christian religion were Protestant missionaries; they built this church (the first in Moloka'i) and established a settlement here in 1832. The church still stands, though it isn't much to look at. Originally a squat, sensible building with thick walls and tiny windows, it is only a ruin today.
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Kaluakoi Golf Course
T-off on 160 acres of Bermuda grass, moving from the rigged ocean shore to rolling green hills. This 18-hole, par-72 golf course has a renowned 3,184 yard third hole, stunning views of the Pacific ocean and far off Oahu Island. It offers a challenging golf experience, but if you adjust your stroke to the wind, and the occasional steep incline, you will be at the top of your game. Don't move too fast though as deer, wild turkey, partridge and pheasant make this resort area their home.
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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.
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Kamalo Wharf
This place is of fairly great historical significance. Prior to the move of the shipping community to Kaunakakai Wharf, its natural harbor facilities were used often. It doesn't serve much of a purpose anymore, but local and tourist families occasionally come by to picnic or take walks. The views of dormant Kamakou Volcano are stunning.
Note: DO NOT swim in this harbor; it's a very popular hangout for sharks. More »
Kamehameha V Summer Home
Although it's now nothing more than a pile of rubble and rocks, the ruin of a building nearby the Kaunakakai Wharf was once the summer hideaway of King Kamehameha V. Kamehameha V was the last to bear the famous name. He ruled from 1863 to 1872, assuming the throne when his brother passed away. His main accomplishment was to improve trade conditions for his country. After his death, the crown passed to Lunalilo.
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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.
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Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
This grove was planted in the 1860s by King Kamehameha. Of the thousand trees that once flourished, only a few hundred remain; still the place has a majestic air about it. Although not all of the 10-square-acres of grove are covered by trees, one can still get an indication of the magnitude of the long-ago project.
This is a great place to look around and snap some photos, especially during the sunset hour. It's located next to Kioea Beach Park, just west of Kaunakakai. More »
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
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.
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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.
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Lanikaula Grove
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. Lanikaula foretold the death of King Kamalalawalu, among other things. For a more complete history, see the History section of the Moloka'i City Guides. Lanikaula's burial spot is in a kukui grove, now held sacred by the Hawaiian people. It is on the Pu'u O Hoku Ranch property on the far eastern tip of the island. Check with the ranch for directions to the grove and permission to visit.
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Mapulehu Glass House
An interesting sight on the way to the East End of Moloka'i is this tropical flower farm. The focal point is a large hothouse, more than three-quarters of a century old, which is filled with orchids of various kinds and colors. The rest of the farm, which spans a little less than 10 acres, grows dozens of species of exotic tropical blooms. Torch ginger, plumeria and several varieties of heliconia are on site.
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Mauna Loa Museum & Cultural Park
Even though this complex is still being developed, it is already the site of many major events in Maunaloa Town. For example, the yearly Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is held here. It is a pretty, nicely manicured facility, with stone benches, neat rows of flowers, tall pine trees and little pastel cottages sprinkled around. At present, this is a nice spot for a picnic or a short walk. When complete, it will be the cultural hot spot of Maunaloa Town.
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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
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.
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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.
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Moa'ula Trail & Falls
Outdoor enthusiasts will love this journey, although it's suggested that less hardy folk skip it. The trail is located in the Halawa Valley, which is a secluded part of East Molokai, and is on a piece of private property. The man who owns the property allows visitors through as long as they ask nicely when they get there and assume full responsibility for all actions. The one-hour trail leads to the base of Moa'ula Falls, a breathtaking 250-foot waterfall. The hike is not easy, and should NEVER be attempted during the rainy season. However, it's not as difficult as some of Hawaii's popular hikes, and is well worth the trek according to nature lovers. Halawa Falls Cultural Hike conducts guided tours to the falls.
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Molokai 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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Molokai 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.
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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.
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Moloka`i Fine Arts Gallery
Many artists from Molokai are showcased at this new art gallery, which represents only Friendly Isle artists. The art and craft works are diverse and of surprisingly high quality. Sculptures, ceramics, paintings, blown glass and sterling jewelry are on display. The owner takes pride in offering a continuum of art, starting with the most traditionally styled works (carvings, pahu drums and the like) and moving on up through the ages to experimental art. Many of the featured artists are young up-and-comers who have yet to be discovered by the larger neighbor island galleries.
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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.
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Moloka`i Ranch
Moloka`i Ranch is the largest property on Moloka`i, and consists of almost 40 percent of the island. An essential part of the island's history and development, the ranch has been a working cattle farm since 1908 and is proud of its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history. Its extensive lands offer a chance to see pristine Hawaiian landscape in a casually elegant setting. The Lodge at Moloka`i Ranch offers luxury accommodation, or you can choose to stay in tent-like bungalows right on the beach. The ranch also has an 18-hole golf course. You can ride horses, see authentic cattle drives and rodeos, and get a taste of a Hawaiian cowboy culture that is both authentic and unique.
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Murphy's Beach Park / Twenty Mile Beach
Take the turn off at Mile Marker 20 on Highway 450, and you'll find this popular family beach. It's safe for even the smallest snorkelers because of a barrier reef located just offshore. (As always, use discretion and caution when going in the ocean!) The water is often too still for any kind of body boarding, but the white sand beach is great for relaxing. In spite of its popularity, this beach is often empty of people. Molokai (especially the East End) simply doesn't have the population or the tourist traffic of the main islands, and anyone who manages to make it over is likely to have the beach all to him or herself.
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Nene O Moloka`i
Established in 1994, this 10-acre non-profit facility breeds nene, the endangered Hawaiian state bird, at Kakaha`ia Pond east of Kaunakakai. The four-pound indigenous geese nearly became extinct due to hunting by humans, dogs and other animals. The organization offers several educational field trips. Learn about nene behavior on an overnight campout or take a trip to Kaunakakai's wastewater treatment plant, home to several endangered wetland birds. Please call in advance. All trips and tours are free.
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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.
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One Ali'i Fishpond
This is one of the best remaining examples of the ancient Hawaiian fishponds, of which there are approximately 60 on Moloka'i. Fishponds were rock walls that Hawaiian fishermen constructed to pen in fish. They were one of the earliest forms of aquaculture, and were used to supply royalty with fresh fish. The pond measures 27 acres across, and is bordered by a mangrove swamp. It is in One Ali'i Park near the popular surfing beach of the same name.
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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.
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Pala'au State Park
Hiking trails, lookout spots and an ancient fertility shrine can be found in this park. It's located on the northern side of Moloka'i, in between Kualapu'u Town and Kalaupapa State Park. Hiking trails lead to the Kalaupapa Lookout. This is the high point from which (guided only!) hiking and mule tours start the arduous trek to the Kalaupapa Preserve 1,600 feet below. Another trail leads to Phallic Rock, a large stone rock formation visited by women in ancient times.
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Pali Coast
While the Pali Coast is one of the most famous points on Moloka'i, it's not easy to get a good look at it. The 14-mile coastline has the world's highest seacliffs. Towering more than 3,000 feet above sea level, they render the north side of the island inaccessible except by air. The northern shoreline is one of the most remote, unexplored places in the world. One can only see the Pali Coast by air or by sea, and sea tours are only given in the best conditions. Nature lovers rank this sight among Hawaii's "must-sees".
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Papohaku Beach
Any tourist visiting Molokai will probably hear about this beach before stepping off the boat (or the plane, depending on circumstances). A three-mile strip of white sand beach, it is the pride and joy of Molokai. Getting to it isn't easy, as it's all the way out on the West End, past the Kaluakoi Hotel. However, once there, most visitors want to stay awhile. While the sand is closer to gold than white, it is soft, warm and inviting. The waves are great during the summer (use caution during the winter). This is like Makena or Ewa beaches without all the people.
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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.
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Phallic Rock
This famous fertility stone is located near the Kalaupapa overlook in north central Molokai's 233-acre Pala'au State Park. Called Kauleonanahoa by ancient Hawaiians, women perched on the rock and prayed for fertility. According to traditional lore, if a woman brought offerings to the monolithic rock and stayed overnight she would leave pregnant. Ancient legend has it that the rock was formed after a jealous wife grabbed a young beauty her husband was admiring. The angry man struck his wife, who plummeted down a cliff and turned to stone. The husband also turned to stone, and his passionate energy and power lives on in the rock. The natural rock formation (with purported enhancements by enthusiastic sculptors) protrudes skyward, its substantial shaft leaving little to the imagination. It is quite a unique photo opportunity.
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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.
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Puko'o Beach
Located on the southeastern shore of Moloka'i, this is actually two beaches, each with shoreline access. The eastward beach is the best for swimming; protection provided by the coral reef makes for great snorkeling. The westward beach is rocky and not great for swimming. Views of Puko'o Harbor are beautiful from almost any angle. As with any Moloka'i beach, visitors are urged to check with locals before making the trip and to always exercise the utmost caution when entering the ocean.
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Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nut Farm
Macadamia nut trees are not native to Hawaii, but were brought here in the late 1800s from Australia. Originally a one-acre grove of 50 trees planted in the 1920s, this farm has expanded to become a working enterprise involving Tuddie, Kammy and the entire Purdy family. All products are natural and free of preservatives and can be purchased at the farm. Selections include raw or roasted nuts and macadamia nut honey. Free tours daily include complimentary tasting and recipes. Located off Highway 481 north of the airport.
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RW Meyer Sugar Mill
This mill is located next to the Molokai Museum and is usually included in the museum tour. It is fully restored, and several interesting machines and gadgets from the past are on display. Among the displays are a mule-driven cane crusher and a steam engine. Visitors can see how sugar was produced in the 1800s. This place is a historical building, and one that played a major role in Molokai's commercial past. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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Spa at the Lodge & Beach Village at Moloka`i Ranch
Combine your break from hectic city life with a little healing therapy the Hawaiian way. Check out the spa treatment room located within St. Joseph's Catholic Church
This is part of Father Damien's legacy. It was built by the holy man in 1876, and is still perfectly maintained today. A statue of Father Damien is in front. For anyone interested in major cultural or historical points of interest, this is a must-see. While many guides and other publications state that this church is in Kalaupapa, it is actually on Molokai's South Shore at Kamalo Wharf. St. Philomena's, another famous church built by Father Damien, is in Kalaupapa.
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St. Philomena Catholic Church
Situated in a peaceful green valley in isolated Kalaupapa, this church is completely cut off from busy modern times. It was completely restored in 1989, but the outside retains a classical appearance. The inside is lovely, with understated yet graceful decor and stained glass windows that let in colored light beams. Father Damien built this church in 1872 and held services for 17 years. He was buried beside the church upon his death, although his remains were later moved to his homeland of Belgium.
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Ualapu'e Fishpond
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still used by local fishermen, this pond is one of the best examples of the Ancient Hawaiian Fishponds. These ponds were constructed of stone and coral several hundred years ago, and were originally used to raise fish for the Ali'i (Hawaiian royalty). It is a "loko kuapa," or saltwater pond, and is still populated by mullet and awa. While it has fallen into disrepair in the past half-century, it is still a better scenic spot than neighboring ponds.
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Waialua Beach
Located on the East End just before Mile Marker 20, this is a great place to swim, suntan or body surf. Beginning surfers can also get comfortable on the small waves here. Although it's in secluded Eastern Molokai, this beach isn't as isolated as some; a general store and a few houses are less than a mile away. It's right next to Twenty Mile Beach, also known as Murphy's Beach Park, which is another popular family spot.
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