For a close-up look at the raw natural beauty and culture of Hawaii, Molokai ticks all the boxes and boasts so many amazing attractions for such a small island. Commonly referred to as the “friendly Isle”, you will quickly understand why once you set foot here and interact with the locals and their close-knit communities.
The people of Molokai deeply value their traditions and seemed particularly eager to share and educate visitors, leaving you with a profound appreciation for their history and way of life.
With its serene beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, small-town charm, and much more, there truly is something for everyone to make this a trip to remember. The following are some of the best things we did in Molokai to help you make the most of your time in this remote paradise.
Make Horse Beach
Nestled on the west coast of the island, Make Horse Beach (also called Pohakumauliuli Beach) is very secluded and features two spacious, white sand coves, as well as some large tide pools to your left as you look out to sea.
Given that there are often large waves and strong currents, especially during winter, getting in the ocean can be dangerous so make sure to check the conditions ahead of time. When it’s calm, this is a lovely spot to have a swim or go snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. Otherwise, the tide pools are a great alternative to take a dip and cool off, with the largest one being about 5 feet deep.
Far removed from the tourist-filled beaches on Oahu, a day at Make Horse Beach will give you a cherished sense of peace and quiet. There are trees at the back of the beach that provide some shade, but there are thorns littered along the sand from the tree branches, so we recommend taking time to sweep them to the side if you want a comfortable place to lay down.
Papohaku Beach
Papohaku Beach is a gorgeous white sand beach on Molokai’s west side and stretches 3 miles along the coast. As one of Hawaii’s longest beaches, not only is Papahaku Beach incredibly scenic, but typically secluded and encapsulates Molokai’s peaceful and serene atmosphere.
We visited this beach twice during our time on Molokai, and both times there were only a handful of other people there. To say it is spacious beach is an understatement, and if you visit on a weekday, you’ll likely have the beach all to yourself.
Unfortunately, rip currents and strong waves make this beach too dangerous to swim most of the time. However, the waves often hurl sea shells to shore and if you’re lucky you may even stumble across the elusive sunrise shell here.
We stayed for the sunset on our second visit and it did not disappoint. Watching golden sky and listening to the sound of crashing waves was an incredibly relaxing way to end the day.
Snorkel the Longest Fringing Reefs
Molokai is home to the longest, continuous fringing reef in the United States and is an absolute must visit for any avid snorkeler or scuba diver, as well as those seeking a relaxed introduction to the reef.
A Fringing reef is a young coral reef with a shallow lagoon and is much more accessible than barrier reefs, which are separated from the shore by a deep channel. You can technically get to this reef by swimming, but it is a relatively long and difficult swim. We got there via a boat tour that we booked, which took us about a mile offshore and we highly recommend doing the same.
We saw plenty of exotic fish, turtles, eels, and the healthiest, most colorful coral we’ve ever seen. Two people we were snorkeling with even saw some whitetip reef sharks! They had no interest in us however and immediately swam away. The turtles also swam away much more quickly than what we were used to seeing in Oahu, given that they were not as used to seeing people.
Travel Tip: There are very few companies offering scuba diving and snorkel tours so book in advance to secure your spot.
Whale Watching
From November to April, whales make Hawaii their home as they migrate from Alaska to give birth in the warm, shallow waters and is something you don’t want to miss.
It’s simply incredible to see whales with your own eyes and Molokai offers some of the best opportunities to do so in the world, especially in the channel between Molokai, Maui, and Lanai. We were even lucky enough to see a mother whale and her calf during our boat tour in the beginning of May, which is quite rare being outside peak season.
There are boat tours that specifically cater for whale watching in Molokai and some also offer early bird specials so it’s a good idea to book well in advance of your visit.
Moa’ula Falls
Easily one of our favorite experiences in Molokai, Moa’ula Falls is a stunning 250-foot waterfall with a massive plunge pool where you can have a refreshing swim.
Nestled in the Halawa Valley, you will have to complete a 2 hour round trip hike to get there, which we thoroughly enjoyed as the views along the way are beautiful. We had a local guide take us on the hike where we moved through a jungle, crossed rivers, and learned all about the area’s history.
Make sure to pack bathing suit, hiking boots/sneakers, bug spray (tons of misquotes near the stream). The start is on private property
so it’s best to go with a tour. The family living there dates back 50 generations. We learned a ton about Molokai and Hawaiian culture in general
Hālawa Beach
At the mouth of Halawa Valley you will find Halawa Beach, a beautiful salt and pepper sand beach where you can relax, go for a swim, and take in the extraordinary views that surround you.
There a few areas within the bay where you can set up and sunbathe, including some grass patches to the right if you don’t want to get sandy. You will find plenty of palm trees in the beach, which offer some needed shade and, like most of the beaches on the island, Halawa Beach is very secluded and peaceful.
The waves here are very gentle, making it perfect if you are not a strong swimmer and looking to cool down in the water. The view of the mountains that loom over the beach in the background is absolutely stunning and overall, it’s just a great spot to hang out at.
Kalaupapa Lookout
Molokai has an interesting history, as it was once a designated place for people suffering from leprosy to isolate. The community settled on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which is separated from the rest of the island by 2000-foot cliffs.
The Kalaupapa Lookout, located within the Pala’au State Park, offers a gorgeous, elevated view of the peninsula and the ocean beyond. The state park is only about a 25-minute drive from Kaunakakai and once you reach the parking lot, it’s an easy, 5-minute walk to the lookout spot.
As it’s only accessible by plane or boat, the lookout is the closest you can get to the peninsula. There are many information boards here where you can learn all about leprosy and the communities that lived on the peninsula.
Fertility Rock (Kauleonanahoa)
Another stop you should make while at the Kalakaua lookout is a visit to the Fertility Rock, known as Kauleonanahoa. An old tale associated with this site is that if a woman makes an offering and stays overnight next to the rock, she will return pregnant.
The rock is a short 5-minute walk from the parking lot, which takes you uphill through some scenic forest
Typical offerings made at the fertility rock include lei necklaces, seashells, and jewelry. Kauleonanahoa is a very sacred area to Hawaiian natives, so please make sure to be respectful when visiting.
Purdy’s Macadamia Nut Farm
Ever since they were first imported from Australia, macadamia nuts have exploded in popularity on the Hawaiian Islands, and Purdy’s is the lone macadamia nut farm on Molokai. Free tours are available, where you will have the chance to learn all about the nuts and how they’re grown.
You even get to use the tools to crack your own macadamia nuts and taste them fresh out of the shell. After that, you will be treated to some roasted (non-processed) macadamia nuts, as well as coconut with honey.
All of the staff at Purdy’s were remarkably friendly and delighted to show us around. We came across it by chance and visited on a whim, which we delighted us as we had a great time. Be sure to check their website before stopping by, as their hours and days that they’re open are very limited.
Explore The Town Center
Stargazing
Due to its low population and its lack of light pollution, Molokai offers some of the best stargazing opportunities out of all the Hawaiian Islands. This is an activity that is both easily accessible and very enjoyable, making it an absolute must-do when visiting.
Whether you’re camping in a tent or staying at a hotel, simply grab a blanket, make your way outside, and gaze up at the night sky for a mesmerizing view. The sheer number of stars you will see, as well as the amount of light they produce, is something very few people are lucky enough to appreciate.
Be sure to check the weather to ensure there is no cloud cover obstructing your view, and it’s also worth keeping in mind that a moonless night will make for better stargazing.
Maka’s Corner
One of our favorite food spots that we kept coming back to when visiting Molokai was the popular, local take-out spot Maka’s Corner. They’re best known for their plate lunches and quick breakfast options.
You order at the counter and there are a few tables with umbrellas to sit at out front.
We ordered the mahi mahi plate lunch and the mixed breakfast plate when we came another time for breakfast. Both were great, but we especially loved the mahi mahi plate. The fish was so fresh and tender and the Mac salad that came with it was some of the best we’ve had!
The service was friendly and quick both times we went so it’s perfect for an on the go food spot. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so be sure to check their hours and days open here before you go!
Camping
Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Molokai can be very expensive to visit and we found one of the best ways to save on money was to camp around the island. We camped at Papaohaky and One Ali’i and had great experiences at both.
One Ali’i is more centrally located and less than a 10 minute drive from town. It’s situated on One Ali’i beach park and you can sleep under the palm trees.
Papaohaku Camp is situated on Papahalu beach, one of the longest beaches on Hawaii. The camp is situated on a grass field behind the beach and your view of the beach is blocked by trees. We loved waking up and being able to take a walk on the beach with no one there.
To make reservations, you can visit their website or pay in cash.
Have A Fun Night Out at Paddler’s Restaurant and Bar
Many of the restaurants on Molokai are low-key and very laid back, but if you are looking for a fun night out with some music and dancing, Paddler’s Restaurant is your best bet.
Voted “best of the best” restaurants in Maui County in 2020, Paddler’s has a wide variety of dishes, which range from Hawaiian to American classics, and it changes daily. We loved their fresh Mahi Mahi dish, which came with fresh rice and a delicious Hawaiian mac salad.
Most nights, they have live music and a decent sized dance floor to the side of the tables and chairs, which likely get moved later to open up even more space. The interior is nicely decorated, giving tropical island vibes and it is an open-air concept allowing fresh air to flow through.
We stopped by for a dinner and some drinks, but we were told by locals if you are looking for a fun night out in Molokai, this is the place to go!
Vanilla Macadamia Nut Iced Latte From
Hula Bean
There aren’t many coffee shops on Molokai, but Hula Bean ticks all the boxes and was easily our favorite. You will find great coffee here, including lattes and espresso shots, and we recommend the vanilla macadamia nut latte in particular.
Hula Bean offers delicious paninis and sandwiches that are perfect for either breakfast or lunch. There are a number of desserts to try here too, and it is home to the scrumptious Kulolo Delight which is made up of Kulolo (a traditional Hawaiian dessert made from taro, coconut milk, and sugar), ice cream, and topped with coconut flakes.
They are open 6:30-4pm on most days but be sure to check their hours on their website.
Try Local Hawaiian Ice Cream at Kamoi Snack-N-Go
You’ll find plenty of unique snacks and a variety of Dave’s Ice Cream flavors, which include local flavors such as ube, caramel macadamia nut, Kona Coffee, and many more. We loved trying their local flavors that you can’t get anywhere else, and each of the flavors we tried was more delicious than the last.
Located in the center of Kaunakakai, there are a few spots to sit down and enjoy your treat, or you can wander the town as you do so. This was high-quality Hawaiian ice cream and offered good value for its price, making it an experience definitely worth including in your itinerary.
Snorkel at Kumimi Beach
Kumimi Beach (aka Murphy’s Beach) is a picturesque white sand beach that curves along the eastern coast of Molokai and offers some terrific snorkeling, as well as a perfect place to relax. The water is often calm, clear, and shallow, making it ideal for beginners.
We saw a wide variety of fish and some beautiful coral as we snorkeled just off the beach. It’s important to check the tide ahead of your visit and plan to snorkel at high tide because if it’s too shallow, you risk scraping off rocks and coral.
Kumimi Beach is easy to access, and usually quiet, but on busier days over the weekend, there are limited parking spots.
Get Fresh Poke at “A Taste of Molokai” food truck
Like the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is renowned for its fresh seafood and there’s a food truck in the center of Kaunakakai that showcases this. Fittingly named, “A Taste of Molokai” has some of the freshest and most delicious poke on the island and is a must have on your visit.
You can have your poke with salad, rice or noodles and there are some other tasty sides to choose from. Be sure to doubler check what times they are open at so you can plan accordingly, something we did not do and showed up after they had closed for the day.
There are picnic tables available next to the truck where you can sit and enjoy your meal
History Museum
While shopping around for souvenirs in Kaunakakai, we stumbled upon a lovely little history museum along Ala Malama Ave. We were welcomed in by the gentleman working there, and he kindly led us around the displays to teach us about some of Molokai’s history.
The museum features many interesting artefacts and pieces of artwork, each with its own story to tell about ancient and modern Hawaiian culture. You are free to take your time here, but we would say you only need about 20-30 minutes here to get the full experience.
The museum is free to enter, but you are expected to make a small contribution to the donation box that you will see located next to the entrance.