25 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do on Molokai, Hawaiʻi
In Hawaiʻi, Molokai is commonly referred to as 'The Friendly Isle,' and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful Hawaiian Islands, with its towering sea cliffs, rugged and remote trails, and its small-town lifestyle that truly gives Molokai its charm!
That being said, I honestly believe that Molokai isn’t for everyone. It’s very slow-paced, there aren’t a lot of options in terms of food/ lodging, hiking is limited to only a handful of trails, and finally, it’s expensive! I mean, it’s more expensive than any of the four main Hawaiian Islands but comparable to Lānaʻi.
However, it’s truly the slow, small-town local lifestyle that makes Molokai so appealing! If you’re someone who doesn’t need nightlife, is comfortable making your own adventure, and prefers a quiet vacation wherever you go, then Molokai is definitely for you!
All said, since Molokai is very slow-paced and also expensive, as I mentioned previously, I think that Molokai is a great option for half of a trip in Hawaiʻi, while spending the other half on a different island, like Oʻahu or Maui.
By splitting your trip up this way, you could see many of the popular things to do on either island, such as Pearl Harbor or Haleakalā, while saving activities like going to the beach and hiking for your time on Molokai, where it’s significantly less crowded.
Why am I Recommending these Molokai Tours?
One of my favorite things about booking through Viator is the reserve-now-and-pay-later option. As long as you’re booking more than three days in advance, you have the option to book ahead and cancel in the future if you change your mind.
25 Best Things to Do on Molokai
The following list is written in no particular order of best or worst, but more importantly, I talk about what NOT to do at the end, such as how to keep your car from getting broken into. Don’t skip over the end!
Additionally, more than any other island, I highly recommend booking a 4x4 rental on Molokai. Rental cars are always pricey on Molokai, and getting a Jeep definitely won’t help with that. However, I recommend a 4x4 anyway because your opportunities to explore the island open up immensely, which should be apparent from the list below.
1. Moaʻula & Hīpuapua Falls (Hālawa Valley)
Distance (Roundtrip): 5.8 miles / 9.3 km
The Hālawa Valley Trail to Moaʻula and Hīpuapua Falls is without a doubt the best and most accessible waterfall hike on Molokai!
However, there is a lot to know regarding the trail, which really comes down to deciding to hike the trail on your own or through one of the local guides.
Therefore, I encourage you to read through all the details in my separate post, but the most important thing to know is that guided tours don’t hike to both waterfalls. You will only see Hīpuapua Falls if you choose to hike the Hālawa Valley Trail on your own.
Read My Separate Post: Hālawa Valley Trail
2. Pōhakumāuliuli Beach (Make Horse)
Pōhakumāuliuli, more commonly known as Make Horse Beach, is one of my favorite west Molokai beaches, as so few people tend to visit. This is especially true if you walk over to the northern of the two beaches.
That being said, the last 0.1 miles (0.2 km) in order to reach the Make Horse Beach parking area should only be driven with a 4x4 vehicle. However, if you don’t have one, finding parking near the vacation rentals on Lio Place and walking the final stretch should be easy enough to do.
Google Maps Directions: Pōhakumāuliuli Beach (Make Horse)
3. Molokai Burger
While there aren’t many restaurants on Molokai, there are a few worth highlighting, such as Molokai Burger.
Molokai Burger is the go-to place for classic American burgers, huge waffle fries, and ice cream!
Additionally, while it might not seem like much, it’s also worth mentioning that Molokai Burger is open later than most restaurants, which is truly something worth highlighting on The Friendly Isle.
Yelp: Molokai Burger
4. Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail [4x4 Needed]
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
In my opinion, the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail is why you come to Molokai because it’s, without a doubt, the best thing to do on the island!
However, that’s not to say that hiking the Pēpēʻōpae Bog isn’t without its own challenges, as simply accessing the trail is no easy task.
All said, there’s a lot to know about the Pēpēʻōpae Bog, but if you think you’re up for this all-day adventure, I highly encourage you to read through all the details in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail
5. Kanemitsu’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
Kanemitsu’s is truly the pinpoint definition of a small-town diner that makes Molokai, The Friendly Isle!
It’s the place that locals come to visit, and if you have any questions about the island or things to do, ask around! It’s no secret that you’re a visitor on Molokai, but those who live there are always willing to help!
Furthermore, Kanemitsu’s is the best place to dine-in for breakfast and coffee, as this is truly what they’re known for.
6. Kalaupapa Lookout (Pālāʻau State Park)
While not everyone is up for the steep Kalaupapa Trail that descends 26 switchbacks down the Molokai Sea Cliffs, Kalaupapa can still be enjoyed from Pālāʻau State Park.
Pālāʻau State Park is commonly known for both Ka Ule o Nanahoa, more commonly known as the Phallic Rock, and the Kalaupapa Lookout.
All being said, the Kalaupapa Lookout is a great place to learn about why Molokai has a bit of a dark history. However, be sure to visit when the weather is looking good, as the view can often be blocked by low-hanging clouds.
Google Maps Directions: Pālāʻau State Park
7. Pāpōhaku Beach
Pāpōhaku Beach is arguably the best beach on Molokai!
In fact, all of the best beaches on Molokai are located on the West Side of the island, but Pāpōhaku is my personal favorite because the beach is over 2 miles (3.2 km) long, meaning that you’re pretty much guaranteed to find your own little secluded spot by walking a short distance from the beach park.
Google Maps Directions: Pāpōhaku Beach
8. Kamoi Snack-n-Go
Kamoi Snack-n-Go is the go-to ice cream shop in Kaunakakai.
After a hot day exploring the island, I like to stop by Kamoi Snack-n-Go, which, in my experience, is surprisingly affordable, considering you’re on Molokai!
Yelp: Kamoi Snack-n-Go
9. Waikolu Valley Lookout [4x4 Needed]
The Waikolu Valley Lookout is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do on Molokai!
That being said, the lookout sits high up in the mountains above the Molokai Sea Cliffs, and, know that the lookout is accessible with a 4x4 only!
On top of this, I only recommend visiting the Waikolu Valley Overlook when the weather is looking the nicest, as clouds can block the view for hours or days on end.
Furthermore, the Waikolu Valley Overlook is really just a stop on the way to the Pēpēʻōpae Bog. Therefore, if you're interested in either, I encourage you to read through the access road details in my separate Pēpēʻōpae article.
Google Maps Directions: Waikolu Valley Lookout
10. Hotel Molokai
Hotel Molokai is my number one recommendation for a great place to stay on Molokai.
I say this because it’s centrally located, which is great for Hālawa Valley on the east end as well as the beaches on the west. It has one of the best places to eat located right on site, and Hotel Molokai is simply nicer and more comfortable than the Molokai Shores down the road.
For all these reasons and because its a bit cheaper than other places to stay on island, Hotel Molokai is my number one pick!
11. Kepuhi Beach
Located between Make Horse and Pāpōhaku Beach, mentioned previously, Kepuhi Beach is equally one of the best three west Molokai beaches, along with the other two.
Personally, I love Kepuhi Beach for all the beautiful rock formations along both beaches that measure more than a half-mile long!
On top of this, Kepuhi Beach is one of the best places to stay on Molokai, as the numerous vacation rentals sit right between all three of these amazing beaches, making it the best place to catch the sunset every night you’re there!
Google Maps Directions: Kepuhi Beach
12. Maka’s Korner
From breakfast to dinner, Maka’s Korner has truly amazing food at any time of the day!
Personally, I really like Maka’s breakfast plates, but they also have great lunch wraps, as well as amazing salads and dinner plates.
I really mean it when I say you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and it’s always a great thing on Molokai when a place, like Maka’s, has longer hours, as so many places close down early.
Yelp: Maka’s Korner
13. Kūmimi Beach (George Murphy’s)
Outside of Hālawa Valley, Kūmimi Beach is my favorite east Molokai beach to watch the sunrise!
Located on the southeast side of the island, Kūmimi Beach, also called George Murphy’s Beach, is a quiet, small stretch of sand located directly off of Kamehameha Hwy.
Furthermore, Kūmimi’s is a great beach to visit with kids because the water is generally very calm, and like I said, I recommend making the drive out for sunrise, as it’s one of the most beautiful and quietest times of the day to visit!
14. Moʻomomi Sand Dunes Trail [4x4 Needed]
Distance (Roundtrip to Kapālauoʻa): 5.4 miles / 8.7 km
The Moʻomomi Sand Dunes Trail is a remote hike along Molokai’s North Shore that’s very seldom explored by visitors and even locals. However, I think that’s what makes Moʻomomi all the better!
Furthermore, Moʻomomi traverses across numerous secluded beaches, where hikers have the opportunity to enjoy this protected coastline. But, there are a few things to know about Moʻomomi, including what’s required to reach the trailhead.
For this reason, I recommend reading through all the details in my separate post, as it’s not as straightforward as one might think.
Read My Separate Post: Moʻomomi Sand Dunes Trail
15. Hula Bean Cafe
The Hula Bean Cafe is the go-to coffee shop in Kaunakakai.
While I recommend Kanemitsu’s for in-house coffee, the Hula Bean is best when you’re looking to grab a coffee for the road, and keep in mind, coffee in Hawaiʻi is grown locally on Molokai and throughout the islands!
Yelp: Hula Bean Cafe
16. Hālawa Beach
Typically speaking, most visitors only come to Hālawa Valley for the Moaʻula Falls Trail, but the beach at the mouth of the valley is a hidden gem of its own!
Personally, I like Hālawa Beach more than others because it’s one of the better beaches to actually swim, as opposed to the beautiful beaches on the West Side. What I mean by this is that beaches, such as Pāpōhaku on the West Side, may look beautiful, but the open-ocean swell/ shore break can make the swimming conditions very dangerous.
However, Hālawa Beach is a bit more protected, making the conditions significantly calmer and more kid-friendly. This is why I think Hālawa Beach is worth the stop, whether you plan on hiking the waterfall trail or not.
Google Maps Directions: Hālawa Beach
17. A Taste of Molokai
A Taste of Molokai is a small food truck in Kaunakakai that’s known for having the best poke and açaí on the island!
That being said, they have tons of different great options to choose from, but be sure to check their hours before visiting, as they are not open at all times of the day.
Yelp: A Taste of Molokai
18. Molokai Helicopter Tour (Maui)
The Molokai sea cliffs, also known as the tallest sea cliffs in the world, are truly so beautiful that it’s simply not fair to try and put them into words!
That being said, all Molokai sea cliff helicopter tours leave out of Maui, meaning that a helicopter tour along the North Shore of Molokai is truly a Maui-only adventure!
This is another reason why I believe that a Hawaiʻi trip to Molokai could easily be broken up with another island, like Maui.
Overall, I can tell you from personal experience exploring the ruggedness and sheer beauty of the Molokai sea cliffs, a helicopter tour of these remote cliffs, valleys, and waterfalls along the North Shore of Molokai is second to none!
19. ʻIliahi (Sandalwood) Pit [4x4 Needed]
The ʻIliahi Pit, or more commonly known as the Sandalwood Pit, may not look like much, but it’s actually a site of historic and cultural significance on Molokai, which you can read more about in my separate Pēpēʻōpae post.
The reason why the information is in my Pēpēʻōpae post is because the Sandalwood Pit is more or less a stop on the way to the Waikolu Lookout, as well as the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail mentioned earlier.
It’s for this reason that the pit is accessible with a 4x4 only, but if you plan on driving into the Molokai Forest Reserve, I highly recommend making all three stops, as the exploring the forest reserve is easily one of the best things to do on the island!
Google Maps Directions: ʻIliahi (Sandalwood) Pit
20. One Aliʻi Beach
One Aliʻi Beach Park is the best south shore beach near Kaunakakai!
I say this because most beaches on Molokai, such as Pāpōhaku on the West Side or Kūmimi further east, are more than a 30-minute drive away from town. That’s why, if you’re looking for a good but close beach, I recommend One Aliʻi.
Additionally, One Aliʻi makes for a quick and easy place to catch the sunrise!
Google Maps Directions: One Aliʻi Beach Park
21. Paddlers Restaurant & Bar
Paddlers Restaurant may look like your typical American bar, but the one thing I really appreciate about Paddlers is how diverse their menu is!
By this, I mean there’s so much more to their menu than burgers and fries that will surely make everyone in your group happy, as this is actually an ʻahi melt, not a burger.
Additionally, Molokai closes down early, meaning that if you get back to Kaunakakai a little later in the evening, Paddlers may be one of the only places that’s open, which is why I recommend saving it for a night that you plan on catching the sunset on the West Side before driving back.
22. Molokai Shores
My second pick, in addition to Hotel Molokai listed above, is the Molokai Shores.
I put the Molokai Shores second for one reason, it’s simply not as nice. However, Molokai Shores has everything you need in their large vacation rentals, and it is just as centrally located as Hotel Molokai.
Furthermore, if relaxing around the resort is more important to you than staying in the nicest place, I can confidently say that Molokai Shores has a much nicer beach than Hotel Molokai! In fact, Hotel Molokai has nearly no beach at all in front of their property.
All said, Hotel Molokai is my number one pick because everything from the rooms to to the property is much nicer, including Hiro’s Grill located on site, but outside of these things, both places are very comparable to one another.
23. Molokai Wharf (Sunset)
On the surface, the Molokai Wharf may not look like much, but the reason why myself and other locals appreciate it is because of how quick and convenient it is to catch the sunset from Kaunakakai.
For this reason, and the fact that restaurants close early on Molokai, I like to grab some takeout after a long day exploring the island and bring it to the wharf to finish the day.
Google Maps Directions: Molokai Wharf
24. Kapukahehu (Dixie Maru) & Kaunalā Beach
Kapukahehu Beach, also called Dixie Maru, is a small public beach on the West Side of Molokai, just to the south of the famous Pāpōhaku Beach.
That being said, what most people don’t know is that the beach just to the south of Kapukahehu, known as Kaunalā, is publicly accessible, as long as you walk on the coastline to get there.
Molokai Ranch, the property owner who owns the vast amount of private land on Molokai, would have you think that the secluded Kaunalā Beach does not have a legal public access. However, all shorelines in Hawaiʻi, up to the high water mark, are a public right of way. This means that if you’re up for a little adventure, you can make your way over to this secluded beach that you’re nearly guaranteed to have all to yourself!
Google Maps Directions: Kapukahehu Beach (Dixie Maru)
25. Hiro’s ʻOhana Grill
It almost feels like it’s cheating to recommend the restaurant attached to Hotel Molokai, but Hiro’s is without a doubt one of the best places to eat on Molokai!
On top of this, they’re open later than most, and you don’t even need to be staying at Hotel Molokai to dine in at Hiro’s.
Yelp: Hiro’s ʻOhana Grill
What NOT to Do!
When I wrote this list for the other islands, it was with the intention that crime is a real issue. However, on Molokai, I’d say not so much. But don’t get complacent.
Don’t ever leave bags or anything valuable visible in your car.
Treat Molokai like you would any crime-ridden city, and you will be fine. Smash and grabs happen often, especially to cars that are obviously rentals. Some of my favorite trailheads have glass all over the place because people just don’t understand this.
Don’t look like a tourist.
This is a hard one, but hear me out. I’m recommending some local things in this blog that will potentially take you to parts of the island where you don’t want to stand out, and this goes back to my number one under this section. Tourists are good, easy, and vulnerable targets for crime and petty theft.
So how do you not look like a tourist? Try not to make your rental look like a rental. Don’t have your rental full of suitcases, beach toys, and towels whenever possible.
Take any rental car stickers/ logos off the side of the car. I’ve seen rentals with stickers over the door seals to show that it has been through enhanced cleaning.
I’m really just trying to come up with things that come to my mind when I can obviously spot a tourist. To me, tourists really stand out to me when they pronounce the names of other islands wrong.
Do NOT approach or harass our native wildlife.
This happens all too often with visitors harassing our endemic and endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals. There are strict penalties for doing this, and visitors have been hunted down and prosecuted because of social media posts in the past.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal, among many other native Hawaiian species, are on the federal list for endangered species. This also goes for sensitive mountain environments like Pēpēʻōpae that are home to some of the rarest species in the world. Please use common sense.
Native Hawaiian Plants on Molokai
I wanted to include this last section on this post because this is a subject that’s personal to me.
The native plant biodiversity in Hawaiʻi is insane! 90% of the native plants that you will see around the islands are found nowhere else on earth, and I say these things for two reasons.
The first is that I ask that you please do everything you possibly can to minimize your impact on our trails because so many of our native plants are at risk of extinction. The second is that if you have personal interest in the subject or may be curious about something that you found, I wrote a separate post entirely about native Hawaiian plants. I wrote it to help others around Hawaiʻi ID anything that you might be curious about.
For example, this species in the photo below can only be found on the island of Molokai and nowhere else on earth.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
Visiting Other Islands
If you are heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in my separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
