25 Best 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 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 or 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 may be for you!
This is all to say that, since Molokai is very slow-paced and also expensive, 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, as this is where flights depart to get to Kaunakakai.
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 National Park, while saving activities like going to the beach and hiking for your time on Molokai, where it is 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, just like Lānaʻi, 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 still recommend a 4x4 because your opportunities to explore the island open up immensely, which should be apparent from the list below.
1. Moaʻula & Hīpuapua Falls (Hālawa Valley Trail)
Distance (Roundtrip): 5.8 miles / 9.3 km
The Hālawa Valley Trail to Moaʻula and Hīpuapua Falls is a day hike on the east side of the island that leads to two beautiful waterfalls, both of which are the best and most accessible waterfalls to hike to on Molokai!
That said, there is a lot to know about the Hālawa Valley Trail, which really comes down to deciding to hike the trail on your own or through one of the local guides.
This is why I recommend reading all the details in my separate post, but the most important thing to know is that guided tours don’t hike to both waterfalls, meaning the only way to see Hīpuapua Falls is 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 few people tend to visit compared to the much more popular Kepuhi Beach down the road. This is especially true if you decide to walk over to either of the two northern beaches.
All that aside, 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 down to the beach should be fairly easy and straightforward.
Google Maps Directions: Pōhakumāuliuli Beach (Make Horse)
3. Molokai Burger
While there aren’t many restaurants on Molokai, there are a few worth highlighting, with Molokai Burger being the best 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 in town, 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
The Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail is a remote, high-elevation trail in the mountains above Kaunakakai that, in my opinion, is the reason you come to Molokai!
I say this because the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail is, without a doubt, the best thing to do on the island, and it’s my favorite day hike across all of Hawaiʻi!
However, the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail certainly cannot be discussed without first addressing the challenges of simply accessing the trailhead.
By this, I mean that there’s a lot to know about the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail—most notably what the long journey to the trailhead entails—but if you think you’re up for a beautiful, all-day adventure, I highly recommend reading through all the details in my separate article, where I discuss everything you need to know to make this incredible adventure a reality!
Read My Separate Post: Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail
5. Kanemitsu’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
Kanemitsu’s Bakery and Coffee Shop is truly the pinpoint definition of a small-town diner that makes Molokai, The Friendly Isle!
It’s the place that locals gather to talk story, 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!
This is all to say that Kanemitsu’s is the best place to dine-in for breakfast and coffee on Molokai, as this is truly what they’re known best for!
6. Kalaupapa Lookout (Pālāʻau State Park)
The Kalaupapa Lookout in Pālāʻau State Park is a beautiful northeast-facing viewpoint that looks out toward the Kalaupapa Peninsula and the historic settlement, as well as the Molokai sea cliffs beyond!
I highlight all this because not everyone is up for the steep Kalaupapa Trail, which descends 26 switchbacks down the Molokai sea cliffs to the historic settlement. However, Kalaupapa can still be enjoyed from Pālāʻau State Park, which is not only known for the lookout but also for Ka Ule o Nanahoa, commonly known as the Phallic Rock.
Before driving up, be sure to check the weather, as the view is often be blocked by low-hanging clouds along the sea cliffs.
Google Maps Directions: Pālāʻau State Park
7. Pāpōhaku Beach
Pāpōhaku Beach is a beautiful, 2.0-mile (3.2 km) long beach on the West Side of Molokai that is renowned by both locals and visitors as one of the best places on the island to catch the sunset year-round!
That said, Pāpōhaku is arguably the best beach on Molokai, and it’s certainly my favorite on the island, as you’re pretty much guaranteed to find your own secluded spot by walking a short distance in either direction from the beach park!
Google Maps Directions: Pāpōhaku Beach
8. Kamoi Snack-n-Go
Kamoi Snack-n-Go in downtown Kaunakakai is the go-to ice cream shop on Molokai!
I say this because, after a hot day outside exploring the island, nothing is quite as good as stopping by Kamoi for some ice cream, 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 a stunning drive-up overlook high in the mountains of the Molokai Forest Reserve that, in my opinion, is one of the best things to do on Molokai!
However, it’s important to be aware that the Waikolu Valley Lookout is only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle, the same as the drive to the Pēpēʻōpae Bog Trail. This is why I highly recommend reading my separate article to learn more about the long 4WD access road up into the reserve.
Now, this all goes without saying that it’s important to plan the drive on a nice-weather day, as the view from the Waikolu Valley Overlook is not always guaranteed, since clouds can block it for hours or even days on end.
Google Maps Directions: Waikolu Valley Lookout
10. Hotel Molokai
Hotel Molokai is my number one recommendation for a great place to stay on the island!
I say this because Hotel Molokai is 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!
Hotel Molokai
11. Kepuhi Beach
Located between Make Horse Beach to the north and Pāpōhaku Beach to the south, Kepuhi Beach is equally one of the best three beaches on the West Side of Molokai!
However, what I think sets Kepuhi Beach apart from the rest is that there are countless beautiful rock formations along both beaches that stretch for more than half a mile—not to mention that 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 perfect place to stay and catch the sunset every night you’re there!
Google Maps Directions: Kepuhi Beach
12. Maka’s Korner
From breakfast to dinner, Maka’s Korner truly has amazing plate-style 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 great 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)
Kūmimi Beach, also called George Murphy’s Beach, is a small, quiet, beautiful beach directly off Kamehameha Highway on the east side of Molokai.
This is what makes Kūmimi my favorite beach outside of Hālawa Valley to catch the sunrise—not to mention, it’s a great beach to visit with kids, as the water is generally very calm year-round!
Google Maps Directions: Kūmimi Beach (George Murphy’s)
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 day hike along Molokai’s North Shore that’s very seldom explored by visitors and even locals. However, that’s what I think makes Moʻomomi all the better!
In any case, Moʻomomi is a coastal adventure that traverses numerous secluded beaches, where hikers have the opportunity to enjoy this protected coastline, ultimately ending at a unique predator-proof enclosure similar to the one at the end of the Kaʻena Point Trail on Oʻahu.
Before visiting, there are a few things to know about Moʻomomi, notably the long, rough drive required to reach the trailhead. This is why I recommend reading through all the details in my separate post, as it’s certainly not as straightforward as it may initially seem!
Read My Separate Post: Moʻomomi Sand Dunes Trail
15. Hula Bean Café
The Hula Bean Café is the best grab-and-go coffee shop in Kaunakakai!
I say this and still recommend Kanemitsu’s for in-house coffee and breakfast, but the Hula Bean is best when you’re looking for a quick, good coffee for the road—and keep in mind that coffee in Hawaiʻi is grown locally on Molokai and throughout the islands!
Yelp: Hula Bean Cafe
16. Hālawa Beach
Hālawa Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach with two separate turquoise-blue coves on the east side of Molokai that I think is a true hidden gem, as most visitors who drive to the valley visit for the Moaʻula Falls Trail, not the water.
That said, I recommend visiting Hālawa Beach at the same time as the trail, which is one of the better beaches on the island to actually swim, considering that many of the beautiful beaches on the West Side, such as Pāpōhaku, can be quite rough, with dangerous shore break, since most receive a direct open-ocean swell.
However, Hālawa Beach is much more protected, making the conditions significantly calmer and more kid-friendly, which is why I think Hālawa Valley is truly a must-see on Molokai, whether you plan to hike 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!
Beyond this, there’s also tons of other 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 are the tallest sea cliffs in the world, and for good reason, it’s simply not fair to try and put how beautiful they really are into words!
That 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.
All this to say, I can speak from personal experience exploring the ruggedness and remoteness of the Molokai sea cliffs that a helicopter tour along the towering cliffs, valleys, and waterfalls on the North Shore of Molokai is second to none. There’s really not another place like it on Earth!
19. ʻIliahi (Sandalwood) Pit [4x4 Needed]
The ʻIliahi Pit, 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 article.
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 above
It’s for this reason that the pit is only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle, 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 a beautiful South Shore beach that I believe is the best beach near Kaunakakai!
I say this because many of the best beaches on Molokai, such as Pāpōhaku on the West Side or Kūmimi farther east, are more than a 30-minute drive from town.
However, One Aliʻi is one of the closest beaches to all the restaurants, shops, and hotels in Kaunakakai—not to mention, it can make for a quick and easy place to catch the sunrise with very little effort!
Google Maps Directions: One Aliʻi Beach Park
21. Paddlers Restaurant & Bar
Paddlers Restaurant may look like your typical American bar from the outside, but one thing I really love about Paddlers is how diverse their menu is!
By this, I mean there’s so much more to their menu than burgers and fries, which will surely help everyone in your group find something they’ll love. For example, this is actually an ʻahi melt, not a burger!
Additionally, I’ve said it before, but it’s important to highlight that 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 in town that’s open. This is why I recommend saving it for a night when you plan to catch the sunset on the West Side before driving back into town.
22. Molokai Shores
After Hotel Molokai, Molokai Shores is my second pick in terms of a more affordable place to stay on the island, which I believe is second for one reason: it’s simply not as nice.
That said, it’s not a bad place to stay and has everything that one would need for a few days on the island, but it’s just not the same Hawaiʻi resort feel you’d probably get by staying at Hotel Molokai.
However, if relaxing around the resort is more important to you than staying in the nicest room, I can confidently say that Molokai Shores has a much nicer beach than Hotel Molokai! In fact, Hotel Molokai has nearly no beach in front of their property for visitors to enjoy.
23. Molokai Wharf (Sunset)
The Molokai Wharf is a long jetty in Kaunakakai that, on the surface, may not look like much, but the reason why I and other locals appreciate it is because of how quick and convenient it can be to catch the sunset right from town!
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 said, most people don’t know that Kaunalā Beach, just to the south of Kapukahehu, is publicly accessible, as long as visitors walk along 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 are a public right of way up to the high water mark. This means that if you’re up for a little adventure, you can make your way over to this secluded beach that you’re almost always guaranteed to have to yourself!
Google Maps Directions: Kapukahehu Beach (Dixie Maru) / Kaunalā Beach
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, I love stopping because their loco moco is amazing, they are open later than most, and you don’t even need to be staying at Hotel Molokai to dine in!
Yelp: Hiro’s ʻOhana Grill
What NOT to Do When Visiting Hawaiʻi!
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 city, and you will be fine. I say this because smash-and-grab incidents do occur in Hawaiʻi—especially to vehicles that are obviously rentals.
It’s unfortunate, but some of my favorite beaches and trailheads have glass all over the parking lot because people just don’t understand this.
Do your best to avoid looking like a tourist.
This is a hard one, but hear me out. I’m recommending a number of local things in this blog that will potentially take you to parts of the island where you don’t want to stand out, which ties back to my number one under this section—tourists are easy, vulnerable targets for crime and petty theft.
So, how do you avoid looking like a tourist? Don’t make your rental car look like a rental car. Don’t have your rental full of suitcases, beach toys, and towels whenever possible. In addition, 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 visitor.
Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
Walking away from your belongings on the beach is one of the most common ways that valuables—like phones, wallets, keys, cameras, and even passports—are stolen in Hawaiʻi.
If everyone in your group wants to go swimming, at least one person needs to remain behind at all times to ensure the safety of your belongings.
Do NOT approach or harass Hawaiʻi’s native wildlife.
Common sense goes a long way in Hawaiʻi, but a blatant disregard for right and wrong when it comes to wildlife in the islands—such as touching the endemic and endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, Sea Turtles, and Nesting Shorebirds, or destroying native plants—has led and will continue to lead to legal trouble for visitors in Hawaiʻi.
This is all to say: feel free to stop, take photos, and enjoy the wildlife you encounter, but do so from a distance. NOAA and Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) recommend maintaining at least 10 ft. (3 m) of distance from Sea Turtles and 50 ft. (15.2 m) from Monk Seals.
There are strict penalties for ignoring these laws, and visitors have been tracked down and prosecuted because of social media posts in the past.
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, and I say this because 90% of the native plants that you will see around the islands are found nowhere else on Earth, which I mention for two reasons.
The first is that I ask that you please do everything you can to minimize your impact on Hawaiʻi’s trails, as many native plants across the islands at risk of extinction. The second is that if you have a personal interest in the subject or may be curious about something that you found, I wrote a separate post entirely about native Hawaiian plants, which hopefully can help to identify 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, Lānaʻi, 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?
