How to Spend a Brilliant Day Exploring Hawaii’s Least Visited Island ✈️🌺

An s-shaped curvy beach with turquoise water and white sand at the bottom of a lush valley

Just a quick and easy fight from Oahu, laid-back Molokai makes an idyllic day trip to the Hawaii of old.

At just 38 miles long by 10 miles wide, the Hawaiian island of Molokai is located just across the Pailolo Channel from Maui.

It’s the fifth-largest of the Hawaiian islands and the least populated, with just over 7,000 residents. That’s just .5 % of Hawaii’s total population.

The swaying palms and empty beaches of Molokai call to mind the Hawaii of old. Before tourism took hold.

Very few of Hawaii’s nearly 10 million annual visitors make the extra effort to visit little-known Molokai each year. And you certainly won’t find any tour groups wandering about.

But, if you ask me, those visitors are missing out on a terrific chance to experience Hawaii in its purely natural state.

Often called the “true Hawaii” and the birthplace of the hula, tiny Molokai has no traffic lights and can easily be seen on a day trip from Oahu or Maui.

Of course, if you have more time, I highly recommend spending a night or two.

Tip: The island of Lanai has a similar authentic Hawaiian vibe and is another great day trip from Oahu or Maui.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Read More: How to Plan a PURRfect Day Trip from Maui to Lanai ⛴️🍍🐈

But a day trip to Molokai isn’t for everyone. For example, I don’t recommend visiting if you’re traveling with younger children, it probably wouldn’t be a very exciting day for them.

However, if you’re looking for a relaxing, authentic experience in Hawaii and you don’t mind keeping a low “tourism profile” (more on that in a minute), Molokai just might be your idea of a perfect destination.

So let’s get to know Molokai and talk about who should visit, how to get there, and what to see and do!

First up…

What is Molokai famous for?

The island is perhaps best known for the 19th-century settlement of Kalaupapa where sufferers of Hansen’s Disease, also known as leprosy, were once forced into quarantine.

Kaluapapa Town Molokai Hawaii
Kalaupapa Town – Molokai, Hawaii

Belgian priest, Father Damien de Veuster, and Mother Marianne Cope of the Sisters of St. Francis cared for the residents of the Kalaupapa colony and were both canonized Roman Catholic Saints for their service.

There are no active cases of Hansen’s Disease on the island today. But some patients chose to stay after the quarantine policy was lifted in 1969.

It’s not possible to visit the town of Kalaupapa. But you can view it from above in Pala’au State Park.

Are tourists welcome on Molokai?

Though I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Molokai, the locals might disagree. The few residents who call Molokai home aren’t interested in becoming the next Maui or Oahu.

In fact, quite the opposite.

The island is notoriously resistant to mass tourism, snubbing both chain hotels and cruise ships.

Visiting Molokai Hawaii
A common sentiment on Molokai

But don’t take it personally.

While the island’s residents are not interested in mega-resorts or tour groups, they are quite open to responsible travelers.

But don’t take it from me. When I posted a photo from Molokai to this website’s Facebook page recently, I received this thoughtful comment from a Molokai resident that I’d like to share:

People are welcome to visit if they respect our lifestyle, our people and appreciate Molokai for what it is. Do support our local businesses and vendors at our Markets. Enjoy the scenery. Respect the people who have generations here from 3 to 100’s. Learn the host culture here and participate with the community. You would be blessed to get to know people who will take you fishing, hunting.

Do not go venture into places uninvited, unescorted or without permission from residents. Do not bring the “American Mainland Mentality” here. Do not explore back roads or photograph any of our neighborhoods. Engage with our community but respect it’s stance on limited tourism and development.

His comments set the boundaries for a visit to Molokai better than I ever could.

If you’re looking to volunteer, you’re always welcome on Molokai. And visitors who simply want to appreciate the island’s history and natural beauty, without leaving a trace of their visit, are welcome.

So, if you go, be respectful, be responsible, and leave everything just as you found it. And for goodness sake do not, under any circumstances, fly your noisy drone.

Tip: Consider volunteering at the Halawa Tropical Flower Farm to get to know the locals and see the authentic side of Molokai. They also offer a guided tour of Halawa Falls and make some pretty epic fruit smoothies.

Can you take a day trip to Molokai?

Absolutely! In fact, Molokai is one of my favorite day trips from Honolulu.

Affordable, direct flights are available from Oahu to Molokai and Maui to Molokai daily. (From Kauai or the Big Island, you’ll have to connect and it gets a bit more complicated and expensive.)

You can easily fly over from Honolulu to Molokai in the morning and back in the evening, making Molokai a fun day trip from either island.

How to Get to Molokai

The only quirk here is that Hawaiian Airlines – the most popular inter-island carrier – does not fly to Molokai. To get to the island, you’ll need to book your flights with Mokulele Airlines.

Fair warning, it’s not the most user-friendly website, but it gets the job done.

Flights between Oahu’s Honolulu Airport (HNL) and Molokai’s Airport (MKK) run almost hourly departing as early as 5:15am and returning to Honolulu as late as 8:55pm. The quick and easy flight takes just 30 minutes and will run you as little as $99 round trip.

Flights from Honolulu’s airport go out of Terminal 3 which sounds like a real terminal but is actually just a triple-wide trailer in a parking lot.

Honolulu Airport Terminal 3 Mokulele Airlines
Honolulu Airport “Terminal” 3 for Mokulele Airlines

Parking is right there by the front door and paid on the parking machine in the lot when you arrive. I’d advise getting there an hour before departure just in case the close parking lot is full and you have to go to the overflow lot.

But when you return from the Molokai Airport, 30 minutes before departure is fine.

The Planes to Molokai

The plane itself is SMALL. Like just 10 seats kind of small.

A very small Mokulele airlines plane
The 10-seater planes used by Mokulele

My husband doesn’t do tiny planes so Molokai is a no-go for him.

But I love to visit the island every now and then. We live in Waikiki right in the middle of one of the world’s most popular tourist zones. And sometimes it’s nice to escape that for a day or two!

With Mokulele, there’s no online check-in or anything hi-tech like that. You’ll get your seat assignment when you arrive and it’s done by weight (yes, you’ll have to provide that when you book!).

People sitting in the cramped cabin on a Mokulele airlines plane
On the plane to Molokai

The other interesting thing about flights to Molokai is that there is no security. Like zero. Either on the Honolulu airport side or the Molokai airport side. You just show up, they line you up by weight and you board the plane.

Consider it all part of the adventure when you visit Molokai.

Do I need a rental car on Molokai?

Yes, a rental car is a must. Having your own wheels is the only way to get around Molokai.

Tip: Be sure to rent your car well in advance, they do sell out since there is only one company on the island.

Molokai Rental Car Alamo Hawaii
Alamo Car Rental, the only game in town

My favorite site for car rentals anywhere in Hawaii (and especially on Molokai) is Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They specialize in Hawaii and will always get you the best deal.

MY Pick
Driving on Molokai Hawaii

Discount Hawaii Car Rental

For rental cars in Hawaii, go to the local experts. They’ll find you the best rate among all the major companies with no booking fees. And their customer support is top-notch.

And don’t worry, driving on Molokai is easy. The road system around the island is very good and, unlike Lanai, all the roads are paved.

Driving on Molokai Hawaii
My rental car on Molokai

Can I stay for a few days on Molokai?

Yes, you can. And if you have more time, you should!

Though Molokai can be explored in a day, this relaxing bit of Hawaiian paradise offers lots of compelling reasons to stay a little longer. If you do choose to stay a few days, I would highly recommend seeking out volunteering opportunities around the island.

Your hotel can likely make some good suggestions for volunteering options.

Hotels on Molokai

If you decide to spend a night (or a few nights) there’s only one true hotel option on the island, but it’s a pretty good one.

Hotel Molokai 

The Hotel Molokai is located directly on Kamiloloa Beach just a few minutes from the main town of Kaunakakai.

Pitched roof wooden lobby of Hotel Molokai
Hotel Molokai lobby

The lush grounds are a tropical paradise with retro A-frame villas dotting the property. Rooms are clean and spacious and many have lovely oceanfront terraces.

A-frame wooden bungalows surrounded by palm trees on a sunny day
Bungalows at Hotel Molokai

The Hotel Molokai has all the facilities you need for a beach vacation – beach, pool, restaurant, etc. The on-site restaurant, Hiro’s Ohana Restaurant, is an especially nice feature since most of Molokai shuts down by 7:00pm.

tables for two lining the waterfront at Hiro's Ohana Grill Molokai
Hiro’s Ohana Grill at the Hotel Molokai

For my recent visit, I booked an Oceanfront room and it was clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. Including a well-equipped efficiency kitchen and a terrace with gorgeous sunset views in the evening.

Hotel room with bed and small kitchen efficiency
My oceanfront room at Hotel Molokai

Other hotel options on Molokai

In addition to the Hotel Molokai, you can also try one of the many highly-rated vacation rentals available on the island like Ka Hale Kealoha or the Wavecrest Condos.

Located on Molokai’s south shore just down the road from the Hotel Molokai, Molokai Shores is a condo property with several vacation rentals listed. The decor is decidedly older but each unit has a full kitchen and the property is located on a lovely beach.

Three story oceanfront condo building on Molokai with solar panels on roof and palm trees in front
Molokai Shores Hotel

If you’re looking for peace and quiet in a no-frills location, this could be right up your alley.

Best Things to Do in Molokai

You won’t find true “sightseeing” on Molokai and that’s probably a good thing.

But here are a few things to look out for on a driving tour of Molokai:

1. Ho’ala Cafe & Sip

After you land, head into town and start your day at the island’s best coffee shop, Ho’ala Cafe. I love the Lemon-Lime Ginger Cranberry juice and the Mana Bowl with chia, fruit, and local honey is the perfect way to jumpstart your day.

Coffee in a paper cup and bowl of fruit-covered granola chia on a wooden table outside
Start your day at Ho’ala Cafe!

2. Kaunakakai Harbor & Town

Kaunakakai is the island’s main harbor and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town on the island. It’s 15 minutes from the airport and a good starting point for your day.

Here, you’ll find locals fishing for their dinner and a quiet town that hasn’t changed much since the early 1900’s.

Kuanakakai Molokai Island Hawaii
Kuanakakai Molokai Island Hawaii

There are a few shops and boutiques to visit here. And don’t miss Kanemitsu’s Bakery, a must for freshly baked bread, especially their famous Molokai Hot Bread (only served at night after 7:30pm).

Kanemitsus Bakery Molokai Hot Bread Hawaii
Kanemitsu’s Bakery for Molokai Hot Bread

3. Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove

Located across from Church Row in Kaunakakai, this ancient Hawaiian coconut grove is one of the last royal coconut groves in all of Hawaii. Planted in the 1860’s, these hundreds of swaying palms are easily one of Molokai’s most recognizable images.

Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove Molokai Hawaii
Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove

Not surprisingly, falling coconuts are a real danger here so the grove (which is private property) is best viewed from the grassy area just off Mauna Loa Highway.

4. Kalaupapa National Historical Park

While it was once possible to visit this historic town via a strictly controlled tour, that’s no longer possible (which is probably for the best).

However, there’s a less intrusive way to appreciate the beauty of the Kaluapapa Peninsula from above. At Pala’au State Park, there’s a short-paved trail that leads to a beautiful lookout point over the town and the Molokai shoreline.

Papaau State Park Viewpoint of Kaluapapa Molokai
Papaau State Park Viewpoint of Kaluapapa

5. Halawa Valley and Moalua Falls

A guide is required for this rugged hike through one of Hawaii’s most sacred places. Those who make the hike are rewarded with the secluded two-tier Moaula waterfall.

An s-shaped curvy beach with turquoise water and white sand at the bottom of a lush valley
Views over Halawa Bay from the lookout point

The 4-mile hike through the Halawa Valley takes roughly 4-5 hours so this one is best for those with a couple of days to spare. However, even if you don’t hike to the falls, be sure to take the scenic drive through Halawa Valley.

Which brings me to…

6. Drive the East End Road

Once you’ve explored central Molokai, it’s time to drive either east or west.

To the east, Kamehameha V Highway winds along the coast toward Halawa Valley. It’s a very curvy scenic drive with “Road to Hana” vibes.

narrow road along the ocean with "curves ahead" sign on Molokai's east end
Curves Ahead on Kamehameha V Hwy toward Halawa Valley

Along the drive, there are a dozen or so beautiful sandy coves (like Kumimi Beach) perfect for a quick dip or a picnic lunch.

But, like the Road to Hana, if you have issues with motion sickness, you might want to proceed with caution.

An empty white sand beach with calm turquoise water surrounded by lush foliage and palm trees
Empty beaches on Molokai

And remember, this road winds through many local communities and these are their local beaches. So if you stop for a swim or a break, be respectful and don’t leave any trace of your visit.

Small Secluded white sand bay lined with lava rocks and surrounded by lush greenery and palm tress on Molokai Hawaii
Secluded Bay on Molokai’s East End

Before the road descends into the valley, there’s a stunning lookout point where you can stop and appreciate the full glory of Halawa Valley.

7. Explore Molokai’s West End Beaches

On the western side of Molokai, the biggest draw is Papohaku Beach, one of the largest beaches in all of Hawaii. This is one of the only beaches on the island with actual facilities like restrooms and picnic tables. But during the winter months, the big waves make it unsafe for swimming.

Read More: 15 Amazing Beaches to Add to Your Hawaii Bucket List

Papohaku Beach Molokai Hawaii
Papohaku Beach, Molokai

Another beautiful spot nearby is the boulder-strewn beach of Kepuhi Bay. This is another one that’s not safe for swimming. But there’s no better place to sit with a good book and listen to the waves.

boulders lining the beach as waves crash on Molokai
Kepuhi Bay

Oh, and while you’re exploring the beaches of Molokai, just keep in mind that none of Molokai’s beaches have lifeguards!

8. Ierusalema Hou Church

Built in 1948 by current church members’ grandparents, this tiny building is the only church in the remote Halawa Valley. At one time, members used to travel more than 30 miles for weekly services. Today, the church is in need of structural repairs, and services are no longer held there.

Ierusalema Hou Church Molokai Hawaii
Ierusalema Hou Church, Molokai

And that pretty much sums it up!

So, are you ready to plan a visit to the charming Hawaiian island of Molokai?

Whether you visit for just a day or decide to spend a few days appreciating the island on a deeper level, you won’t regret a visit to Molokai.

It’s a uniquely Hawaiian cultural experience and a great place to get away from it all in one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

And as long as you visit responsibly and respectfully, the people of Molokai will welcome you.

An s-shaped swirl of white sand beach with calm turquoise water at the bottom of a lush valley on Molokai
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