Have romantic or adventurous experiences on an island you can’t reach by car or giant cruise ship. Enjoy the total seclusion that surrounds you.
From Maui’s western shoreline, tree-covered Molokai looks mysterious rising tall across the sea. Solve the mystery by actually visiting to discover all its wondrous beauty and fascinating history.
Molokai has lovely beaches and superb snorkeling opportunities. Papohaku Beach in the West End features Hawaii’s famous white sand stretching for miles. Kumimi Beach in the East End offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving above the 28-mile-long (45-kilometer) fringing reef. See Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa’a, along with sea turtles and rays. Fish from the Kaunakakai pier or charter a deep-sea excursion.
Take a guided hike to the Halawa Valley, with waterfalls and sacred temples. Photograph the colors and textures of Molokai’s amazing tropical flowers.
Be immersed in the island’s peacefulness on a mule ride or hike to Kalaupapa National Historic Park in Central Molokai. Learn about the thousands of people afflicted with Hansen’s disease, then called leprosy, who were sent to live in isolation in Kalawao on the Kalaupapa Peninsula. After you hear about Father Damien’s missionary service here and his ultimate succumbing to the disease, look for his grave and statue. Later you’ll recognize Saint Damien from his broad-brimmed hat in images in churches across Hawaii.
Traveling to Kalaupapa takes you past Molokai’s famous sea cliffs, some of the world’s highest. Gaze at these spectacular walls of velvety green vegetation rising to 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) above breaking ocean waves. Paddle a kayak past the shoreline for alternate views.
Many Molokai admirers don’t even visit the island. Join a helicopter tour out of Kahului, Maui, to view the island and appreciate its natural beauty from an aerial perspective, while listening to stories about geology, nature and history. You might even see spouts and breaches of humpback whales as you cross the ocean.
Fly to Molokai from Oahu or Maui and rent a car or four-wheel drive to explore. Molokai is popular for weddings and honeymoons. While visiting, respect the culture and traditions of Molokai’s local residents.