Don’t Travel to Molokai
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“Actually, the best thing you can write about Molokai is to tell people not to come here,” she said. I was alarmed – I was on Molokai, one of the six islands (that are visitable) that make up Hawaii, in order to experience and write about it as a holiday destination and I was being told that people shouldn’t come here.
This was some Freaky Friday kind of stuff. “Moloka’i isn’t for everyone; it’s not like the rest of Hawaii. It’s slow, it’s not touristic, it’s original Hawaii,” she went on to explain. “It’s for people who really want to slow down and experience the old Hawaii and native Hawaiian culture. Those people will fall in love with Molokai. But if people are looking for tours, resorts, and decadent restaurants – they won’t find it here.”
This was my 6th and final island of the Hawaiian Island chain to visit, and I was already in love with it based on this description alone. I had heard so much about Molokai being untouched by tourism and how slow and normal it was that I was tingly excited as I made the short plane ride over to this agriculture-rich island.
But then I wondered if there were some Molokai dangers I didn’t know about. As I thought about that conversation, I knew that it wasn’t that they didn’t want people to travel to Molokai, they just simply wanted people to know that ‘one of these [islands] is not like the other’ and understand that Molokai might not be for everyone.
However, I was pretty sure that Molokai was going to be for me. As soon as I walked off the plane, picked up my luggage at the tiny open-air airport, and drove away, I saw a handmade sign that read, “Aloha, Slow Down, This is Molokai.” This was the best welcome to any destination I could imagine.
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Molokai Hotels
My friends hadn’t lied to me; after just a few hours on the island, I had to agree – this island wasn’t developed with the tourism industry in mind. I was staying in the ONE and only hotel on the whole island, which was aptly named Hotel Molokai. It’s an adorable yet quirky hotel right on the water, with a highlight being the ‘Meet the Manager night’ with drinks by the pool bar! Michael, the Manager, is a Molokai character worth meeting – he’ll have you in the Aloha spirit in no time!
There are a few other places to stay; some condo complexes and home rentals – and that’s it. All in all, there are about 400 rooms on the whole island. And while we are discussing numbers, there are only two liquor licenses for establishments on the island – so wipe those visions of cabana boys, mai tais, and rum shots on the beach away. However, luckily for me, Hotel Molokai holds one of the liquor licenses!
Check prices and availability for Hotel Molokai | Read Hotel Molokai reviews on TripAdvisor | Search for other hotels on Molokai
Molokai Tourism – Things to Do
However, Molokai does have a tourism office. Julie Bicoy (strangely similar to Julie McCoy, the Cruise Director of Love Boat fame) dishes out visitor information and advice on how to get the most out of your unique time in Molokai. I talked to Julie to find out what she normally tells visitors to do. She said she always points people in the direction of cultural attractions like Halawa Valley and Kalaupapa, as well as more adventure activities like kayaking. Then, she suggests the weekly and monthly events that are going on in town – farmers’ markets, book readings, cultural events, and town gatherings.
But mostly, she tries to stress the idea of “Letting the moments happen.” When you come across a picturesque beach, charming church, or intriguing sign, stop and take a look. If any of the local residents start to tell you stories, listen. What makes a vacation great is connecting, creating relationships, and “talking story.” I adore this Molikai-esque vision of travel; it’s not about the tourist stops or bucket lists; it’s about connections.
Check out these abandoned Molokai hotels
Moloka’i Car Rental
The best thing to do is rent a car from the airport and take off exploring. As I was driving towards Kalaupapa lookout I noticed it little by little at first, and then it seemed to be more noticeable as we turned the corner. The grass was growing in the cracks in the pavement on the main road.
Apparently, the roads get so little traffic that grass is able to thrive on them! Julie told me that any paved roads were fine to explore; however, once they turned to gravel, I was on my own. Also, be prepared; this is an island where picking up hitchhikers is encouraged and normal, so don’t be alarmed if you see a few thumbs.
Check out this Hawaiian Outrigger Sailing Canoe Experience on Molokai
And be sure not to miss the Molokai West End Beaches. Molokai has a lot of beautiful beaches on all parts of the island. However, not all of them are safe for swimming and snorkeling, and many are difficult to reach, even if you have a car. You will be amazed when you arrive at Papohaku Beach – it’s one of Hawaii’s longest white sand beaches. It’s three miles long, and you’ll rarely see anyone else on it.
Molokai Food
I learned pretty quickly that people don’t travel to Molokai for the food…unless they really like bread. The island is filled with little basic cafes and drive-ins but no fine dining. However, one must-do experience on Molokai is the bread run. No – it has nothing to do with actual running. The Kanemitsu Bakery has been gracing Main Street for 80 years and serves as a traditional bakery. However, at night, it transforms into a seedy prohibition-like experience. However, it’s not booze that’s being secretly made and sold; it’s bread.
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When the sun has gone down and the clock strikes 8:30 PM, just follow your nose down a back alley behind the bakery. There, you’ll find a dimly lit corridor (the type your mother warns you about) leading you to a little window where they’ll take your bread order. Choose from cinnamon, butter, strawberry, blueberry, and cream cheese toppings, exchange money, and you’ll walk away with a brown paper bag filled with hot bread. And it’s not just a little slice of bread – it’s a giant round of bread bigger than your head.
The Friendly Island
Molokai is called the Friendly Island in Hawaii; they even have a market called Friendly Market. I wanted to put it to the test; just how friendly were the people? I decided to test this friendly title by spending an hour walking around the two blocks of Main Street and seeing what happened. Would I make friends? I encountered a couple of guys selling fish from their truck. They were indeed friendly, telling me all about the fish and where they caught it on the island, and they asked me about myself. I walked to the Friendly Market, where the check-out clerk asked me if I was a photographer when she saw the huge camera around my neck. We chatted for a bit as I paid for my oatmeal and left.
As I continued down the street a guy leaving the Filipino restaurant nearly ran into me – hmmm – not very friendly I thought. After apologizing he looks at me and tells me I should go inside the Filipino restaurant and eat.
I look at him and ask, “What are you eating?”
“Here, hold this,” he says, hands me his drink, shoots me a big grin, and opens up his to-go carton so I can see what’s in it. Ok – I was wrong – he was very friendly.
As I sat eating my giant loaf of leftover cinnamon butter bread from the night before, I realized that by positioning themselves as the anti-tourism island, they have indeed become the island that people want to go to. Think that sounds weird? Then think back to every boyfriend you had growing up – there’s a reason why the aloof, bad boys were always loved.
Finally, I walked into the bookstore, where I met the owner, Terry. She was like the Molokai Ambassador doling out advice on what to do and where to go. However, when I asked her about Molokai, she said, “People who visit here have two reactions: Oh, this is it? And some people come and say, ohhhhhh, this is it!”
My advice is, don’t travel to Molokai if your reaction is going to be the first one.
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Where is Molokai located?
Nestled between Oahu and Maui, this hidden gem remains untouched by mass tourism, offering visitors an authentic Hawaiian island experience like no other. Located in Maui County, Molokai stretches across approximately 260 square miles (673 square kilometers). Despite its small size and limited infrastructure, Moloka’i has managed to preserve its natural beauty and traditional way of life.
What is the Population of Molokai?
You may be wondering if Molokai is inhabited. Molokai’s population is estimated to be around 7,500 to 8,000 people.
Who owns Molokai Island?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Molokai, Hawaii, is not owned by a single entity or individual but rather consists of a mix of private, government, and native Hawaiian-owned lands. The island is a part of Maui County and is subject to local government jurisdiction. The tight-knit community of residents, including Native Hawaiians, has cultural and historical ties to the land. Ownership on the island varies, ranging from individuals and families who live and work here to larger landholding corporations and public lands managed by the state and federal government.
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Disclosure: I was a guest of the Molokai Visitor Bureau for my trip; however, all opinions are my own.
You are so right about Molokai. Mom and I were there for just the day in 1994 and it was one of my most favorite places in Hawaii. The beach was deserted and it was so peaceful. We would have liked to spend more time there but we had an early flight there in the morning and out again late that same evening. We did not do it justice, but didn’t know what to expect. You know about me, I like the away places, and it was “ohhhhhh” so away. I have a photo of the beach like yours, but without any people. It was great.
DAD
Sound like we all need to go back there Dad!!
I loved Molokai, but it could easily be overwhelmed by too many tourists. I do recall one restaurant that borders on find dining. can’t remember the name, but it was in the center of the island at some crossroads. Fantastic meals!
That restaurant was probably the Kualapuhu Cookhouse (I think it is referred to as “The Cookhouse”). I have eaten there several times and have never been disappointed. I too love Molokai and am finally taking my son to stay a week on the west end later this year. Aloha
Sold!
Definitely sounds like my kind of island! I have been to Oahu, Big Island and Maui so far and will be in Kauai in October. Molokai will definitely be my destination in Hawaii!
This is exactly the kind of description that would make me want to visit Molokai 🙂
Husband & I visited Molokai in May 2014…WE LOVED IT!!!!!
Yay! what was your favorite thing you did? Did you stay at Hotel Molokai?
I haven’t yet into this place but thank you for the advice.
We were not welcome there when we visited about 10 years ago. We were constantly questioned about why we were there. We did do the mule ride down to the leper colony and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life but if you’re not willing to do that I tell people to stay away. The whole island feels like bad juju
In my experience there I found people pretty welcoming. AND – there was plenty more to do than just the mule ride! So much great hiking and empty beaches to enjoy! I also did kayaking which was beautiful.
Sherry, I enjoyed your piece on Molokai. I too have now visited every island. We went to Molokai in 2013, and stayed 2 nights, 3 days on the Island at Ke Nani Kai Condos. I’d say however, after meeting the locals, that it is the most unwelcoming island we visited. On our Mule ride, we re treated to a lecture on how Molokaians want no development, and at our pool, which was filled with locals (and that doesn’t bother me, as I like to get to know people while traveling, I stayed in Hostels in Spain just to get to talk to other travelers), we were informaed by what I imagine was a drunk Molokaian, that they were neither Hawaiian nor US citizens, but Molokaian only.
We did meet nice people at Purdy’s Mac Nut Farm, and a family who had a small fruit stand and dried their own sea salt. However, even the folks who worked at the Pizza Restaurant in town were not giving the friendly isle a good name.
You are right, Kanemitsu’s hot bread is amazing!
Our family of 5 talked about doing the mule ride for a couple of years before we made reservations for June 9, 2016. Upon arrival of our flight, June 8, 2016, we called to check in, as instructed. We were told that the ride had been cancelled. They told us that the contact information they had for us was incorrect. We provided cell phone numbers and have the email confirmation. They DID NOT try to contact us! Had we not made that phone call the evening of June 8th, the drive to the mule barn would have taken us approximately 40 minutes, early, the morning of June 9th! To add insult to very expensive injury (5 plane tickets, car rental and 2 night accommodations), the people we have spoken to seem as if they could care less! If this can happen to us, it can happen to you! Buyer beware!!! This is NOT the “Aloha Spirit” Hawaii is known for!!!
Why was it cancelled? Weather?
No, they shut down operation in May.
We were told that we were not the only ones this happened to. We also saw a similar experience posted, recently, on a popular website.
So sorry to hear that – I didn’t know that they shut down.
Hi! I’m planning to go back on Kauai and want to give a try to Molokai this September. I have a question about accomodation: is wild camping allowed on this island? In Kauai it’s illegal but tolerated as long as you set up your tent at night on the beach and pick it up early in morning leaving the area clean (I did this several times before I knew the $3 County Campgrounds). So I wonder if there’s such camping opportunities on Molokai.
Thanks for your answer!
Hi Pierre – I would be safe and ask the tourism bureau for sure. But this is what I know – you have to have permits for overnight camping. And that is usually strictly enforced. There are 4 places you can camp. Best to check with Molokai Visitors Bureau (you can give them gohawaii.com webpage or http://visitmolokai.com/wp/camping-on-molokai/
Hope that helps a bit!
We rented a condo at Wavecrest Resort on Molokai, arrived on Thursday in March 2015,and made an offer on a condo at Wavecrest on Saturday; the oooooh hit us that fast. We visit as much as possible and the ohhh effect hits us every time we land and lasts the full visit and beyond. There is so much to do; after six visits, we still haven’t explored all the beaches. We go at an island pace, are polite to everyone we meet, and have yet to run into outright rudeness from full-time residents. I think the best description of the island mood was on Anthony Bourdain’s ‘No Reservations’ episode on Molokai, where an elder essentially said you will be welcome if you want to enjoy Molokai as it is. We have certainly found that to be true.
Molakai is aloha most visitors don’t know what the definition truly stands for!
Hello,
We are a young & quiet couple and we booked 3 days on an Air B&B in Molokai. We rent a car and visiting a quiet island without the big american industry will please us. My goal is to take time contemplating landscape, doing photos, chilling on some beaches and do some hikes.
We recently heard that Molokai is a dangerous island and local people really hate tourists. Is that true? Are we going to have our tires flat if we rent a car over there?
Thank you
Goodness no – I was there a little over a year ago and found no hostility at all towards me or tourists! I think that’s just a bunch of hype. I had other friends who went last year too and they had no problems. It’s an island full of aloha, but few tourists. It will be very relaxed and I think you’ll like to do all of those things you mentioned – and the photography is lovely! Enjoy your time there and definitely go into town and meet some locals too!
I have been to Molokai a number of times and love it so much that I bought a condo there. It is very peaceful and relaxing. We are polite and friendly and the people who live there are polite and friendly as well. Enjoy yourself, wander to island and beaches; there is so much to see that you may want to go back again and again.
Sherry, go back to your corporate cube, Moloka’i speaks for itself. Hawaii has plenty of tropical destinations for the tourist masses, but Moloka’i is unique. Read my blog and you will get a taste of Hawaii right here on Moloka’i.
Just spent 3 days on Molokai and everyone was very friendly. Accommodations were very basic.
I hope you enjoyed it! Did you stay at the Molokai Hotel – or somewhere else? The whole island is pretty basic isn’t it?! But that’s what makes it so great if you ask me!
Hi I am looking at a cottage at Kamehameha to purchase and retire there. Im working with a realtor. I did want to get an idea from other people that do not want to be in tourist-y areas. This sounds perfect for me!!!! And if I do want to go to a bigger island for fine dining or shopping for ‘stuff’ it seems close enough to run off and spend the night at a resort or hotel. Beaches.. and i am perfectly capable of making my own drinks… hiking, checking out all the locals’ favorite places to go and things to do. I live in Nashville and one of the things I love about living here my entire life….. Im considered a ‘local’ and know all the greatest things to do the tourists have no clue about.We like to keep it that way. Im a hermit-y person anyway. THis sounds like the perfect place for me. I have been looking at Kauai but clearly the cost of living is a third! I would want a little job of some sort and Id want to buy a little suv or jeep. so i hope that would be easy. any thoughts about the job and car thing? thank you for the article! Aloha (in a good way!)
Hey Tammi – so happy this sounds like a place you’d like to live! I think it sounds perfect for you. I’m sorry I was just there for a week vacation so I’m not really sure about a job and car there.
Not safe period. They spit in your food. Talk about how to rip you off in front of you.
It’s like visiting a ghetto in paradise.
I completely disagree. I did not have any of those things happen to me and really only experienced kindness from the locals.
My husband and I are currently in Molokai….he’s a hunter. Most of the people are friendly but my husband ran into an asshole who told him he couldn’t hunt here, these are their deer and their island. He didn’t want any trouble and left.
What a joke…it reminded us of the movie Point Break where the locals told Keaneau’s character he couldn’t surf there.
I’ve always been curious about Father Damien’s work on the island, and seeing some of the spots associated with it. In particular, the arduous trail he had to hike. This brings up two questions. Can I hike the same trail? And is the only remaining structure built by Father Damien his home?
Yes – I believe you can still hike the trail down. They no longer use the horses though. It’s steep but do-able. Or you can fly in – those are the only two ways to get there that I know of. There are lots and lots of buildings yet at the settlement – they are great to see. However I don’t know exactly which buildings were built by F. Damien though – sorry. A quick google search might tell you that. Hope that helps!
My wife and I love Molokai. We have lived here for 16 years now. We built our own home, and have had several businesses here. I am a retired chef, and write a food blog with hundreds of recipes at http://www.tastinghawaii.com. Molokai isn’t for everyone, but unfortunately people don’t do enough homework on places they visit and are sometimes disappointed at what they find. Basically Molokai is like any small town anywhere. Everyone here knows everyone. You are recognized by the car or truck you drive. It’s not unusual to have to come to a stop while driving here as two vehicles going in opposite directions stop and “talk story”. Nobody is in a hurry here but everybody helps each other out when needed. I advise people to read my website before coming here, it has everything you need to know about this most Hawaiian island. Aloha!
Thank you all for the input. My wife and I are staying on Maui but booked a flight to Molokai for the day on 10/22/18. Keep you posted.
Like every where you live you come across those A holes. I was born and raised on Molokai and the people there are very considerate and friendly. Show respect and they will show you respect. Its like anywhere you do.
We are going to Hawaii for the first time in April 2019. A friend is lending us his timeshare on Hawaii and my husband thought perhaps we’d go to Maui afterwards. I read your post and knew that Molokai was the place for me! I love quiet and I am basically an introvert who has learned to be social to get by. I no longer need adventure or even find it fun. I’d much rather learn about the local culture and visit the landmarks. Thank you so much for the original post and all the answers to the comments. It sounds wonderful.
Glad you found it useful! And I hope you make it to Molokai – it’s such a special place!
Hello Sherry, My husband and I have a timeshare on Molokai and have questions about traveling from island to island. We weren’t sure if we need to fly into Maui and take a ferry over or if there is an airport on Molokai.
Any information you can give us would be a great help.
Thank you!
Hi Rosanne – It’s been a few years – so I don’t know if it’s still the same – but I flew from Oahu to Molokai on a small plane. Molokai has an airport there – it’s small – but it’s there! However you can also take the ferry from Maui! Hope that helps and I hope you love your time there!
There are actually two runways on Molokai, one larger runway topside, MKK, and another down at Kalaupapa LUP on Molokai’s northern peninsula. You can fly into either from Honolulu. If you want to hike or ride a mule down to the former leper colony you fly into MKK. If you want to go straight to the colony you fly into LUP. To visit the colony, you need to get authorization though.
Thanks for sharing the updated information!
No ferry from Maui anymore; you have to fly in to Hoolehua airport on Molokai. Very few taxis, so you will want to rent a car if you don’t have friends picking you up.
No ferry from Maui anymore. You need to fly into Hooluhua Airport on Molokai. Also, there are very few taxis, so it is best to reserve a car at the airport.
Thank you Susan for the information. We are planning to visit in Feb 2020. Do you know who to go through to reserve a car on Molokai? Any other information would be very helpful!
Thanks
We rent from Alamo at the airport on Molokai. Another insider tip- the bakery in Kaunakakai has wonderful cinnamon bread and cinnamon pull-apart bread that sell out really early, but you can pre-order for pick-up when it is convenient for you (which, for me is not early in the morning when I am on vacation!)
Ahhhh – that cinnamon bread is a must!!! I loved it!
The bread freezes well to take home with you, too!
Do they have any electricity?
Yes – it is a modern island with electricity and roads, etc
Hi Sherry. Just returned from a quiet stay on Kauai following a family week on Oahu. Always delighted with Big Island waters and area, heading back for longer someday. Just now I am looking at a trip to Molokai. Is the water cold there? It sure was on other islands. First time we found that. At a preferred beach on Kauai the water wasn’t much warmer than a sunny summer lake in Canada. Quite a shock for sure. Normally the Hawaii water is the same temp I am. Even saw serious swimmers with half wet-suits on for insulation. Where did that come from?
One of the very few luxury items I try to find is gourmet espresso drinks, like at Surfin Ass Coffee on Hawaii. Any of those on Molokai? It is a small part of Hawaii life for me. Mahalo.
Hi Leon – I don’t really know the water temp – but I would guess it depends on time of year you go. I went kayaking – but I didn’t get in the water for any prolonged amount of time. As for coffee – there are coffee shops on the island – but Molokai is not like the other islands – it’s not touristy at all – so there are fewer things like that.
We have been to Molokai three times and have plans for a fourth. We love it there!! The beaches are out of this world. We’ve seen turkey and deer on the beach. Snorkeling is wonderful and we always see sea turtles. While exotic restaurants aren’t found on the island there are a lot of quaint places to get good food. We loved eating and hearing Lono sing. We always check out where he is playing!! We also enjoy the coffee plantation tour and the macademia nut farm.
Sherry,
Love you blog – we’ve lived on the west end for 20 years and really enjoy sharing our property and the aloha spirit with newcomers who understand the island vibe. Its such a specail place. Come back and visit us sometime – you have a place to stay on papahaku beach when you do.
Thanks so much for the offer! I’d love to get back there for a visit!
2nd time on Molokai, a week each time. Relaxing, laid back, friendly people, and plenty of things to do. Best food at seafood trucks in town or The Cookhouse on Farmington Hwy. Don’t miss the locals playing Hawaiian music Tues. & Fri. mornings at Coffees of Hawaii, the drive to the East end of the island, Hale Lono harbor, Kumu organic farm. Go with Molokai Fish & Dive on it’s snorkel trip—you’ll see tons of fish, unspoiled coral reefs, & swim with turtles.
Aloha Sherry, I live on the island of Molokai full time. My husband and I purchased a condo on the west end of the island. When we first moved here, we lived on the east side of the island. We moved here three years ago. We originally moved here from Washington State. I saw your pictures of three mile beach (Papohaku Beach). The place you took the picture, we call Third Hole. If you visit in the summer the water is much calmer, and that whole beach is great for swimming and snorkeling. The restaurant at Hotel Molokai has changed hands. It is all fixed up to look real fancy, and good food too. The donkey trail is no longer running. One of the side trails (bridge) washed out in a storm this last winter, and there were some ownership disputes that happened. You can still fly down, but you have to have a sponsor. The hike up to the falls is still a tourist thing. It is true that Molokai is not for everyone. We love it. Mahalo for sharing about your time here.
I can’t wait to visit Molokai for the first time. I m older now and looking for a much slower pace. I’m also looking into purchasing a condo there and would like to know….West End OR East End ? WaveCrest looks lush but West side seems to have better beaches. Do you have advice on this ?
My only other 2 big questions are: ( What about Hospitals and Healthcare clinic availability? )
Also, can you get a good ( Cell Phone and Internet Connection on the island ? )
If so….is it the whole island or only certain sections of the island where the signals are strong ?
This will help me decide which part of the island to settle on. I’ve been spending my time on Maui but that island has become too over crowed, congested, expensive and hostile with the local housing issues, car wrecks, fires and crime.
Thank you for your feedback.
Chris in Arizona
I’m curious as to why you moved from the East End to the West End if you care to share ?
Mahalo,
Chris
i would have to agree with your assessment of Molokai. i spent a day there with my mom 8 years ago. We booked a tour with Molokai Outdoors, i believe and he picked us up at the airport and drove us around for the day. I did not experience the bread or some of the walking around as you did, but our guide, Kalani i believe was a local and he made us feel at home and welcome. We got to visit Purdy’s Macadamia nut farm, and i fell in love with Molokai muleskinner, its my favorite coffee and i need to order it again its been a long time since i’ve enjoyed it. The view from the sea cliffs is amazing and we had a delicious lunch by the pool at Hotel Molokai and everyone was so nice. i would love to visit again when i could walk or mule ride down to the village and even get to walk along the beautiful beaches, We also got to drive along those roads and see some of the old churches and glimpse into life on that tiny beautiful island. I wanted to go there because of the notion that it was the “most Hawaiian” island and because it was not the tourist trap, i went at a time that i needed a spiritual rejuvenation and i definitely felt it there. What a wonderful place and a wonderful memory!
Love Molokai!! Bringing a northwest Washington country kid. I married a girl from Molokai! We have married for 46 years and knew her for 10 years before that in college. I love Molokai more than my wife, it is country and all locals are like me. Love to live there, but wife needs her Safeways. Love Molokai!
My husband and I are planning on visiting Molokai the end of January 2019. Just want to experience and chill on the island that I have wanted to see since I was a little girl. Ideas of where to stay? We only need the basics.
Thanks!
Jan & John
Last I checked there was only one hotel on the island. I would check out Airbnb or VRBO.
Molokai is becoming so overpopulated with strange people it’s becoming uncomfortable for the locals, people should stop traveling there, outer islands are becoming so over populated with homeless they are starting to send them to Molokai, the locals are paying for their tickets to leave that’s how bad it is, it’s very sad
Don’t travel there, it’s not a safe place.
Aloha,
This is one of the “locals” here on Molokai. Moloka’i is such a beautiful untouched paradise. But like this nice lady said Moloka’i isn’t for everyone! If you’re coming here to get Waikiki type service you will not get it here what so ever. When you come to Moloka’i, we will greet you with the Aloha Spirit and so much more! we will make it feel like home to you once you step foot off the Mokulele. There are many things to do here but if your not the outdoorsy type, then Moloka’i will seem boring to you. Here’s a little advice for those who are looking for a visit. The “locals” here are not all bad. Yes there is a view who is not open to the visitors but it Doesn’t mean ALL US LOCALS ARE BAD!! it is just the way we converse and the way we look, is a lot different from being in Oahu or in any tourist destination. We are just curious about who you are and where you come from and why you made the decision to come here, it isn’t anything bad when we ask, we just asking that’s all. So when you come here to this beautiful island have an open mind and have an amazing time exploring.
Thanks for the great feedback!
Looking for that small ranch lodging on west end which is very remote. Cattle graze there. There is a lodge and two seperate places to stay.
A friend and I went to Molokai 25 years ago. We were 19 and were going to Hawaii for the first time. We went horseback riding and our guide, Kalele, after the main ride invited us to hang out with him. He took us on some trails off the main path and showed us around the island. We fed the horses and he even took us to his house and then for a cookout on the beach with his family. Great guy and great experience.
Got married there in 1993, back then there was a resort on the west end called Kaluakoi Hotel and Golf Club, the golf course was spectacular 6 holes right on Papuhaku beach wonderful place to stay, unfortunately it was sold the golf course was left to go back to nature the last time we went was 2003, we stayed in a house on the east end, meet some of the locals and had a wonderful time, we will be returning in 2023 for our 30th very laid back wonderful locals, but their saying is come to Molokai stay at Molokai, but please go home! They want to keep their paradise, and I don’t blame them, but we felt very welcome there no matter where we went.
I agree – they want to keep their paradise – but you are also welcome. I think Molokai is really for a certain kind of traveler.
We stayed on Molakai for three days and consider it on be one of the jewels of our travels. We stayed in a hotel from where we could only see a palm tree and the Pacific Ocean. By the way there were only 4 other guests in the building. Molokai is unique and is on of our favorite memories.
Sounds like a perfect vacation!
In the U.S., leprosy has been all but eradicated, but at least one ostensible leper colony still exists. For more than 150 years, the island of Molokai in Hawaii was home to thousands of leprosy victims who gradually built up their own community and culture.
Hi Sherry,
My wife and I have been to Molokai twice now staying at the Hotel Molokai and are booked for our third trip. We absolutely love Molokai and have had great experiences. The Halawa waterfall hike, Purdy’s macadamia nut farm, the bread run, empty beaches save the occasional Monk seal. First night there, sipping my drink and seeing a whale breach out in the distance I knew we made a good choice. As far as the attitudes of the locals, I believe you get what you give. We consider it a privilege to be able to go there and don’t expect to be catered too. On one of the trips to the west end, two locals are stopped in the middle of the road just talking in their cars, I stopped way back and just shut off the engine and me and the wife talked till they were done. Got a big wave and smile from the local when he drove by and even ran into him back into town a day or two later and talked for awhile. The girl at the hotel said that’s called a “Molokai traffic jam”
What a fun story – and a great way to describe Molokai!
Grandpa Bob Peterson would travel from Minnesota to Molokai every January for his seed corn pollination projects contracted thru Hawaiian Research, now Monsanto. Not every year though many years the family would fly out and join Bob near the end of pollination. So much fun if you have developed relationships with the native Hawaiian people living on the island as Bob did over the years working in the corn fields of Molokai. Later after the days work was completed the social night life was the most fun I have ever had in my many visits to these friendly spiritual islands. I can remember from the past there was a night club called the Pau Hana, I think it closed up last I had heard, cocktails, dinner, live music and dancing till very early hours of the morning, then walk over to the alleyway, it was so dark behind the bakery to meet the baker with hot fresh cinnamon bread slathered in butter, indescribable! These minted Molokai memories are never forgotten, Molokai Mobetta
Great Memories!
It’s great reading these comments about the island. My husband and I lived on Maui for a year back in the early 90s. And I have been back once in the past 25 years. We were thinking of going to Molokai for the first time. Do most people lucky in? Do you have to have a car? Would love to hike hang on the beach any good food. We used to work with someone who was born and raised on the island name Ron but we can’t remember his last name! Anyway any advice would be great! We plan to be there on January 1 for my 60th birthday.
Hi Tianna – I don’t know that I can answer all of your questions – but I do know that you’ll need a car to get around for sure!
It’s ironic how everyone writes “ooh I have to go now! and you’re encouraging them, even after you were told that they don’t want tourists and theyve been reading that Moloka’I doesn’t want to be overrun by tourists. Why would you promote tourism to a special place that explicitly does not want tourists? There is plenty of Hawai’I you can travel to, leave this for the locals. You weren’t welcome, they were being polite, sorry to say. It’s not personal, it’s survival.
Sarah, I have a question for you. I am a Masters prepared nurse and I am considering applying for a position on the island. I am from a very small town in Kansas. I do not like tourist locations. I am well traveled and want my peace. Would need to find lodging and transportation. Thoughts?
My husband and I want to move Moloka’i and buy a home. We have a 22’ ft fishing boat that we will have shipped once we are settled. Fishing will be manly for our own food but if possible when we have extra we would sell if that is still allowed.
Do locals frown on that? We are not fishing to put anyone out of business but mainly for enjoyment and fresh fish to eat.
Also I’m an artist and love painting nature and t ocean scenery . I paint on location (en plein air) is that safe?
Linda – I don’t live on Molokai so I’m not really qualified to answer those questions. All I can say is that I saw other locals selling fish in the town from their truck. And there were lots of art shops there! Good luck!
Hello! I was directed to Molokai by a vacation site. I want to plan a group vacation there. Am I making a good choice? There are kids and adults. They have different likes and we just want to be together. Thank you.
Molokai is less touristy than the other Hawaiian islands – but its a lovely place for a family vacation – it’s just more quiet. You’d also have to rent a home since there are so few hotels. Just a couple of things to consider if you travel there.