Central Molokai

Tour Molokai By Region

Molokai often called the "Friendly Island" and known as Hawaii's most island for its under developed and laid-back island vibe. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the Hawaiian art of hula, one of the most integral parts of Hawaiian culture.

Along the north coast of Central Molokai is the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula, home to the historic Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Inaccessible by car, you can hike or take a mule ride along 1,700-foot sheer cliffs to reach this peaceful outpost or you can view it from the 1,000-foot elevations of scenic Palaau State Park.

Explore Molokai by region: West End, East End.

Download Tour Map of Molokai Island

- Kalaupapa National Historical Park: Take a mule ride from 1,700 feet to one of Hawaii’s most remote settlements.
- Kaunakakai: Molokai’s main town features historic landmarks, the state’s longest pier, and unique shops and eateries.
- Halawa Valley: Sacred Hawaiian cathedral valley, blessed with beautiful vistas and two towering waterfalls.
- Papohaku Beach: At three miles long, this is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Fishponds of Molokai

One of the Hawaiians’ greatest engineering innovations was their use of aquaculture, namely stone and coral fishponds. Molokai has many of these well-preserved fishponds located along its southern coast, most built 700 to 800 years ago.

The semicircular walls of the ponds were made from lava boulders and coral that would keep the fish inside while allowing the seawater to ebb in and out. During this time period only royal Hawaiian alii (chiefs) were permitted to eat the fish harvested from these ponds.

Location: Along the south shore between Kaunakakai and Mile Marker 13.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

It's real silent as you ride on your mule along the 2.9-mile trail to Kalaupapa Peninsula. You will also be speechless riding along sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific, descending from 1,700 feet and with Molokai's North Shore Pali just to the east - the tallest sea cliffs in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, measuring 3,600 to 3,900 feet.

Three miles, 26 switchbacks and 90 minutes of magnificent views later and you're back to sea level in the historic town of Kalaupapa, one of the most remote settlements in Hawaii.

Location: On the northern tip of Molokai.

Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove

Kapuaiwa Coconut Beach Park, an ancient Hawaiian coconut grove planted in the 1860s during the reign of King Kamehameha V. With hundreds of coconut palm trees, this is one of Molokai’s most recognizable natural landmarks.

This is also an amazing spot for a spectacular, sunset view of one of the last royal coconut groves in Hawaii.

Location: In Kaunakakai across from Church Row.

Kaunakakai

In the central town of Kaunakakai, an absence of traffic lights take you back to a simpler time, virtually unchanged since the early 1900s. This charming paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town is also the island’s main harbor, where some locals still fish for their dinner. Stroll down to Kaunakakai Harbor to the end of the state's longest pier, extending well past the reef - just you, the local fisherman and the sound of local boats slowly leaving the harbor.

The town's main strip, Ala Malama Avenue, was named after the nearby house used by King Kamehameha V in the 1860s.

Location: 15 minutes southeast of Molokai Airport.