Why visit the island of Molokai and what activities are there to enjoy there? Read on in this section.

The 10 best hotels on Molokai

Natural beauty and hiking

Molokai boasts breathtaking natural scenery, including tall, forested mountains, steep valleys, waterfalls and sea cliffs that are among the highest in the world.

The fact is, however, that the most beautiful parts of Molokai are very difficult to access; there are no trails at all leading to the highest mountains or the north coast with its highest cliffs.

Even so, there are several beautiful hiking trails on Molokai that you definitely shouldn’t miss during a multi-day stay.

• Hālawa Valley and Moa’ula Falls– a moderately challenging 6 km trek through jungle and valley to the waterfalls in the east of Molokai
• Wailau Trail– a moderately difficult 9 km trek through the partly agricultural landscape of eastern Molokai, taking you up to the slopes of the rising, forested mountains
• Pepe’opae Bog Trail – an easier 3.5 km trail through dense jungle in the centre of the island, where you’ll mainly admire the exotic flora

Among Molokai’s greatest attractions are, of course, the spectacular cliffs of the north coast around the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which, at certain points, rise to over 1,000 metres – making them the highest sea cliffs in the world.

• Information about the Kalaupapa cliffs

A visit to the Molokai leper colony

The Kalaupapa area in northern Molokai was set aside for many decades as an isolated sanatorium for leprosy, which was then considered a dangerous disease. Even more than 45 years after the leper colony closed, Kalaupapa remains an immensely fascinating historical site with a unique character and, to this day, a considerable degree of isolation. 

Immerse yourself in this melancholic world and, in addition to the historical sites, treat yourself to the incredible views of the massive sea cliffs from Kalaupapa.

• How to visit the Kalaupapa leprosarium

Beaches and swimming

You’ll certainly find islands in Hawaii with more beautiful beaches, but even on Molokai you can enjoy wonderful days on the beach by the Pacific Ocean. Head mainly to the west coast of Molokai, where you’ll find secluded beaches away from civilisation, yet easily accessible by car. 

The beaches here are covered in fine white sand, ideal for a whole day’s sunbathing and relaxation. The sea off Molokai isn’t the calmest, but the main beaches, Papohaku Beach andKepuhi Beach, offera gentle and safe entry into the ocean.

Conversely, on the east coast along Molokai’s main road, you can spend time on small beaches with palm trees and romantic nooks.

The beaches on Molokai are natural and lack any facilities or amenities.

For peace and Hawaiian tranquillity

If you have time to spare during your stay in the Hawaiian Islands and want to take a break from your undoubtedly packed itinerary on Kauai, the Big Island or Oahu, then do pop over to Molokai.

This sparsely populated and rarely visited island will be a balm for the soul and the ideal place to take a break from the crowds of tourists. In the small village of Kaunakakai, you’ll find all the amenities you need, whilst also enjoying that typical Hawaiian laid-back atmosphere, where nobody is in a hurry and everyone is very friendly.