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Moloka'i

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Halawa Valley, Molokai, Hawaii.

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Overview

The popular local T-shirt proclaiming 'Molokaʻi time is when I want to show up' sums up this idiosyncratic island perfectly: feisty and independent, while not taking life too seriously. The moniker 'Friendly Isle' means slowing waaay down and taking your sense of rhythm from the locals.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Kalaupapa National Historical Park

    Kalaupapa Overlook

    Moloka'i

    This spot offers a scenic overview of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, formerly an isolation zone for sufferers of Hansen's disease (leprosy), from the edge of a…

  • Papohaku beach, island of Molokai, Hawaii.

    Papohaku Beach

    Moloka'i

    The light-hued sands of Papohaku Beach run for an astounding 2.5 miles. Come here for the solitude – the sand is soft and you can often stroll from one…

  • Kepuhi Beach

    Kepuhi Beach

    Moloka'i

    Kepuhi is a rocky, white-sand dream, but swimming here can be a nightmare. There's a tough shore break, and strong currents are often present, even on…

  • ʻIliʻiliʻopae Heiau

    ʻIliʻiliʻopae Heiau

    Moloka'i

    'Ili'ili'opae Heiau is Moloka'i's biggest and best-known heiau, and is thought to be the second largest in Hawaii. It also might possibly be the oldest…

  •  View of Halawa Beach Park and the Halawa Valley on the island of Moloka'i, Hawaii.

    Halawa Beach Park

    Moloka'i

    Where the road ends at the east of the island you'll find gorgeous Halawa Beach, clasped by verdant tropical hills. It was a favored surfing spot for…

  • St Joseph's Church, Molokai.

    St Joseph’s Church

    Moloka'i

    Only two of the four Moloka‘i churches that missionary saint Father Damien (who selflessly comforted leprosy patients for 16 years) built outside the…

  • Kamakou Preserve

    Kamakou Preserve

    Moloka'i

    Hiking back through three million years of evolution on the Pepeʻopae Trail is Kamakou’s star attraction. Crossed by a boardwalk, this undisturbed…

  • Kawakiu Beach

    Kawakiu Beach

    Moloka'i

    Kaluakoi's northernmost beach is also the best. Those with a sense of adventure can search out this secluded crescent of white sand and bright-turquoise…