Is Molokai Worth Visiting? Our Take on Hawaii’s Least Touristy Island
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Avid readers and watchers may have noticed we don’t share information on Moloka’i. That may change in the future. But for now, we are reluctant to advertise the island for travel.
For most first-time Hawaii visitors: no, Molokai is not worth a visit. Not because Molokai isn’t beautiful or friendly, but because it isn’t built for tourism. And many residents prefer it that way.
My wife Erica visited Molokai back when there was a Maui-Moloka’i ferry. She rented a car, camped, went on a guided tour, and saw all the popular sights. Moloka’i residents were super friendly and welcoming. With such a small community, they know the visitors when they see them.
Read on to determine if you’re the type of traveler who would enjoy visiting Molokai, Hawaii. I will cover the opening of Kalaupapa Peninsula tours (leprosy community), Molokai things to do, and how to get to Molokai.
A note on the spelling of Molokai: Moloka’i is pronounced mow-low-kah-ee. Moloka’i is spelled and pronounced with an ‘okina. An ‘okina is a glottal stop consonant in Olelo Hawaii. For ease of reading, I will omit the ‘okina at times.
Fast Facts on Molokai
- Moloka’i is the 5th largest of the Hawaiian islands, less than half the size of Kauai
- Molokai is part of the County of Maui, making up the ancient landmass of Maui Nui, which was once 50% larger than the Big Island.
- The 2020 census population is around 7,350
- The Molokai sea cliffs are some of the largest in the world, rising 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea. A helicopter tour from Maui is a popular way to visit the sea cliffs.
- The island’s agrarian economy comes mainly from small farmers and cattle ranching, and previously from sugar and pineapple plantations.
- In 1865, with the outbreak of Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy), a bill was passed to isolate anyone afflicted. In 1866, Kalaupapa on Moloka’i’s North Shore became that place of isolation, a peninsula where it is essentially inescapable. They were involuntarily committed to living out the rest of their days there. This legislation remained until 1969 (that’s wild to me). Though they were free to leave then, the majority chose to stay.
- In 1980, Kalaupapa became a National Historical Park. Today, less than ten permanent residents remain, and 100 people per day, including staff, park rangers, and scientists, are allowed to enter. The only way to access it is via hike, boat, or plane.
Why We Don’t Recommend Molokai for Most Visitors
We don’t recommend visiting Moloka’i for the following reasons:
- Getting to Moloka’i is challenging for a vacation. There is no ferry service. Two small airlines service the island: Lanai Air and Mokulele Airlines. Flights depart from Honolulu International Airport (HNL).
- Lack of infrastructure for visitors. There are no resorts on Molokai. The only places to stay are Hotel Moloka’i and Moloka’i Shores, a few vacation rental condos, and camping. The island is holding the line on development. Molokai Ranch, a resort, closed in 2008 and never reopened.
- A handful of restaurants and no nightlife.
- Scarce rental car options, but you can rent from local companies!
- Many (not all) Moloka’i residents prefer their way of life and are proud to be the last modern, publicly accessible Hawaiian island without a tourist economy.
As a frequent Hawaii visitor and former Maui resident, I love Molokai for its independence and solitude. Ni’ihau and Molokai are the Hawaiian islands of old times, quiet, beautiful, and secluded.
I hope residents can keep fending off development and billionaire landowners from Molokai Ranch. Part of keeping that allure and special atmosphere is not advertising Molokai as a popular place to visit.
Who Visiting Molokai IS For…
- Self-sufficient travelers who want 1970s Hawaii
- Cultural travelers
- Return visitors who’ve done the other islands
- People comfortable with quiet
Things to Do on Molokai
Rent a car or take a guided tour to explore the main sights on Molokai. I highly recommend having a local guide show you the island.
The small community appreciates your support, and the guide will help you visit Molokai respectfully. I share booking links to a well-established local guide in this things to do on Molokai list.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
This is one of the most popular reasons people visit Molokai: to see the former leper colony. Guided tours by the National Park Service started again in July 2026, but local protests are calling for the park service to work with Hawaiians on the commercialization of the tours.
Kalaupapa Peninsula opened in 1866 when King Kamehameha V banished more than 8,000 people (mostly Hawaiians) to the remote peninsula. The prison is now a refuge for the remaining residents who call it home. Forced quarantine ended in 1969.
To visit Kalaupapa, you must make a reservation on the National Park Service website. See here for details on visiting the Kalaupapa Peninsula, like the 3.5-mile rugged hike to enter it.
Many visitors choose to visit the Kalaupapa Overlook. The overlook is located at the northern end of Molokai, at Palaʻau State Park. It offers views of the peninsula and trailside plaques.
Guided Tours of Molokai
This is the best way to see and learn about Molokai! Let a local show you the island and all the best sights.
Full Day Molokai Tour Details
- Price: $225 for ages 15+, $117 for children under 15
- Duration: 8 Hours
- All ages welcome
- Tours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Tours start at the Molokai Hotel
- Stops include: Halawa Valley Lookout Point, one of Father Damien’s churches, St Joseph, Kalaupapa Lookout, the Phallic Rock, Purdys Macadamia Nut Farm (when open), Papohaku Beach on the West end, and Maunaloa town (time permitting)
- Vehicle: 7-8 passenger van or a 15-passenger shuttle van, both air-conditioned
Half-Day Molokai Tour Details
- Visit the West Side on the morning tour or the East Side on the afternoon tour
- Price: $135 for ages 15+, $70 for children under 15
- Duration: 4 Hours
- All ages welcome
- Tours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Tours start at the Molokai Hotel
- Vehicle: 7-8 passenger van or a 15-passenger shuttle van, both air-conditioned
Halawa Valley
Halawa Valley is a popular place to hike on Molokai! Located 1.5 miles east of Molokai Airport, the historic Hawaiian valley is home to waterfalls and towering cliffs.
Pass through an ancient Hawaiian village on the way to Mo’oula Falls, a double-tiered, 250-foot fall located two miles into the valley.
Take a guided tour by a landowner descendant through Halawa Valley.
- 4-hour tour, 10 AM – 2 PM
- All ages welcome!
- $75 per guest
- Total walking steps: 12,000
- Spend a half-hour at the waterfall
Papohaku Beach
Papohaku Beach is Molokai’s famous beach. The 3-mile white-sand beach runs uninterrupted along Molokai’s west end. About 100 yards wide, it is a great beach to walk and play on.
Please check ocean conditions at the beach before you head near the surf: Hawaii Ocean Safety.
Kaunakakai Town
Kaunakakai is the main town on Moloka’i. Located 15-minutes southeast of Molokai Airport, the charming paniolo (cowboy) town feels unchanged from the early 1900s.
Walk down Ala Malama Avenue for local shops and restaurants. Make sure to get in line at Kanemitsu’s Bakery for their famous Molokai hot-bread. You can find Molokai hot-bread on the other islands; Oahu has numerous shops and food trucks.
Father Damien’s Churches
Saint Father Damien was a Catholic Priest who came to Hawaii to care for people who contracted Hansen’s Disease (leprosy). He built houses, churches, and cared for the patients. He treated them with respect and kindness. You can tour his churches when visiting Molokai.
More Points of Interest on Molokai, Hawaii
- Kumu Farms
- Molokai Plumeria
- Murphy’s Beach
- Molokai Harbor
- Purdy’s Mac Nut Farm
- Phallic Rock
- Palaau State Park
- Ono Ali‘i Fishpond
The Practical Realities of Visiting Molokai
Here is how to visit Molokai; it isn’t always easy, but it has gotten better recently.
Local residents of Molokai are pleased with two airlines now servicing the island.
Mokulele Airlines had the monopoly on air travel to Molokai when Hawaiian Airlines stopped service in 2020. This made getting to Molokai difficult with limited flights and poor reliability. Mokulele Airlines grounded its entire fleet in January 2025 due to maintenance.
Two small airlines service the island: Lanai Air and Mokulele Airlines. Flights depart from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Prices are around $150 to $200 per flight to Molokai.
The Maui-to-Molokai ferry stopped service in October 2016.
Hotel Moloka’i and Moloka’i Shores are 3-star beachfront hotels. Moloka’i Shores is a condo resort managed like a hotel. They are both located in Kaunakakai Town. You can also find vacation rentals on Vrbo.
A day trip from Maui isn’t practical, as morning and evening routes aren’t always available. If they are available, you may have about five hours to visit Molokai. You also must connect through Honolulu at this time.
How Many Days to Visit Molokai
If you visit Moloka’i, I recommend staying three to four days.
That many days will allow you time to explore the island, relax, and enjoy that slow-paced travel life that you’re craving.
I assume you’re craving a slower pace, as you are interested in visiting Molokai.
Itinerary for Molokai
Here is a way to structure your visit to Molokai based on travel distances and things to do.
Molokai Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in the morning, check in, and walk Kaunakakai Town. Shop, eat hot bread, and chat up locals at the restaurants. Relax on the beach in front of your hotel or vacation rental.
- Day 2: Take a full day for a guided tour. Doing this early in your trip will teach you about the island and get you familiar with it. You may want to return to one of the west side beaches.
- Day 3: If tours are operating, take a National Park Service guided tour of Kalaupapa Peninsula. If the park isn’t available for tours, go to Halawa Valley.
- Day 4: Beach day! Visit one of Molokai’s beaches, like Papohaku Beach, and visit a farm, like Kumu Farms, Molokai’s fruit stand. Depart in the evening.
How to Visit Molokai Respectfully
Here are my tips for visiting Molokai respectfully.
- Support local businesses
- Book a guided tour
- Don’t treat it as an Instagram stop
You don’t have to visit Molokai for an authentic Hawaiian experience. See our 9 Ways to Have an Authentic Hawaiian Experience.
Alternatives If You Want Quiet Hawaii
If what you’re after is “Hawaii without crowds,” there are numerous places on the other Hawaiian islands to find peace and solitude.
- Stay in Hana, Maui to dive deep on the Road to Hana and to enjoy a quiet place. The Hana-Maui Resort is a vintage gem and a Hyatt property. Here are places to stay for one night in Hana.
- The Island of Lanai is a day trip away from Maui. See our Is Lanai Worth a Visit for logistics and things to do.
- Stay in Hilo or on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island to skip the crowds
- Hanalei Town is a remote corner of Kauai. While it is busy during the day, the lack of hotels makes it a place of solitude at night, especially Hanalei Bay. Waimea Plantation Cottages on the west side of Kauai is the definition of vintage, plantation-life Hawaii.
- Explore our Best Time to Visit Hawaii to skip the crowds.
FAQs on Visiting Molokai, Hawaii
Is Kalaupapa open?
Yes and no; you need to check here: Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The government restarted tours in July 2026, but they were met by locals protesting. They have paused tours until they work with the community on the best solution.
Can you do a day trip from Maui?
You can book a round-trip flight on Mokulele Airlines that departs Maui at around 7 AM and arrives on Molokai at 9 AM. You will have about five hours to explore the island, as the latest flight back to Honolulu and Maui is at 3 PM.
There is no ferry from Maui to Molokai for a day trip. As visiting Molokai is about embracing a slower pace of travel, I recommend spending 3 to 4 days on Molokai.
Why don’t locals want tourists on Molokai?
I am not a Molokai resident, and views on tourism differ. Based on conversations with locals and news articles, locals want to avoid developing the island’s beauty. They enjoy the slow-paced life and the lack of traffic lights on the island. They welcome visitors who want to learn about and experience Molokai, but shy away from tourists who come for Instagram and a resort vacation.
Our Verdict: Is Molokai Worth Visiting?
Molokai isn’t the island I’d recommend for a first trip to Hawai’i, mostly because it isn’t what first-timers picture.
But if you’ve been to the other Hawaiian islands, seen the sights, and found yourself wanting something more, this is your answer.
It comes down to how you travel. If you want to move through a place as a visitor rather than a tourist, to see how people actually live rather than how a destination presents itself, Molokai is hands down where you do that in Hawaii.
This is Hawaii fifty years ago, before tourism and development swept in. Molokai is a place worth protecting, even if that means saying no to “Is Molokai worth visiting?”
