Central Molokai | Go Hawaii

Central Molokaʻi

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Central Molokaʻi


The central region of Molokaʻi is also the center of local life on the island. If you arrive by air, you’ll fly into Molokaʻi Airport in Hoʻolehua, which is also where you can try a fresh macadamia nut straight from the branch at Purdy’s Macadamia Nut Farm. (Hawaiʻi grows the majority of the world’s macadamias.) Sample another famous Hawaiian export at Coffees of Hawaiʻi, a 100-acre coffee farm plantation in nearby Kualapuʻu.
 
Head south to Molokaʻi’s biggest town of Kaunakakai, where the tallest point is the church steeple. Grab a tasty fresh-baked treat at Kanemitsu’s Bakery and check out the local shops on the island’s only main street. Take a fishing or boating adventure from Kaunakakai harbor, stroll down the state’s longest pier, or explore the nearby landmarks, including historic Hawaiian Fishponds used for aquaculture in the 13th century and one of Hawaiʻi’s last royal coconut groves at Kapuāiwa Coconut Beach Park.
 
Along the north coast of Central Molokaʻi is the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula, home to historic Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where victims of Hansen’s disease (commonly known as leprosy) were exiled in the 1800s. St. Damien came to the remote colony in 1873 to care for the residents, and eventually succumbed to the disease himself after 16 years. Today, you can learn about the pain and resilience of Kalaupapa’s residents on a tour of the site, which is only accessible by hike or mule ride along the 1,700-foot sheer cliffs.
 
Before you depart Central Molokaʻi, stop by the Hoʻolehua Post Office for a fun, only-in-Hawaii experience: Mail home a free coconut from the Post-a-Nut counter—far more exciting than a postcard and you just provide the postage.

Regions of Molokaʻi

Central Molokaʻi
Coastline of Central Molokai
Take a journey along 2,000-foot sea cliffs amid dazzling seascapes to visit one of the most remote settlements in the Hawaiian Islands.
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West End
A couple on an empty beach in the west end of Molokai
Swim or snorkel in the sparkling turquoise-blue waters at Pāpōhaku Beach on Molokaʻi’s West End, or enjoy unique shopping and museums in the charming town of Maunaloa.
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East End
A guided tour through a tropical forest on the east end of Molokai
Take a guided tour through the magnificent tropical paradise of Kamakou Preserve and let the breathtaking natural beauty renew you.
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Hawaiian Fishponds of Molokai
Built from lava rock and coral, these 13th-century fishponds were etched into Molokaʻi’s shoreline to supply local aliʻi (royalty) with sustenance.
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Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Take a memorable mule ride down the highest sea cliffs in the world to reach the incredibly remote—and formerly forbidden—settlement of Kalaupapa.
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Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
This dense grove of coconut palms, planted during the reign of King Kamehameha V, is one of Molokaʻi’s most recognizable landmarks.
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Kaunakakai
Browse unique local shops and eateries, visit historic landmarks and stroll down Hawaiʻi’s longest pier in Molokaʻi’s quaint main town.
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Maunaloa
Venture to Maunaloa, a small plantation village set in the hills above the coast, where you’ll find unique shopping and lodging options.
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Papohaku Beach
At three miles long, Pāpōhaku Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaiʻi, offering distant views of Diamond (Diamond Head) on Oʻahu.
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Halawa Valley
Take a guided hike into this impossibly lush cathedral valley, blessed with beautiful vistas and towering waterfalls that look straight out of the Jurassic Period.
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Kamakou Preserve
Hike beneath moss-covered branches in Kamakou Preserve, a nature conservancy site that contains rare native Hawaiian birds and plants.
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Central Molokaʻi Highlights

Hawaiian Fishponds of Molokai

Hawaiian Fishponds of Molokaʻi

Built from lava rock and coral, these 13th-century fishponds were etched into Molokaʻi’s shoreline to supply local aliʻi (royalty) with sustenance.

More
Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Take a memorable mule ride down the highest sea cliffs in the world to reach the incredibly remote—and formerly forbidden—settlement of Kalaupapa.

More
Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove

Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove

This dense grove of coconut palms, planted during the reign of King Kamehameha V, is one of Molokaʻi’s most recognizable landmarks.

More
Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai

Browse unique local shops and eateries, visit historic landmarks and stroll down Hawaiʻi’s longest pier in Molokaʻi’s quaint main town.

More

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