Gorgeous beach with limited swimming in winter, but we went, we bobbed, we drank in the scenery and…read moreloved every minute of it on our way to the other side of the island.

Long drive from Central Moloka'i to the East End, but Murphy's Beach is certainly one of those…read moremust-see locations. Parking is right next to beach right off the narrow road. It's located between Mile Markers 21 and 23. You can also see both Maui and Lana'i at the same time. The views of the beach are absolutely spectacular.

Moloka'i is not a big island thus not many sightseeing things to do however this is a pretty solid…read morehighlight if you're a fan of simple things and Hawaiian culture. Parking: There is a parking lot with limited parking. However, for the most, I've seen most people pull over when safe and appropriate (remember to respect the land and the island). Feels: The royal coconut groves were made by King Kamehameha V to honor his soldiers. It's a pretty cool place. The grove is blocked off for repairs and respect while the other is a park where people can hang out and host socials. I see people play in the water and all but it doesn't seem as approachable. Overall: Lovely. A pretty place to observe and relax. I've never seen a coconut grove so to see it all bunched up in one is pretty cool. Great place to observe and snap a photo TL;DR Tips: * Great place to get a coconut for Post-A-Nut * WATCH OUT for falling coconuts and stay your limits, respect the island.

Whenever driving on Highway 460 west of Kaunakakai Town, you'll see a bunch of coconut trees off to…read morethe side of the road. This is the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, and even though you can't actually go inside the boundaries, it is a lovely sight to check out and I'm told this is one of the last royal coconut groves in Hawaii. Just watch out for falling coconuts in any case!

The Molokai Pier and Boat Harbor is probably the main lifeline for all goods, for the people who…read morelive on Molokai. I've visited this little pier/boat harbor a few times when I was working on Molokai. I can see why this pier/boat harbor is important as it's strategically located right across the street from Kaunakakai town (the main town in Molokai). The pier/boat harbor is open for the public to see, with the exception of the Matson/Young Bros area which is secured. The Molokai pier/boat harbor is clean, and you can actually park in the parking lot to enjoy the views from the pier/boat harbor. I've seen folks fish off of the pier/boat harbor, as well as seeing some folks swim in the adjacent area leading into the pier/boat harbor...........I also heard that the ferry that runs from Molokai to Maui, the Molokai Pier/Boat Harbor is the place you need to go to catch the ferry. A pretty small harbor, but very cool to check out............

I love the natural and functional things to see when visiting a new place. Molokai has no natural…read moreharbors, so to facilitate shipping, they built the state's longest pier. The main street in Kaunakakai heading makai leads right onto the pier. It's free and open to the public. There are a few businesses located here: Young Shipping, a tour/dinner cruise company, and fishing charters. It's a boat doc with what looked like private craft. There are public beaches here and there; there are benches and places to walk around. Reef fish were everywhere, colorful in the brown water. Along the main road down the pier is plenty of shoulder parking, which leads to fishing and swimming areas. Near the end is a fixed swimming dock with a slide and boards for jumping; the swimming area is netted off from the harbor beyond. Driving out here offers a gorgeous view of Lanai, Maui, and back onto the mountains of Molokai; it's a must-stop destination when visiting.

Kiowea Beach Park is one mile west of Kaunakakai and next to the historic Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove,…read morewhich dates back to the 1860's. It's a 5-acre community park on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property and managed by the Kalama'ula Homesteaders Association since 2010. Existing facilities include a 700-square-foot pavilion, restrooms and showers, barbecue grills and a parking lot. There is water, electricity and phone service. There's a small beach, though the muddy water does not entice you to swim unless you're a keiki and then you'll swim anywhere they let ya. But it's a nice spot for a barbeque or picnic and to view the coconut grove and watch the sunset. It's a locals' park used by large groups for family reunions, graduations, birthday parties and other events such as *the weekend*. It's the Hawaiian version of Orange County's Chicano Parks (lol). Watch out when those big Samoans get loose though - your haole butt better be on the best behavior in these parts, bro. Don' bodda da bros, wouldn't wan'em to karang yo' alahs. This *IS* Hawaiian Home Lands and God bless 'em. An environmental impact study is in progress for a new picnic pavilion. Planned to be a 4,000-square-foot pavilion which is 40 feet wide, 100 feet long and 20 feet tall. (The draft document is online at oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Documents/Environmental_Notice/current_issue.pdf.) If approved, the new pavilion will be located 133 feet from the shoreline to protect it from storm surges, and it will have two restrooms, a certified kitchen, an office, and a new septic system. Parking and grading/drainage improvements are included. Mahalos yeah fo' checkin' out dis place.

This is such a cute little spot to stop at when visiting Molokai. We stopped because we saw a…read morefriend that we knew, and I was so glad that we did. This store has an abundance of cute and practical things. We saw everything from books to jewelry to boogie boards and clothing. Lots of locally made items as well. Prices were very comparable for Hawaii. So many fun things to bring home as gifts or to use while visiting the island. I saw sunscreen, towels, beach wraps, toys and so much more! Perfectly located on the way out to the west end or as you're coming back to town. It's a must stop!

From the owner: Your One Stop Molokai Shop! T-Shirts, Ukuleles, Jewelry,…read moreSorongs, Local Art, Souvenirs, Surfboard Rentals, Bodyboards, Fins, Mask and Snorkels sets, Dive gear, Kitchen and home Decor, Furniture, Giclèè Printing and Art Reproduction, Photo Restoration and much much more!

Tough ride out but amazing views! No one on the beach as we walked for a mile. I'd suggest it for…read morenear end of day if you feel comfortable driving the rugged terrain.

Polihua Beach is the most amazing and beautiful wilderness beach I have seen in the entire state of…read moreHawaii, and it is the longest one specifically on the Island of Lana'i (stretching for 1-1/2 miles). I've seen images and videos of the beach in the past, but it is such a different and amazing experience when you get to see it in-person. The only way to get here is via a very rough, bumpy and long trail from Lana'i City - Central on a 4x4 vehicle like a Jeep, and it really does help to have prior 4x4 driving experience. Allow about 1 hour in each direction, and you will come across a lot of rocky and somewhat steeper stretches, so that's where you want to utilize the 4x4 drive mode. When you get to the beach itself, don't drive onto the white sand as you are most likely going to get stuck. As for the beach, so wide and secluded, you may be the only person or group there. It's not good for swimming or snorkeling at all as the currents and waves can be very rough, but it is good for sunbathing, photography or doing beach strolls from one end to the other. Very spectacular views of Molokai and Maui in the distance! So worth the effort if you are able to make it to Polihua Beach on the north coast of Lana'i.

Closing the trail to mule and human traffic has made Kalaupapa a site only accessible to the…read morewealthy. Folks, apparently the only way to access Kalaupapa now is via Damien Tours, costing $645 per person. $1290 for me and my wife to visit. Why only one (commercial) option? You have made this a National Park only available to the wealthy and for some reason exclusively via Damien Tour Company. Please explain why. Shame on you for denying this wonderful (taxpayer supported) historic site to everyone else!

Such a beautiful place and I highly encourage everyone to visit if youre allowed to! Flying…read moredirectly into Kalaupapa is unlikely so riding down from Kaunakakai is your better option. The whole island is full of breath-taking views and picturesque moments, but the trail to Kalaupapa will show you mauka to makai (mountain to ocean). Kalaupapa itself is an incredibly sacred place. You can feel the land when you arrive. The history itself is long and there are only a handful of its original occupants still living here so stop by and say hello! Residents and park workers (who maintain the history) are all friendly! Small souvenir shop, goods shop, but mostly everything you need should be brought with you. Accomodities are scarce but thats the appeal, to spend time in mostly untouched lands and waters. The stars shine bright as the skies are free from city lights and the water is crystal clear, saw monk seals on the shore sleeping. Its also quiet so the group you go with should be a good one -- Lifelong friendships could be formed out there. The church is beautiful and the pier is fun to jump off of. Again, its very humbling to come here and immerse yourself. Its a break from the civilization of the other outer islands. I had a wonderful time here and the memories made there are precious and worth more than most things. Spent 10 days here on a mission trip so I got a chance to know all the locals, play volleyball in their main park area, and attend church in the chapel. Book a trip down there if you can!

If you ever thought about visiting the Kalaupapa Colony - which is now a part of the Kaulapapa…read moreNational Historical Park Service, one must make reservations, and you can get down there via a mule, or airplane. See this link for information about visiting this Historical Colony/Park - https://www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm My coworker told me about this place called - "Kalaupapa Overlook", as it was the next best thing to see, if you can't actually make it down to the Kalaupapa Colony. A short drive from Kaunakakai...........I would say it about a 7 to 8 mile drive from Kaunakakai town. As you get to the lookout, there is a paved parking lot where you can park your car for free. Upon exiting your rental car, please look for a sign in the parking lot that will direct you to see either the Phallic Rock, or the Kalaupapa Overlook. The very short hike down to the Kalaupapa Overlook is along a paved pathway, so walking down to the lookout is very safe, and easy to do. From the parking lot, to the Kalaupapa lookout area is probably a 1 to 2 minute walk..........an easy walk, not strenuous at all. When you get to the Kalaupapa Overlook, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the Kalaupapa Colony! By the lookout area, you will see some signs (bummers that the signs were pretty worn tho) that will explain a little history about the Kalaupapa Colony. Worth the trip to get out here to see it! So beautifu!!!

Amazing view and nice trees but its a little creepy. Where is the MISSING WOMAN who "vanished" here…read moreafter "hitting" a worker with her car? creepy. sounds like a local issue that got swept under the rug.... .... ... ... I also didn't see any leopards with my binoculars. They said there are leopards here...

Absolutely loved spending time in Halawa Valley. The valley itself is majestic, well taken care of…read moreand packed full of history. Greg did a cultural presentation it was such a highlight of the entire experience. Hearing about the valley, his family, the history will leave you awestruck. Grey shared his produce from his land, had a great energy and wonderful laugh. We felt very welcomed and would love to experience it again. Tanner was our hike tour guide and he was a joy. Filled with great knowledge and very personable. Hike was easy and just beautiful. If you love Hawaiian history/culture this is a must do.

I had the chance to do the Halawa Valley Falls Cultural Hike in August 2021 and it was a large…read moregroup on a Saturday. Very informative and lots of history to learn along the way, and Greg Solatario is an excellent guide and knows a lot about Halawa Valley, plus he will teach you the real Hawaiian culture unlike a lot of the mainstream attractions that don't often tell you the truth. The two parts of the tour are cultural presentation followed by the waterfall hike! Best to have mosquito repellent as I did end up with some bug bites along the way. Also bring water and a snack, as there is quite a bit of hiking involved. As mentioned on their website, if you are interested in swimming once reaching the waterfalls, you should wear a swimsuit under your hiking clothes and have a towel. You do also have to cross a few streams along the way, so you will get wet. Because this is on the east and windward side of Molokai, the weather can be unpredictable and change rather quickly. The tour runs from 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM most days of the week, but there are no tours on Sundays.

Our experience with Molokai Vacation Properties was entirely happy. We told Wai, our agent at the…read morecompany, that we would be visiting Molokai for the first time as a birthday present for one of us, and she helped us to make it a good one. We wanted sunsets, an ocean view, and two bedrooms (our daughter and son-in-law would join us), so Wai guided us through choices of lodging overlooking the western shore. We pored over the referrals on the company's neatly organized website and called Wai practically every day. "Both of these look nice," we'd say, "and we're leaning toward this one." "Yes," she would say, "but you won't see as much ocean from it as you will from the other one." We changed our minds several times until, thanks to Wai's patient, helpful advice, we settled on a condo that ended up working very well for us. We were headed to Molokai because of its beauties and also because it is so quiet and undeveloped and doesn't cater much to visitors. You're more on your own there than on the other, more commercialized, Hawaiian islands. Wai listened to all of our naive questions: How long a drive from our Ke Nani Kai condo to Kaunakakai, the main town? Half an hour. To Halawa Valley on the east side? Another hour, but there is so much to see along the way that you'll want to give it more. Food? The two main groceries are in Kaunakakai, so go there from the airport and stock up before you head out to the condo. We have an evening departure flight. Can you arrange for us to check out late? Yes. Wai was so obliging and helpful that we wanted to meet her during our stay. A stop at her office was not only pleasant; it occasioned some questions we hadn't thought of before. What's your favorite coffee shop? How do we find the alley behind the Kanemitsu Bakery for their famous after-dark hot bread? That sort of detail. And it let us thank Wai in person for the expert help Molokai Vacation Properties gave us in setting up a memorable visit to a special island.

There is a long story to go along with the review.... please read all sections to understand the…read moredisaster we experienced! Do not use this company! WHAT A HUGE AND VERY EXPENSIVE DISAPPOINTMENT! We were given directions and the access code to the new condo unit. We were told that the new condo was a good comparison to our original pick, and as such, no payment adjustment needed. At this point, we were stuck...it wasn't our first pick....but this is what they had available. Since we were told that the unit available was nearby, we decided to check it out, and turned the car around and headed in that direction. While we expected a bit of dust, we were not expecting what we found. Upon entering, the place almost smelled like a dead body, seriously. It was enough to take your breath away. I literally looked in every crevice to make sure there were no bodies. There were however, many dead flies, mold in and around the kitchen, refrigerator was moldy, furniture that was worn and outdated.....the place was just disgusting (nothing like the newly refurbished place with a great view of the ocean that we just left). What a complete disappointment! On the plus side, at this point, there were no crazy people. Since we had already wasted half of another day of our very short vacation just to try to get a place that was promised, booked, paid in advanced, and confirmed with us months ago, we felt that we had no choice but to make the best of it as we had no other options. This is what they had. The new condo unit was in Wavecrest, unit 211. In addition to being dirt/smelly, the unit was very old and outdated, and the view to the ocean was significantly blocked. It did have an "ocean view," if you ignored the condo building, pool and massive trees blocking the view. In comparison to the recently remodeled unit with great views of the ocean that we just left, this was an obvious significant step down, especially in terms of value. Molokai Vacation Rentals didn't make it right as promised, but at least we hoped that no one would assault us there, like they had at Molokai Shores. We had paid in advance for a condo that was newly remodeled, right on the ocean, perfect view at $165/night (plus tax) and were given (moved to) a room with mold, dirt, dead flies everywhere...a hot mess of a place that you could technically see the ocean but it was almost completely blocked by the pool area....all for the exact same price as what we had originally paid. Upon returning home and after investigation, we found that the unit that we were moved to listed at $95/night (plus tax). So in other words, not only were we seriously inconvenienced by having to move (wasted almost an entire day of a 5 day vacation!), be assaulted by an obnoxious family, but we got down-graded in accommodations (from very clean and newly remodeled to vastly dirty and very outdated), and were offered no fee "adjustment" to account not only for our troubles but also for the listed price rate differential. We had already paid for the $165/night condo in full but were transferred to a condo that only costs $95?! At the very least, we should have received a refund for $529.01 (refund the first night of the hellish ordeal, as well as refund the rate differential (plus tax) between the two units). To date, we've not received any such refund to "make this situation right" as we were promised. We are not rich by any means and we spent a great deal of time, money, and energy to find accommodations for our short get-away. We only asked that Molokai Vacation Rentals hold up their end of the contract. Lastly, I wanted to make one more comment- while we were still on vacation, we got a phone call the day after we moved to the new unit asking us to "put something in writing" for the Molokai Shores condo unit owner (and a "Board Member") in order to provide him more information about what transpired. No follow-up since that conversation.