Are you looking for an amazing, yet a relatively private and peaceful destination for a Hawaii vacation? If you are, you should examine the Hawaiian Island of Molokai. Molokai and Lanai are two islands that are known for their natural beauty. This is beauty that seems as if it was left untouched by the common commercialization that takes place at many popular vacation destinations.
Despite the fact that Molokai isn’t as popular of a vacation destination as other Hawaiian Islands, such as Maui, Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai, it is still a great place to be. Why? Because there is so much for you to see. Many travelers are surprised to learn all that Molokai has to offer them, in terms of fun, relaxation, and entertainment. To help get your planning started, a few popular Molokai attractions are outlined below.
5 Must Visit Molokai Attractions
Here are some attractions you’ll have to check out if you go to Molokai.
1 – Halawa Valley
A hike through the beautiful Halawa Valley is one of the many must-visit attractions you will find on Molokai. The area is also known as the “cathedral valley,” of Hawaii. Here you will find an amazing landscape. This landscape includes distinctive and rare Hawaii plants and flowers. Hidden throughout the valley are ancient places of worship and the Moaula Falls. The double-tiered waterfall is a sightseer’s dream come true. According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, guided hiking tours are the only way to explore the Halawa Valley.
2 – Kalaupapa National Historic Park
The Kalaupapa National Historic Park is another attraction that is rated as a must-visit by past visitors. It is located along the northern shore of Molokai. Here, you are able to take amazing pictures and learn about the history of Molokai. The Kalaupapa National Historic Park is only accessible by a guided mule ride. The trial is just under three miles long and takes an average of 90 minutes. Along the way, you will see breathtaking views of the ocean and ride along the tallest sea cliffs in the United States.
3 – Waikolu Valley Overlook
The Waikolu Valley Overlook is another must-visit on Molokai Island. The area is only accessible by hiking and a 4-wheel drive vehicle. For that reason, it is advised that you take this into consideration when making reservations for a car rental. When driven by a 4-wheel drive vehicle, this great Molokai attraction is perfect for individuals of just about any age range. At the main lookout point, you are able to look out into the ocean and see waterfalls and beautiful sea cliffs.
4 – Kamakou Preserve
If you opt for visiting the Waikolu Valley Overlook, you will want to continue on the path to the Kamakou Preserve. The Kamakou Preserve is not located far from Kaunakakai. It has been said that the preserve is left exactly “the way Mother Nature intended.” The Kamakou Preserve is situated on 3,000 acres of beautiful land. Here you will find rare plants that are only home to the Kamakou area. A visit to the Kamakou Preserve is only a small hike and ideal for individuals of most age groups.
5 – Papohaku Beach
Another must-visit attraction is that of Papohaku Beach, which is located on the western end of Molokai. Papohaku Beach is also known as Three Mile Beach, as it is home to three miles of beautiful white sand beaches. According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, it is the largest white sand beach in all of Hawaii. From numerous lookout points, you can see the neighboring island of Oahu. Camping, picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing are all popular activities enjoyed on Papohaku Beach. If you schedule your Hawaii vacation in May, you can participate in and witness one of the island’s biggest festivals.
As you can see, there are a number of great attractions that can be found on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai. Although Molokai isn’t always listed as a popular Hawaii vacation destination, it should be. In addition to the above-mentioned attractions, there are also many “hidden gems,” throughout the island. In fact, after visiting some of the most popular and well-known attractions, you are encouraged to just explore the land and see where the road leads next.