Molokai Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Molokai, Hawaii - HI, USA)



View of the coastal Kaluakoi links golf courseApart from the island's famous sandy beaches and endless sunbathing opportunities, a number of very once-in-a-lifetime tourist attractions present themselves to holiday makers on Molokai. Snorkelling and scuba diving the clear waters around the island is one such activity and Molokai is home to the only actual barrier reef in the whole of Hawaii, which stretches for almost 48 km / 30 miles.

Tourists staying here will also be able to enjoy attractions such as seasonal whale watching, mule rides along the Kalaupapa trail, trips to local coffee plantations and macadamia nut farms, or even a round of golf next to a tropical beach. Although it may be hard to reach, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park is another of Molokai's more unusual tourist attractions worth considering, with guided tours explaining the world-famous and rather unexpected history of its past, isolated settlement.


Further image of the Kaluakoi golf course

Golf Courses (Kaluakoi and Ironwood Hills)

There aren't many golf courses in the whole world that offer such beautiful tropical views as those on Molokai. The premier club is the Kaluakoi Golf Course, which is a championship par-72 course located within the Kaluakoi Resort, and comes complete with an enviable beachfront setting, golfing instructors, equipment hire, challenging hazards and attractions, and a pro shop. Very much the island's number two course, the nine-hole, par-34 Ironwood Hills Golf Course is less popular and much cheaper, and can be found within the hilly Kalae area, close to the Meyer Sugar Mill.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge

Photo of the Kalaupapa coastline

Barrier Reef / Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Tel: +1 808 553 5221
Molokai's acclaimed Barrier Reef is a spectacular marine paradise, allowing tourists to snorkel and scuba dive to their heart's content. From the elevated settings of Kamiloloa Heights or alternatively the Kamakou Preserve, the reef can be easily seen from above, being clearly visible in the crystal clear ocean waters. Snorkelling and diving tours are available and highly recommended, since the experienced guides will lead you to the very best spots, which are renowned throughout Hawaii.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for instruction, dive cruises and equipment hire

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

Address: Kalaupapa Peninsula, Kalaupapa, Molokai, HI-96742, Hawaii HI, USA
Tel: +1 808 567 6802
During the winter months, from November to April, tourists flock to the Kalaupapa National Park to try and catch a glimpse of the migrating whales, with large numbers of North Pacific humpback whales often clearly visible from the elevated areas of Kalaupapa National Park, along with dolphins and monk seals, which swim around the island throughout the year. Seasonal whale watching tours regularly depart from Kaunakakai Harbor, with those provided by the Molokai Princess being especially notable, allowing passengers to get much closer to this gentle giants. Bringing your camera is an absolute must.
Open hours: December to April, daily - hours vary
Admission: charge, concessions available

Picture showing the coast of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Address: Kalaupapa Peninsula, Kalaupapa, Molokai, HI-96742, Hawaii HI, USA
Tel: +1 808 567 6088
The Kalaupapa National Historical Park enjoy a remote setting on the Kalaupapa Peninsula and as such can be hard to reach, since it is not connected by roads, and almost entirely surrounded by the ocean and steep cliffs, meaning that visitors will need to either ride down the steep trail on mules, take a boat, or fly into Kalaupapa Airport. The park was set up in 1980 and is dedicated to the lives and experiences of the former leper colony, which was known throughout the world and completely isolated here between 1866 and 1969. Literally thousands of Hawaiians infected with leprosy once lived here, being shipped in to the village of Kalawao from all over Hawaii. Today, several residents with leprosy (Hansen's disease) still live here and have been treated with modern medicines. Commercial tours of the main attractions and available and very interesting, although do bear in mind that you will require a permit from Hawaii's State Department of Health, before you are actually able to enter the settlement.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free