Attractions Nearby Molokai and Island Hopping

(Molokai, Hawaii - HI, USA)



Image showing Hawaii Big Island's Hapuna Beach State ParkLying in the very heart of the main islands of Hawaii, Molokai is well-placed for a spot of island hopping, with many very different island attractions being just a ferry ride away, or linked by the airport. Several islands are particularly close to Molokai and these attractions include Lanai, Maui and Oahu.

The second-largest of Hawaii's islands, Maui is sited to the north of the Big Island, east of Lanai and Kahoolawe, and to the south-east of Molokai. Maui's main attractions tend to be centred around both Lahaina and Kaanapali, where numerous historical buildings are located, along with an interesting Whaling Museum and fine dining.


Picture of Hawaii Big Island's Anaehoomalu Beach

Big Island

Hawaii's famous Big Island lies directly to the south-east of Molokai and just below Maui. The largest island within the Hawaiian archipelago, visitors will find an enormous selection of attractions to explore, with so much to see that you will need to plan your time carefully. Hilo, Kailua-Kona and the Hamakua Coast are central to life on the Big Island, while the Mauna Kea dominates much of the island and is the biggest mountain in the whole of Hawaii. Tourists should not miss spending a day visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and enjoying the unique views from the Crater Rim Drive.

Kauai

Kauai is the most north-westerly of the main Hawaiian islands and lies to the north-west of both Molokai and Oahu. A very undeveloped island with an instantly recognisable Hawaiian character, Kauai is brimming with natural beauty, which comes in the form of breathtaking waterfalls, valleys, rain forests and a stunning central volcanic peak, named Mount Waialeale. The Na Pali cliffs are not to be missed and reside of the north-westerly shore of Kauai, boasting some great hiking trails. Lihue is the capital of the island, while Poipu has grown to become the premier beach resort area.

Photograph of highway on Lanai

Lanai

Lanai is located off the western coast of Maui, to the south of Molokai and to the north of Kahoolawe. Once nothing more than a peaceful pineapple plantation, the small island of Lanai is rapidly becoming a rather exclusive and luxury resort in its own right, with expensive accommodation and truly tranquil surroundings. Lanai is home to a number of ancient archaeological attractions and petroglyphs (stone carvings), although most are a fair distance from the main community of Lanai City, which enjoys a fairly central setting, connected to the neighboring airport by Highway 440.

Coastal view of Maui

Maui

A number of good sandy beaches and naturally formed lava pools are to be found around Kihei, Makena and Wailea, each of which offers conditions highly suitable for surfing. The biggest communities on Maui are both Kahilui and Wailuku, which merge together and are near to the Iao Valley State Monument. If you do come to Maui, don't miss out on a visit to the island's celebrated volcanic Haleakala Crater, which measures more than 3 km / 2 miles in diameter.

Photo of Oahu's world-famous Waikiki Beach

Oahu

Oahu is just a relatively short distance from Molokai's westerly shore and easy to reach, by ferry or plane. Oahu is filled with some of Hawaii's most famous beaches and renowned attractions, with plenty of sights to be seen and enjoyed around its capital city of Honolulu. Close to Honolulu, the beachfront suburb of Waikiki offers a legendary stretch of sand and some truly exceptional surfing. Down by the harborfront, the Aloha Tower is hard to miss and features a popular observation desk, with superb island views.