Accommodations & Things To Do on Moloka'i

Murphy Beach for snorkeling
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Moloka'i only has a population of around 7,500, most of its residents are native Hawaiians. Moloka'i is not at all like Oahu, Maui, or Kauai, and doesn't want to be.

There are no congested freeways, or stoplights here, and only one hotel, Hotel Moloka'i. Aqua Hotel Moloka'i is a small hotel with a new restaurant/bar and swimming pool. This tranquil oceanfront resort is located right on the water, looking out at the island of Lanai, and is only a short drive to the main town of Kanakakai.

Another alternative to Hotel Moloka'i is to rent a cottage or condo (see the list below). When my wife and I first moved here we rented a condo at Moloka'i Shores, with a kitchen. It's nice to have a kitchen here because there are very few restaurants on Moloka'i, so having a kitchen is a good thing, plus you can cook some of the recipes found here on tastinghawaii.com.

If you are looking for a relaxed vacation, then Moloka'i is the perfect place for you. Relax on one of many lonely beaches here, or go snorkeling at Murphy Beach, at the 20 mile marker, driving east on Kamehameha V Hwy, how could you not want to go snorkeling here? (see photo to the right and map below). You can rent snorkel gear at Moloka'i Fish & Dive (see link below).

2nd hole, Ironwood Hills Golf Club
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When I'm not cooking, blogging, or taking photos, I'm playing golf. If you are a golfer we have a very challenging 9 hole golf course called Ironwood Hills, which happens to be just up the road from my house. Ironwood Hills golf course descends from the very first plantation course in Hawaii, the Hanekekua Golf Club which opened on Moloka'i on 1928. The course was originally created for the Scottish plantation workers on Moloka'i and at present day, it is a par 34 course at 3,088 yards with golf carts and clubs available for rent. No groups pressing to play through and no tee times, just the gentle breeze, the green fairway and your favorite game on Hawaii’s oldest golf course. It features many deep bunkers that have no sand, just red dirt, large trees and wide fairways. The course is 1,300 feet above sea level and presents many outstanding views of the island including rainbows.
Some of my golfing friends 
from the Hui O Kukui golf club.
Richard, David, Scotty, Billy, and me.

Ironwood Hills Golf Club is located on Kala'e Hwy #470, 4 miles up the hill from the village of Kualapu'u, look for the golf course sign. Call (808) 567-6000 for more information. Note: Sometimes, the person who takes your money is out playing golf, so just call back or grab a cart and start playing, it's pretty casual around here.

Alice C. Sport Fishing
We are surrounded by water, and the fishing is incredible around Moloka'i, deep sea or within the reef. Several years ago I went out on a 3 hour deep sea fishing trip on the Alice C. with a couple of friends. We had a great time, and came back with plenty of ahi tuna and mahi-mahi. I have listed a couple of good local fishing companies below, including the Alice C.

Even just driving from one end of the island to the other is a nice way to spend the day, or take an off-road tour, or rent a bike. Just remember that the top speed limit is 45 mph, so "Slow down... this is Moloka'i" and also remember you came here to relax.

Halawa Valley is the oldest known Hawaiian settlement on Moloka'i. It is loaded with history. The Valley is privately owned, but you can take a 1.7 mile walking tour to the end of the valley where you can enjoy a swim in the legendary dark pool of Moa'ula Falls, so wear your bathing suit and a old pair of hiking shoes that you don't mind getting wet. The Halawa Valley is on the east end of the island, (see photos below). My son and daughter-in-law loved experiencing this hike with our friend Glen Davis who grew up in the valley. If you are interested in the hike, Glen recommends this tour company click here .

Halawa Valley
You can see Moa'ula Falls way up the valley

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Halawa Valley Trail with friend Glen Davis
















Moa'ula Falls at the end of the trail





















Swim in the Dark Pool
at the foot of Moa'ula Falls





















Moloka'i loves visitors, that's why we are called the "Friendly Isle". Enjoy your stay, if you don't... somebody else will!

There are so many other great things to do while visiting Moloka'i, so spend a few minutes and visit these website links, you'll be glad you did:

Car rental at Moloka'i Airport
rentalcars.com
Alamo
MolokaiCars.com

Car rental in Kaunakakai
Moloka'i Car Rental

Moloka'i Taxi Service
If you prefer not to rent a car, taxi service is available from two companies. Hele Mai Taxi (808-336-0967) provides island-wide service.

Accommodations
As an alternative to staying at Hotel Molokai, I recommend staying at Moloka'i Shores. My friend Margaret Marcom manages a few units that are clean with nice kitchens, a great pool, well maintained gardens, laundry facilities, free parking, centrally located, and very close to Kaunakakai.
https://www.flipkey.com/kaunakakai-condo-rentals/p240749/

Moloka'i Shores is right on the ocean with a
spectacular view of the island of Lana'i

















Other condominiums and cottages available on Moloka'i (be sure and read the reviews)
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/hawaii/molokai/kaunakakai

Pu'u O Hoku Ranch is a family-owned biodynamic and organic ranch and farm, rustic retreat center, and vacation getaway on the remote and tranquil east end of Molokai.

Golf at Ironwood Hills
1 (808) 567-6000

I recommend Captain Joe Reich for deep sea sport fishing on the Alice C.
http://www.alycecsportfishing.com

I recommend Captain Clayton Ching for guided light tackle charter fishing
http://hallelujahhoufishing.com

You might enjoy whale watching from December to April
http://www.whalewatchmolokai.com

You can pretty much make arrangements for all outdoor activities Moloka'i Fish & Dive, they even have a couple of condos for rent
http://molokaifishanddive.com

Whether you're an avid road or mountain bike rider or just want to get away and enjoy the fresh air, Molokai is the place for you. You can rent a bike from Moloka'i Bicycle
http://www.mauimolokaibicycle.com

Moloka'i is the birthplace of the Hula. This year, May 31-June 2 to celebrate and honor the traditions and practices of our kūpuna who have gone before us at:
Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko


A variety of other sites that have a long list of things to do:
http://www.molokai-outdoors.com

http://visitmolokai.com/activities.php

http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/molokai/things-to-do/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g29221-Activities-Molokai_Hawaii.html

http://www.gohawaii.com/en/molokai/plan-a-trip/activities/things-to-do-on-molokai/#customOrder:random^newCustomSearch:false

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Hawaii_State_of/Molokai/Things_To_Do-Molokai-TG-C-1.html


Shopping on Moloka'i
Kanakakai is the main town on Moloka'i. The main post office is located in Kanakakai, as well as our only drug store. If you are looking to go shopping, there are just a few owner operated gift stores.

Moloka'i Art From The Heart
Moloka'i Art From The Heart is Molokai's largest art gallery. It's a one of a kind gallery with 136 Moloka'i only artists and crafter's. Located on Ala Malama Street, right down from Misaki's grocery store. Phone 553-8018 for more information.

Outside of Kanakakai you will find two other gift stores owned by the same family, Jonathan, Daphne, Zack Socher, and Wendy Doenges: the Blue Monkey and Beach Break located at Holomua Junction, at the corner of highway 460 and 470, and the  Big Wind Kite Factory located in Maunaloa, a small town on the West end of the island (see map below).


Moloka'i Testimonial
7.5 miles away from Moloka'i is the beautiful island of Maui
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From: Julie Senf 
Port Angeles, WA – 4/26/15

"James, Sorry it has taken me so long but I am finally getting back to you about our Molokai visit. It was at the Kite Factory in Maunaloa that we bought your cookbook, the lady there was very friendly. We stayed in a condo at the West end at Kaluakoi, it's sad the place was shut down but some of the condos and the grounds are still somewhat maintained? It is a beautiful area. We visited & hiked most all the beaches on the west end, didn't do a lot of swimming as the waves and current were strong. We did try swimming one end of the Papohaku Beach (beautiful) but ended up just enjoying laying in the sun and being lazy. It was "rush hour" that day, we saw 10 people.

Papohaku Beach at "Rush Hour"
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This greeting card is available on FineArtAmerica.com
under the title "Footprints In The Sand"
We did a quick run through the town of Kaunakakai but it was sunday so not much was open, did find the wine & beer store open, that was an important stop! We had a meal at the "Cookhouse", went to the Kalaupapa lookout and took pictures, did a tour through the Purdy Macadamia Nut farm. I asked the owner (can't remember his name) if I could take his picture and someday draw a portrait, he is quite the character and has quite the look to him. He looked at me like I was crazy but gave me permission to do so. We stopped in at the Kumu Farms and bought some papaya & bananas. We never made it to the East end as we ran out of time. Your island is defintely relaxed and moves at a much slower pace, it was nice to enjoy the calm atmosphere. Not sure I spelled everything correctly but I did try.

Aloha everyone, sadly our vacation is coming to an end in a few days, it was a much needed rest but we do feel refreshed. I am definitely a much darker shade than when I arrived

Reply:
Sounds like you and your husband were busy during you four day visit to Moloka'i. Thanks for buying one of my cookbooks from the Kite Factory. Moloka'i is very therapeutic, a beautiful place where you leave your stress at the door and enjoy just relaxing.



Map of Moloka'i
This is a map of Moloka'i that I put together so you can see all of the sites while you are visiting here. For a more detailed map, click on the Moloka'i Drive Guide website.

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Moloka'i Emergency Phone Directory

Emergencies:
911 (please tell the operator you are calling from Moloka'i)

Moloka'i Police Department:
553-5355

Fire Departments:
Kaunakakai Station: 553-5601
Hoolehua Station: 567-6525
Pukoo Station: 558-8580

Emergency Medical Services:
Medic 8: 553-3424

Moloka'i General Hospital:
280 Home Olu Pl, Kaunakakai
Urgent Care/Emergency Services in Kaunakakai: 553-5331
For a list of doctors practicing at this hospital, click here

Molokai Drugs Inc., our only pharmacy. It is located at 28 Kamoi St. in Kaunakakai.
Call 553-5790 for more information.


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