City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Molokai, Hawaii
Located between Maui and Oahu, and north of Lanai, Molokai is part of the Hawaiian island chain. It’s about 38 miles long and 10 miles across at the widest point. It’s known for its long fringing reef and impressive cliffs that plunge to the sea. While it doesn't get as much attention as some of the other islands, Molokai offers a landscape of natural beauty, outdoor recreation and watersports adventure for boaters and other travelers.
Let’s check out a few places to visit from a private boat lift rental, marina or resort on Molokai.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Photo: Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park is a stunning place to visit from a private boat slip rental. This park is home to the former Kalaupapa leprosy settlement, where people with leprosy were sent to live in isolation. The park offers guided tours that take visitors through the history of the settlement, including a visit to St. Philomena Church, which was built in 1872. The park is home to stunning natural beauty, including the world's tallest sea cliffs, which rise more than 3,000 feet above the ocean.
Halawa Valley
Photo: Eric Guinther/Wikimedia/CC
Looking for a scenic day trip from a private boat dock rental? Halawa Valley is a remote and beautiful valley located on the east side of Molokai. It’s home to two stunning waterfalls, Moaula Falls and Hipuapua Falls, both of which can only be reached via a guided hike. The hike through Halawa Valley is considered to be one of the most challenging hikes on Molokai, but the reward is worth it. The valley is home to a small community of native Hawaiians who are preserving their traditional way of life.
Papohaku Beach Park
Photo: Forest and Kim Starr/Wikimedia
The 10.4-acre Papohaku Beach Park is a beautiful white sand beach located on the west coast of Molokai. The beach is more than three miles long and popular for swimming, sunbathing, surfing and sunset watching. The beach is relatively undeveloped, and visitors will feel like they have their own private stretch of sand.
Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr/CC
The Molokai Museum and Cultural Center is located in Kaunakakai and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Molokai. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the island and its people. The museum also hosts cultural events and workshops throughout the year, including hula dancing and traditional Hawaiian weaving.
Molokai Forest Reserve
Photo: Visit Molokai (Facebook)
The Molokai Forest Reserve is a vast area of protected forest on the east side of the island. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. Visitors can take a guided hike through the reserve to learn about native plants and animals. The reserve also offers stunning views of the ocean and the neighboring islands. It’s a great place for a day trip from a private boat lift rental.
Purdy's Macadamia Nut Farm
Photo: TripAdvisor
The family-owned Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nut Farm produces some of the best macadamia nuts in Hawaii. Visitors can take a guided tour of the five-acre farm to learn about the history, growing and processing of macadamia nuts in Hawaii. The tour includes a tasting of the farm's delicious macadamia nuts and other treats made from them.
Ironwood Hills Golf Course
Photo: Pixabay
Ironwood Hills Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole golf course located on the east side of Molokai. The course is set against the backdrop of the island's stunning ocean beauty. The course is open to the public and is a great way to spend a relaxing day from a private boat slip for rent.
Whether you’re on island for a family vacation or an extended stay at a private boat dock rental, we hope you’ve found some ideas to add to your itinerary. Happy travels!
