Molokai Hawaii Vacation

Molokai has resisted tourism, which has protected the island over the years and preserved much of the culture and heritage. To see fishermen bringing in their catch and local crops getting collected is more than a cliché here and is a part of everyday life and has been recognized for its advanced environmental stewardship in the relation to other Hawaiian islands and islands worldwide in general.

Molokai HawaiiMolokai Hawaii

This is not your typical Hawaiian vacation experience yet remains one of the most authentic Hawaiian vacations for families wanting to see the rural lifestyle without the over-tourist aspects with often less than 1000 visitors on any given day.  

If you decide to hire a car you are sure to have plenty of room on the roads with only the occasional stop to wait for one of the casual on road conversations that develop to dispel. 

An additional benefit to this is that there is only now only one hotel, 7 bed and breakfast and 100 vacation rentals on the island and a few other vacation rentals. However, the hands of time are not held back indefinitely and family vacations offer the younger ones memories to carry on to tell their kids about the way life was on the wonderful Hawaiian island of Molokai. 

For a relatively small island Molokai offers quite a few superlatives including the worlds the highest ocean cliffs and the biggest waterfall in Hawaii.

Video Overview of Molokai

Molokai Things to Do in Molokai

This video serves as an introduction of some top activities in Molokai. The video features interviews with top activities operators.

Molokai HikeThe path to the hills | Flickr - Photo Sharing! www.flickr.com

The road is quite accessible but a little narrow and follows the East coast along the island. There are even spots where you can stop off and take a family hike up to the waterfalls with the help of one of the locally available guide which you can book in advance.

Down by the beach you can get a great vista looking towards the valley although a little shallow wading is required. Enjoy views of water splashing into the bay.

A Family Vacation to Molokai

This tree part series follows a local Hawaiian family and their Molokai travel adventure.

Food on Molokai

While there are a handful of condo style accommodations and hotels and food is usually taken care of by self-catering or in the super casual restaurants and food stands. Cooking for yourself condo style can end up as much as eating out as anything that is not produced on the island can end up costing quite a bit more than you would expect because of the cost of bringing it on by barge.

Entertainment at the Cook House Restaurant on Molokai. 

Molokai Mule Ride

One of the more popular attractions near the main town of Kalaupapa are the Mule / Donkey rides to the former leper colony (Hansen's Disease). The five km ride skirts the more than 1600 meter cliffs around to the colony in Kalawao County. While not for the younger kids, older children who are not daunted by heights can enjoy the mental challenge of overcoming their initial fears.

On arrival, you get a chance to soothe your nerves, and then it's on to enjoy the story of Father Damien and his life with the lepers.

Accommodation in Molakai

Castle Shores Molokai is typical of what you can expect in the accommodation market. The property includes one and two bedroom oceanfront suites, and is located in the hub of Kalaupapa. Big lawns and tropical gardens leading down to the waters edge.

You may find it surprising to know that there are seven great B& B and Hotels on the Island of Molakai.

Hotel Molokai

Hotel Molokai is the most well known and established places to stay on Molokai. The hotel offers good connections and makes for a fine home away to explore the nearby towering cliffs, waterfalls, mango and coffee plantations and natural way of life. 

The bungalow style accommodation is traditional Hawaiian yet offers mod cons like Wi-Fi, private lanais, comfort and kitchenettes. From here it is not difficult to arrange deep sea fishing, golf, kayaks, paddle boards,  scuba or whale watching opportunities for your family. A starter complimentary breakfast is served every day. There are also performances is also a range of classes in traditional cultural activities.

See reviews and great offers on Hotel Molokai

Getting to Molokai

Transfers and day trips are available on the Lahaina ferry. Contact them on (877) 500-6284  

At the time of writing costs were as follows: 

Adult (13 & older): $66.73

Child (4-12): $33.37

Infants free


Molokai Car Rental - 808.336.0670 is local.

Once you arrive at either 

Hawaiian Airlines 800.367.5320

Mokulele Airlines 808.426.7070

Makani Kai Air - Kalaupapa 808.834.1111 

Paragon Air - Maui 800.428.1231

You might like these Hawaii Vacation Ideas

All Inclusive Resorts Blog

Share Your All-Inclusive Adventures and Questions! 🌴 Have a memorable experience from a luxury all-inclusive vacation? We'd love to hear it at Luxury Resort Bliss. We're on the lookout for top-quality, insightful tales that'll inspire our community. Dive in and be a part of our sun-soaked stories! 🌊🍹✨

About the Authors

The story is a fictionalized account founded on travel expertise, research, and experience. Always refer to recent guest reviews and perform due diligence before booking.

💼 We cherish our independence! ✈️ Our travel recommendations are carefully researched, bias-free, and powered by human expertise by April and Ricky of LRB (we have personally researched and travelled to many of these destinations and researched others thoroughly through first-hand accounts). We also have put in the hard miles, and Ricky has worked for decades for resort and hotel chains  Hyatt, Hilton, Shangri-La and Radisson before starting Luxury Resort Bliss in 2007. 🌍✨ Unlike some other resort review websites we are concerned on the guest experience rather than mere corporate interest.

Save up to 65% off rack rates when you book a minimum of 3+ nights at this resort and Get up to $355

Recent Articles

  1. Puerto Rico Resorts with Waterparks

    Nov 27, 23 07:54 PM

    All-Inclusive Puerto Rico Family Resort Vacations
    Explore top Puerto Rico resorts with water parks for family fun. Enjoy thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and tropical relaxation in one perfect destination.

    Read More

  2. All-Inclusive Honeymoon Destinations of 2024

    Nov 13, 23 06:08 PM

    Mauritius
    Explore the world's best all-inclusive resorts for honeymoons in 2024, from Caribbean beaches to European luxury and Southeast Asian paradises.

    Read More

  3. The Best Tropical All-Inclusive Resorts for Your Dream Honeymoon

    Nov 12, 23 09:18 PM

    An all Incluseve wedding honeymoon combo
    Discover your dream honeymoon at top tropical all-inclusive resorts. Luxurious accommodations, exotic locations, and endless romance await newlyweds."

    Read More

  4. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Review: Is It Worth The Money

    Nov 12, 23 07:28 PM

    Secrets M
    Dive into luxury at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun. Explore elegant suites, gourmet dining, and endless activities in our detailed resort review.

    Read More