Best Things to Do in Molokai During Your Next Family Vacation

Molokai is one of the Hawaiian Islands. The island is full of beauty, friendly locals, Hawaiian culture and traditions, and an ambiance that will never have you feeling rushed or stressed. While the island of Molokai has many things going for it, there is something missing. You may not be able to determine what is missing at first, but after spending a few days on this island, you will realize there are no tourist traps. That means you won’t get sucked in by a fake Hawaiian attraction or store and will instead enjoy an authentic experience during your vacation. And don’t worry; there are so many things to do in Molokai during your next family vacation that I guarantee you won’t be bored!

Best Things to Do in Molokai During Your Next Family Vacation

Visit as Many Waterfalls as Possible

The waterfalls in Molokai are simply stunning. It is best to visit them the day after a rainstorm because the water will rush over the edge with even more force. But if you happen to have gorgeous weather your entire trip, it’s okay! You will still think all the waterfalls on this island are incredible. You can easily visit as many of Molokai’s waterfalls as you wish. But to get your waterfall bucket list started, I recommend Papalaua Falls, Hipuapua Falls, and the waterfalls near the end of the hike in Halawa Valley.

Decorate a Coconut and Send It Back Home

Do you love to decorate? Or paint or design? Well, when you take a vacation in Molokai, you can spend part of a day decorating your own coconut! Simply head over to the US Post Office Hoolehua to create a fabulous coconut. Once your coconut is completed, you are welcome to “Post-a-Nut”. You can send it to your home or to friends and family as a one-in-a-kind souvenir.

Enjoy a Few Water Sports

The Hawaiian Islands may be known for surfing, but there are many other types of water sports you can do when you are on vacation in Molokai. I recommend renting a kayak or paddleboard, so you can enjoy beautiful views of the shoreline from a different vantage point. Of course, you can also learn how to snorkel and scuba dive when you are on vacation in Molokai. These two types of water sports are perfect for when you want to get up close to marine life, like fish, green turtles, dolphins, and sharks.

Take the Scenic Drive Along the Coastal Road

Over on the island of Maui, many travelers choose to conquer the Road to Hana. Well, on the island of Molokai, the scenic road is the Kamehameha V Highway. The scenic drive is twenty-eight miles long and will lead you directly to Halawa Valley. There are multiple stopping points along this coastal road. However, the ones you will want to make sure are on your list to stop at include:

• Kalokoeli Fishpond
• One Ali’I Beach Park
• St. Joseph Church
• Our Lady of Sorrows Church
• Iliiliopae Heiau
• Kumimi Beach

Go Shopping at the Saturday Farmers Market

You must wake up early if you want to purchase the best items from the Saturday Famers Market when you are on vacation in Molokai. The best fruits and veggies sell quickly, as do all the favorite souvenirs. This market opens at seven in the morning, and I recommend getting there a few minutes before that to park and get your bearings. Then don’t forget to grab a shaved ice before the market closes at noon.

Go Back in Time to the Town of Maunaloa

Maunaloa was an up-and-coming town back in the day, but in 2008, it turned into a ghost town. The locals didn’t want the area overdeveloped, so the owner of many of the buildings closed everything up and left. While people still live in Maunaloa, there is only a general store in the town. All the abandoned buildings are still standing, though, many of them with their signage intact. A visit here is an excellent way to show the kids what life was like more than a decade ago.

Go Hiking Along the Pepeopae Trail in the Kamakou Preserve 

There are many hiking trails in Molokai, but one of the best is the Pepeopae Trail in the Kamakou Preserve. This rainforest is filled with lush vegetation, including more than two hundred different native plants. You will hike along a boardwalk as you pass through the rainforest and mountain bog. Your destination is the overlook of Pelekunu Valley, and you will be rewarded with magnificent views.

Watch the Sunset at Papohaku Beach Park

There are plenty of options when it comes to watching the sunset during vacations in Molokai. However, one of the best sunset-watching destinations is Papohaku Beach Park. After watching the sunset, you can stare off in the distance at the twinkling lights in Honolulu.

And if you want to visit a beach without a person during the day, this beach should be at the top of your list. The three miles of sand hardly ever have too many people on it, so you can enjoy the tranquility and get a good stretch of sand to relax on.

These are just some of the best things to do in Molokai during your next family vacation. I know that you won’t want to have all these items on your list of things to do in Molokai because they might not all interest your family. But I have so many other ideas that I can share with you as we discuss your family’s likes and dislikes.

Are you ready to plan your next family vacation in Molokai?

If you are ready to plan your family vacation in Molokai, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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