Plan Your Family Vacation in Molokai with this Travel Guide

Molokai is a Hawaiian Island that embraces the laidback lifestyle. This island has even been nicknamed the Friendly Isle because the locals are so friendly and welcoming. Molokai does not have as many of touristy attractions as the other Hawaiian Islands do. But it does offer pure Hawaiian culture and traditions. This is perfect if you want that authentic Hawaiian vibe during a family vacation in Molokai.

History on the Island of Molokai

The island of Molokai was formed more than one million years ago. The volcanoes, Kamakou and Maunaloa, both pushed up through the ocean to form this island. A third volcano, Kauhako, created a new section of this island many years later. Unfortunately, the entire island has not survived. A large section of the northern shoreline fell off into the sea. The new landscape that was left, though, is quite breathtaking.

Your family vacation in Molokai will have you hearing the numerous legends that have been passed down through the generations. One legend shares how the goddess of the hula, Laka, gave birth while doing the dance on this island. This special occasion is celebrated every May during what is called Ka Hula Piko.

Another legend is that of Kalaipahoa, the poisonwood gods. The gods entered the trees on Maunaloa and poisoned them. The poison was so great that any birds flying nearby were killed instantly.

Weather in Molokai

The weather on the island of Molokai is similar to all the other Hawaiian Islands. The seasons of spring, summer, and fall are basically the same, so they create one big summer season for locals and tourists alike.

Summer in Molokai

Summer in Molokai is warm and sunny. The trade winds can keep the temperatures on Molokai tolerable. However, when those trade winds are not blowing, both the heat and humidity creep up into the unbearable range. There is also very little rain during the summer in Molokai.

Winter in Molokai

The winter months are when you will see more rainfall on the island of Molokai. While the temperatures do drop at this time of the year, the daytime temperatures still reach the upper 70s. It is at night when the temperatures go down into the 60s.

Best Time to Vacation in Molokai

Any time of the year is the best time to vacation in Molokai! The warm weather, sunny conditions, and even the occasional rain make this island the perfect destination for a family getaway. It can be more crowded on this island during major holidays and school vacations, so you will want to keep that in mind when planning your vacation. The good news is that Molokai won’t be as crowded as Maui, Oahu, or the Big Island!

What to Pack for a Family Vacation in Molokai

It is all about the summer temperatures in Molokai, so shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are the perfect items to place in your suitcases. I do recommend taking comfortable walking shoes to go with your sandals, as well as either an umbrella or raincoat for those rainy days.

Places to Stay While on a Molokai Vacation with Family

There are no major resorts on the island of Molokai. Instead, your family will cherish the memories you make as you stay in one of the island’s hotels, cottages, bed and breakfasts, and other vacation rental options. I recommend choosing accommodations that are close to the area you want to spend the most time in. It is also best to be quite close to the beach because you will be spending a lot of time there watching the sun rising and setting.

Foods You Must Try While on Vacation in Molokai

Molokai is not the Hawaiian Island you want to visit if you are looking for fine dining options throughout your family vacation. There are numerous cafés and smaller restaurants on this island. But honestly, there aren’t too many foods that stand out as must-try. I did find a couple of items though, that your family will be interested in when you are on vacation in Molokai.

• Bread – There is one thing the locals on Molokai know how to do, and it is making amazing bread! The Kanemitsu Bakery can be found on Main Street, and it is where I recommend you purchase the bread you eat while on vacation. A round loaf of bread is placed in a paper bag for you to take back to your accommodations. You can even choose from different toppings that include cream cheese, blueberries, cinnamon, strawberry, and butter.
• Plate Lunch – A plate lunch consists of two scoops of either macaroni salad or rice. You will also add either mahimahi, beef teriyaki, kalua pork, chicken katsu, or Korean barbecue to your plate.
• Loco Moco – You must have quite the appetite to finish off a dish of loco moco in Molokai. A hamburger steak and cooked egg is placed on top of a bed of rice before being covered with brown gravy.

Activities to Embrace While on Vacation in Molokai

Molokai might not be the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands, but there is still plenty of things for you to do with your family when you are visiting. Your kids will love spending time on the beach, whether they are building sandcastles or swimming and snorkeling in the water. There aren’t any shopping malls on Molokai, but you will see a few shops you can enter to purchase those much-needed souvenirs. Other activities to embrace while on vacation in Molokai include:

• Hike the trails
• Take a mule ride
• Horseback riding
• Boat rides
• Helicopter tours
• Whale watching
• Mountain biking

Top Places to See While on Vacation in Molokai

Kalaupapa Peninsula

The Kalaupapa Peninsula is an area on the island of Molokai. You must hike, ride a mule, or fly to the Kalaupapa Peninsula. The landscape of the peninsula is gorgeous, but you will be more intrigued by the history of this destination. After all, this is where all the locals who had leprosy were sent to live their final days. The history from that time is still present on this peninsula, and it is best to spend an entire day there exploring.

Halawa Valley

You must take a tour if you want to wander around Halawa Valley. During your tour, you will learn how the locals have lived off the land for all these years. While the hike is amazing, it will be the time you spend swimming at Mo’oula Falls that will be the highlight of your day.

Papohaku Beach Park

Papohaku Beach Park is one of the largest beaches on the Hawaiian Islands. The sandy shoreline is three miles long. You can spend an entire day at this beach by arriving early to watch the sunrise. Then play in the sand, swim, and walk along the shoreline until it is time for the sun to set over the water.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Family Vacation in Molokai

Molokai can be one of the trickier Hawaiian Islands to visit because there aren’t a lot of touristy options. Here are a couple of tips for getting the most out of your family vacation in Molokai.

• Everything is closed on Sundays – You won’t find anything open on a Sunday in Molokai. Therefore, you may want to avoid having this day as one of your vacation days. It might be better to return home on a Sunday.
• Use caution when driving – Deer are everywhere on the island of Molokai, so you must be cautious when driving, especially at night. You will find the most deer on the western side of Molokai.
• You must take the tours in Molokai – You may be the person who loves to explore on their own when on family vacations, but in Molokai, taking tours is the best option. The local guides will ensure you have the best time visiting this Hawaiian Island. The best part is these tours are done in an SUV, so you won’t be on a bus with dozens of other people.

Planning a family vacation in Molokai is quite different than planning a vacation on any of the other Hawaiian Islands. There are fewer people, as well as fewer things to do. And yet, as you can see, your entire family will have the adventure of a lifetime!

Are you more than ready to plan your family vacation in Molokai?

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