Molokaʻi

Molokaʻi is an island in the U.S. state of Hawaii and the fifth-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands. It is known for retaining much of its traditional Hawaiian culture and a low-density, rural character.

The island is noted for the Kalaupapa Peninsula and the long valley systems such as Halawa Valley, which contain cultural sites and seasonal waterfalls. Outdoor highlights include quiet beaches, coastal walks and low-traffic roads rather than large tourist resorts.

In the 19th century the Kalaupapa Peninsula became the site of a settlement for people with Hansen’s disease; the peninsula and its history remain a defining element of the island. Other parts of the island have long histories of ranching and subsistence agriculture.

Molokaʻi lies in the central Hawaiian Islands between Oʻahu and Maui, northeast of the island of Maui. The main ports and ferry connections link it with nearby islands, while small air services connect it to Oʻahu and other Hawaiian islands.

• Kalaupapa access: Access to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park is controlled and many visits require guided tours or permits, especially to the historic settlement area.
• Scale: The island is the fifth-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, with a much smaller tourism footprint than Maui or Oahu.

What to See #

• Kalaupapa / Halawa Valley: A remote volcanic island in the central Hawaiian Islands noted for the Kalaupapa Peninsula and long agricultural valleys. Halawa Valley on the east coast contains cultural sites and seasonal waterfalls, while the north shore is dominated by low-density coastline and native vegetation.