Molokai Sightseeing

Kalaupapa Overlook   The trip here is easy on very good roads.  Park at Palaau State Park which is normally well maintained.  Just a short walk through cypress and pine trees brings you to the spot where you can look down almost vertical cliffs to the Kalaupapa peninsula.  Plaques at the overlook give a summary of the history of the leper colony.  From here you can also see the world's tallest sea cliffs at Umilehi Point which towers 3,300 feet above sea level.  Just below the park is the three mile Kalaupapa Trail which contains 26 switchbacks before reaching the Peninsula below.  From the Park another trail is a little longer, uphill and leads to Phallic Rock.  Hawaiian legend is that barren women who made offerings to the rock and spent the night there would be able to bear children.

Molokai Museum and Cultural Center  Located two miles below the overlook on Highway 470.  Its largest exhibit is the 1878 R. W. Meyer Sugar Mill, an authentic restoration of an 1878 sugar mill which is in operating condition and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  The original machinery is still in operating condition.  Tours are given from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and cost $2.50 for adults and $1.00 for students.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

St. Philomena's Church, Kalaupapa Peninsula

is located on Makanalua Peninsula on Molokai's north coast.  Known as a place of exile for those suffering from leprosy which is known at this time as Hansen's disease.  1,600 foot bluffs on it's south isolate the peninsula from the rest of the island.  There are three ways to see the settlement.  You can fly in, ride a mule down the cliffs, or hike in and out.  You will need an invitation to visit Kalaupapa.  These can be arranged by contacting Damien Tours (808) 567-6171 or Molokai Mule Ride at (800) 567-7550.

Kapuaiwa  One of the last surviving coconut groves in the Hawaiian Islands is located between the airport and town on the ocean side of the road.   It was planted in the latter part of the 19th century in honor of Kamehameha V. 

Kaunakakai is the island's main "city."   The false-front buildings along the main street remind you of an old west movie set.  Check the tourist information office in town for advice and help on plans during your stay.

Molokai Ranch Wildlife Park   Here you can find African and Asian animals living on a 1,000-acre natural wildlife preserve.  The terrain of western Molokai is similar to that of the Kalahari Desert in Africa.  You will see giraffe, zebra, axis deer, and many others.