Location: Kaunakakai
Top Things to do in Kaunakakai
- 1. Molokai Mule Ride
- 2. Post-A-Nut, Hoolehua Post Office
- 3. St. Joseph's Catholic Church
- 4. Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nuts
- 5. Molokai Lomi Therapeutic Massage and Healing Center
- 6. Kalaupapa National Historical Park
- 7. Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
- 8. Murphy's Beach
- 9. Kalaupapa Overlook
- 10. Molokai Harbor
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Kaunakakai, United States
Kaunakakai is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maui County, Hawaiʻi, United States. It is the largest town on the island of Molokaʻi. The population was 3,425 at the 2010 census. It has the largest port on the island and the longest pier in Hawaii. The town was made famous in the 1930s by the song "The Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai", beginning an ongoing tradition of designating an honorary mayor for the town.
Restaurants in Kaunakakai
1. Molokai Mule Ride
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
A two hour mule ride down an 1800 foot cliff to Kalaupapa Peninsula.
Reviewed By Carole R - Montreal
I have to say that we were very disappointed with our day at Kalaupapa. We had been wanting to go to Kalaupapa for seven years and our visit was a big disappointment!
Going down walking was good. My husband hiked back and it was fine. My flight back was also good. No problem there. I just wonder why we were charged 79$ US when Damien Tours charges 60$ US for the same service (hiking up and down + visit). We were disappointed to know that this company (Kalaupapa Mule ride) charged us 19$ more for nothing more… Unless we are mistaken…
But most of all, we were so disappointed with our historical visit. Our guide had very little knowledge of Kalaupapa’s history. He knew very few facts and repeated them all along the visit. On top of this, when we got to the church at Kalawao, he sat us down in the church, he chanted religious chants and he preached about his religious beliefs for quite a while. I was shocked! We had to sit there and listen to him… He even admitted to us the he was « getting carried away »… After his « performance », our guide interacted very little with us for the rest of the visit. We stopped at a church and at Sister Marianne’ grave. We saw very little of the historic sites. He was more interested in showing us the wild pigs and the asian deers than the historic sites. We stayed a long time at the lookout un Kalawao (after eating our lunch on the bus!) and at the wharf in Kalaupapa. Our guide left us on our own, interacting very little with us.
We heard from people who took the tour with Damien Tours, that their guide has a master thesis on Kalaupapa and is passionate and very knowledge about the whole subject. They enjoyed very much their visit…
Overall, our visit with Kalaupapa Mule Ride company was not worth the money and was a big disappointment. I would not recommend their services to anyone... unless you really want to go up and down with the mules... I heard that Damien Tours can organise a flight down and up too, but I am not sure...
2. Post-A-Nut, Hoolehua Post Office
Overall Ratings
5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Fay T - Long Beach, California
How fun! We sent three coconut "postcards" to family and friends! We decorated them with colorful markers, which were provided! Gary provided us with tips and was extremely helpful and kind! He told us they would be delivered in three days! We can't wait to see the reaction for this wonderful surprise from Molokai!
3. St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Jilara - San Jose, California
I read a bit of the history of this church in "Tales of the Night Rainbow" and how the Native Hawaiians built this church for Father Damien so he would have a place for his God. (BTW, I recommend this book for Native history of Molokai.) It's a sweet and simple structure, and I think the Christ on the cross may be made of coral. No longer hosting services (says it's still used for special events), but you can stop and visit and also read a bit about Brother Joseph, an associate of Father/Saint Damien's. There is a statue of him in his Civil War uniform near the parking area.
4. Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nuts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By mainejac - Kennebunk, Maine
Not a lot of tourist attractions on the island of Molokai but this is one you should take time to visit. We wanted to learn about macadamias and happened to see the sign leading to this family-owned farm. One of the owners, Kammy, was already talking to a few people about growing the trees when we arrived. There is no set time for tours, very informal. We learned about the history of the macadamia nut, growing them, how to tell ripeness and how to open them, all hands-on. The sampling of their various products was fun. The small store has plenty of goodies to buy, plus there is an online store. It is definitely an experience to add to your visit.
5. Molokai Lomi Therapeutic Massage and Healing Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By iloveboston89 - iloveboston89
Allana offers the most amazing therapeutic massage. The "massage" is unlike any that I have ever experienced. It is much more focused on therapeutic and healing than just relaxation. She is very knowledgeable on osteopathic medicine and was able to focus on parts of my body that needs the most work and offer advice on stretches and reducing tightness. Not only I feel completely relaxed after the experience, I came away learning more about my body and ways to improve my physical health. She also uses an incredible variety of essential oil and explained to us the medicinal properties behind each. We were also very inspired by Allana's stories from Hawaii lore to her personal stories.
6. Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
This historical park was a former leper colony run by Father Damien in the 1930s.
Reviewed By 69ashe69
We rode the mules down and back. A trip not for the faint of heart. The mules are sure footed and almost drive themselves. This park steps back in time and walks the visitor through Hansen's disease of the 19th and early 20th century. Two saints performed their lifes work here. This was a Hawaii bucket list item and well worth the day, the views and the life memories created. We were not disappointed.
7. Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Robert K - Dallas, Texas
The Mill grounds at 1,500 ft were chosen for the abundant rainfall. Cane was cut by hand and brought to the crusher by oxcart. The 30 acres produced 50 tons of sugar per year.
But another bigger story, resides inside a small on-premise Museum with a brief but informative video about the early history of Molokai - with special emphasis on the Leper Colony. Hawaii is steeped in History and Molokai Museum helps you to understand some of its past and how it has affected the present.
8. Murphy's Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By globalpaddler - Boise, Idaho
I recently looked thru 2018 island calendars & to my surprise saw Murphy’s Beach as one of 12. This little know jewel being on a calendar internationally distributed, surprised me. That said, the calendar didn’t identify where it was at.
I’ve been coming to Murphy’s for >10 years at different times of the year. This small, little known beach on Molokai’ has great views of Maui and Lanai. If on Molokai’, check it out.
Shhhhhhh, don’t tell.
9. Kalaupapa Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By ccrowe3 - Lakeside, California
The Kalaupapa overlook is an easy walk to a quintessential south seas view. From way up on top, without knowing the sad history that occurred below you would never guess the sad story that unfolded there.
10. Molokai Harbor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By KulaBob - Maui
Yes, Molokai Harbor is a whole lot of nothing. One simple pier for one simple island. But it hails back to another time when steamers came and went and a ferry still does today.
For those longing to get out on the water catch the Molokai Ferry in Lahaina and come over for the day. Then hire a local guide to take you around the island.
Make your plans in advance. Molokai operates in low gear so reservations are a must. Try and pick a low-wind period. The cross-wind in the channel is rough!
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