Molokaʻi is the fifth largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a land area of 260 square miles. Molokai 38 miles long and 10 miles wide.
Population:
As of the 2000 U.S. Census: 7,404 (2000 census). Nearly 40% are of Hawaiian descent, thus its former nickname, "The Most Hawaiian Island." Over 2,500 of the island's inhabitants have more than 50% Hawaiian blood. Filipino is the next largest ethnic group.
Nickname
You will also hear Molokaʻi referred to as the "Friendly Island."
Principal Towns:
- Kaunakakai - population 2,726
- Kualapuu - population 1,936
- Maunaloa Village - population 230
Molokaʻi Airport or Hoʻolehua Airport is located in the center of the island and is serviced by Aloha Island Air, Hawaiian Airlines, the Molokaʻi Air Shuttle, Pacific Wings and Paragon Air.
Kalaupapa Airport is located on the Kalaupapa Peninsula two miles north of the Kalaupapa community. It is serviced by small commercial and charter aircraft which bring supplies to the Hansen's Disease patients and National Historical Park staff as well as a limited number of day visitors.
The Molokaʻi-Maui Ferry departs twice daily from Lahaina Harbor, Maui and Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokaʻi. Travel time is approximately 90 minutes. Cost each way is $40 for adults and $20 for children. The ferry company arranges car rentals and tours of Molokaʻi.
- Tourism
- Cattle
- Diversified Agriculture
Molokai has a variety of climate zones. East Molokaʻi is cool and wet with dense rainforests and mountain valleys. West and Central Molokaʻi are warmer with the driest land being along the coastal areas of West Molokaʻi.
The average afternoon winter temperature in Kaunakakai is around 77°F during the coldest months of December and January. The hottest months are August and September with an average high of 85°F.
Average annual rainfall in Kaunakakai is just 29 inches.
Miles of Shoreline - 106 linear miles.
Number of Beaches - 34 but only 6 are considered swimmable. Only three beaches have public facilities.
Parks - There is one state park, Palaʻau State Park; 13 county parks and community centers; and one National Historical Park, Kalaupapa National Historic Park.
Highest Peak - Kamakou (4,961 feet above sea level)
Number of Visitors Annually - Approx. 75,000
Principal Resort Areas - In West Molokaʻi the principal resort areas are the Kaluakoi Resort and Maunaloa Town (both currently closed); in Central Molokaʻi, Kaunakakai; and on the East End there are several bed & breakfast hideaways, vacation rentals, and condominiums.
Number of Hotels/Resort - 7
Number of Vacation Rentals - 36
Number of Vacation Homes/Cottages - 19
Number of Bed & Breakfast Inns - 3
Most Popular Visitor Attractions - Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Hālawa Valley, Papohaku Beach & Park, and Molokaʻi Museum & Cultural Center.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed Public Law 96-565 establishing Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokaʻi.
Today, travelers are permitted to visit the Kalaupapa peninsula where patients suffering from Hansen's Disease (leprosy) were sent for over 100 years.
A tour will teach you about the former leper colony. You will hear stories of the struggles and suffering of those banished to Molokaʻi.
Read our related feature: Visiting Kalaupapa Today
Molokaʻi has one nine-hole course, located "upcountry," called "The Greens at Kauluwai" or better known as Ironwoods Golf Course. The other, an 18-hole course, sprawls along the west shore, called Kaluakoʻi Golf Course (currently closed.)
Activities
Time spent here is a good way to get acquainted with the old Hawaiian-style of life which involves family, fishing, and feasting with friends.Tennis is available at various locations around the island. Water sports enthusiasts will find a complete slate of activities to choose from including sailing, kayaking, surfing snorkeling, skin diving, and sportfishing. Explore Molokaiʻs "outback" on horseback or mountain bike, or with custom tours operated by local guides.
Molokaʻi is a hikers' paradise. There are mountain, valley, and shoreline hikes to choose from, with trails leading to spectacular scenic overlooks, historic sites and secluded forest pools.
