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Maunaloa
ℹ️Practical info — Maunaloa
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Embrace the 'Molokai Slide': there are no traffic lights and the speed limit is 45 mph. Drive slowly and wave to passing drivers.
- Stock up on groceries in Kaunakakai before heading to Maunaloa, as the local general store only carries basic essentials.
- Plan ahead for Sundays, as almost everything on the island shuts down completely, including most shops and services.
- Be very careful with the strong undertow at Papohaku Beach; swimming is often dangerous even if the water looks inviting.
- Make sure to rent a car at the airport, as there is no public transportation reaching this remote part of the island.
🍽 Food
Try this quintessential Hawaiian meal consisting of meat, scoops of rice, and macaroni salad at the Maunaloa General Store.
Look for freshly marinated raw fish in local markets, which is the excellent light meal for a sunset picnic.
Take an evening drive to Kaunakakai's Kanemitsu Bakery for their famous giant filled bread rolls sold through a back window.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A world-famous shop for handmade kites where you can often get a free kite-flying lesson in the adjacent park.
The town's central hub for groceries, local honey, and unique Molokai-themed gifts and apparel.
Small boutiques in the village featuring island-made jewelry, wood carvings, and photography from local artists.
One of Hawaii's largest white-sand beaches, which is almost always deserted, offering incredible solitude and space.
A more sheltered cove on the west end that is great for quiet swimming and watching the sunset away from crowds.
A rugged beach area first-rate for long, contemplative walks and watching the powerful Pacific winter swells.
Water temperature…
Maunaloa is situated at the western end of Molokai, offering an authentic Hawaiian experience away from mass tourism. The region is famous for Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii's longest white sand beaches, and Kepuhi Beach, handy for sunset viewing. Other gems include the protected Dixie Maru cove and the secluded Kaupoa Beach. The coastal landscape is defined by rugged cliffs and golden sand. Visitors can explore Lighthouse Beach or the wide Kawaʻaloa Beach, while Kanalukaha and Kahalepōhaku attract peace-seekers. The waters are often rough in winter but offer excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities in summer, especially at spots like Kamākaʻipō Beach. Culinary options in the village include local specialties in small cafes. Access is typically via Molokai Airport, followed by a scenic drive through the highlands. Maunaloa is the excellent destination for travelers seeking original nature and Pacific silence, complemented by beaches like Kalani and Poʻolau.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Kapalikōī · ʻAmikopala · Kopala
- Nearby: Lanai City (45 km)
Geography
Facts
- West Molokai location
- Papohaku white sand
- Surfing at Kepuhi Beach
- Quiet plantation village
- Dixie Maru family bay
- Isolated hiking trails
- No mass tourism
- Whales visible in winter
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Maunaloa (3)
Frequently asked questions
Maunaloa: where is it located?
Maunaloa: what is there to see?
Maunaloa: why is it worth visiting?
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