Hotels in Molokai
Where to Stay on Molokai
With only one small hotel on the island, the majority of Molokai’s approximately 58,000 annual visitors tend to stay in vacation rentals or condominiums. Individually owned and decorated condo units vary widely in taste and quality, leaning heavy on the rattan. Don’t expect air-conditioning or elevators in the two- and three-story buildings, either.
Molokai Vacation Properties ★★ (www.molokai-vacation-rental.net; 800/367-2984 or 808/553-8334) can help you navigate what’s available. The agents represent only licensed and legal rentals, most of them oceanfront and all guaranteed to be clean and fully equipped. You can book online, but it’s best to contact the office directly to identify the most suitable unit for your needs. Their customer service is excellent. You’ll find more (though not necessarily licensed) properties online at VRBO.com, Airbnb.com, and other rental websites.
Note: Taxes of 13.416% are added to hotel and vacation rental bills. Parking is free. Unless noted, cleaning fees refer to one-time charges.
Kaunakakai
Some travelers may appreciate the convenience of a condo at Molokai Shores, 1 mile east of town, with many units managed by Molokai Vacation Properties (see above) or Castle Resorts (www.castleresorts.com; 877/367-1912). I find the complex lacks the ambience and privacy found further out on the East or West End, while the compact units (510–663 sq. ft.) can be noisy.
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7 Results
- Campground
County Campgrounds
The family-friendly One Alii Beach Park provides restrooms, barbecues, outdoor showers, drinking water, picnic tables, and electricity; Papohaku Beach Park ★★ has the same, minus electricity and plus plenty of sharp kiawe thorns. Note: The NO CAMPING signs near the Papohaku parking…$Around the Island
- Hotel
Dunbar Beachfront Cottages
These two attractive, green-and-white, plantation-style cottages sit on hidden beaches, with year-round swimming and snorkeling—your own slice of paradise. Each has two bedrooms (one with twin beds), one bathroom, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and attractive furnishings. The…$$East End - Hotel
Hotel Molokai
The free earplugs on the nightstands give away the downside of this retro collection of Polynesian-style A-frames and a single-story wing: Some rooms suffer from traffic noise. Also, as with most lodgings on the South Side, the beach isn’t good for swimming. The upsides: Sunset and…$$Kaunakakai - Hotel
Kaluakoi Resort
Developed and managed separately, these three condo complexes near Maunaloa have much in common. Negatives include a remote location, varying quality of furnishings and decor, and the slightly haunted ambience thanks to the shuttered hotel next door. Positives: easy access to Kepuhi…$$West End - Hotel
Puu O Hoku Ranch
Its name means “hill of stars,” which accurately describes this 14,000-acre retreat on a cloudless night. You’ll stay in one of three 1930s-era cottages, thoughtfully decorated with Hawaiian and Balinese furnishings. Sitting well above the ocean, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom…$$East End - Campground
State Campgrounds
The state manages two campgrounds at high, often misty elevations: Palaau State Park ★★ and the remote Waikolu Overlook in the Molokai Forest Reserve. Both have restroom and picnic facilities, but no drinking water or barbecues. Note: Waikolu is spectacular, but requires a 4WD…$Around the Island - Hotel
Wavecrest Resort
Halfway to Halawa Valley from Kaunakakai, this three-story condo complex on 6 green acres is a convenient, clean home base. Your best bet is Building A, the closest to the ocean. Top floors offer the best views of Maui, Lanai, and uninhabited Kahoolawe, but keep in mind that the…$$East End
