Last Updated on March 6, 2025
The Hawaiian Island of Molokai is likely Hawaii’s least known island. Only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, it is relatively small and much less developed compared to the other Hawaiian Islands, but just a short flight from Honolulu or Maui, or accessible by ferry. My family added on a few days to our Maui trip to visit.
Molokai is known for its rural atmosphere, lush valleys, waterfalls, towering cliffs and pristine beaches, and its deep connection to Hawaiian traditions and culture. It’s also known as the “Friendly Island” because of its welcoming residents, many who are descendants of the native Hawaiians. And from December to April, humpbacks are abundant here in the Pacific waters. Imagine waking up to this site from your private lanai!
The island is also known for its leprosy settlement, where in the 19th and early 20th centuries, those with the disease were forcibly relocated to the Kalaupapa Peninsula. The area is now a historic national park, and the story of its residents is a poignant part of the island’s history.
Molokai is not well-known for its hotel options; therefore, a vacation rental is your best bet. Here are a variety of incredible stay options that will make your visit to this tranquil piece of island paradise memorable.
Charming Oceanfront Condo
If you’re looking to capture the true spirit of aloha, you’ll find it in this lovely oceanfront vacation rental.
The one-bedroom, one-bath property can sleep up to four guests with one queen bedroom and a queen pullout in the living room. The outdoor lanai offers a table and chairs for epic sunset and ocean viewing and the property includes a pool and community area with barbeques and picnic tables.
Rustic Retreat with Tropical Gardens
Those looking for a true-blue Hawaiian experience will love this two-bedroom, two-bath rustic, tropical retreat at Pu’u O Hoku Ranch. The 1930s Sunrise Cottage that sleeps four boasts a classic Hawaiian ranch style home, furnished with Balinese and Hawaiian wood and textiles.
The cottage runs on renewable energy, offers panoramic mountain views and guests can have fresh biodynamic and organic produce as well as fresh beef and venison delivered to the cottage during the stay.
Aloha Kai Top Floor Oceanfront
This remodeled vacation condo offers stunning vistas across the ocean channel of the neighboring islands of Maui, Kaho’olawe and Lana’i.
The romantic one-bedroom, one-bath sleeps two, and is located on five acres of beautifully-manicured landscape with a large oceanfront view, cabana, gas barbecues and ancient fishponds. Sunsets here are magnificent.
Oceanfront Penthouse ‘Hale No Ka Oi’
When Hawaiians say ‘no ka’ oi,” it means ‘the best’, and that’s what you’ll find at this stunning oceanfront penthouse with two-bedrooms and one oversized bath that can accommodate up to four guests.
The top floor suite of the condo offers breathtaking views over the ocean to the island of Lanai. The luxury oasis has a blend of rich, Brazilian cherry wood and gleaming marble floors. An oceanfront pool and grills are available for guest use.
King Suite in Paniolo Hale: Kepuhi Beach
Cozy, charming with a screened lanai and breathtaking views, this one-bedroom, one-bath king studio is ideal for a couple’s getaway.
Guests are only one to three steps to Papohaku Beach, the longest white-sand beach on Molokai and a short stroll to Make Horse Beach. Fall asleep to the lull of the waves and wake up to the sounds of tropical birds.
Molokai Shoreline Resort Wavecrest
The price is so reasonable for this incredible high-end condo that is very tastefully decorated and located on the shores of Kaunakakai in the breathtaking Wavecrest setting.
The one-bed, one-bath vacation home can accommodate four guests with a queen bed and double sofa bed. Guests have access to a private patio, an outdoor pool, covered pool deck, grilling stations and tennis and shuffleboard courts.
Kaunakakai Home at Molokai Shores
This one-bedroom, one-bath beach-inspired Kaunakakai vacation rental offers a patio to soak in the stunning island views along with an outdoor community pool and children’s pool. The condo can sleep up to four with a king bed and double sofa bed in the living room.
Guests will also appreciate the children’s play area, picnic areas, gas and charcoal grills along with a shuffleboard court and kayaks for exploring the awe-inspiring Pacific waters.
Quiet Beachfront Cottage
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll find it at this one-bed, one-bath beachfront cottage that also includes a convertible bed in the living room. Guests are only 150 yards from a secluded beach and a short stroll to the longest white sand beach in Hawaii. Gorgeous sunsets can be seen from the privacy of the cottage’s lanai (while enjoying dinner) or on the beach.
Opening the sliding glass doors of the living room onto the lanai brings the ocean view right into the cottage.
Oceanfront Rainbow Retreat
There’s a reason this property is called Rainbow Retreat, given the magnificent rainbows that appear in the sky above the Pacific after a rainstorm.
Comfortable, minimalistic breathability is the indoor focus while the outside of the condo sparkles with nature’s beauty with views from the lanai. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom retreat features high end furnishings from Oahu and artwork from Tom Everhart that honors our military veterans. And who can’t get into Oprah’s favorite Cozy Earth bamboo bedding? Yep, you’ll find it at Rainbow Retreat.
Two-Bedroom Paradise Getaway
If you’re looking for a bit more space for a Molokai visit with family or friends, you’ll appreciate this two-bedroom third floor corner unit condo that can accommodate up to six guests.
The master bedroom sports a king bed, the second a queen, along with a queen sleeper in the living room. Lovely Hawaiian décor sets the stage, and the condo offers spectacular ocean views with cooling, flowing trade winds. Guests also have access to other resort amenities which include an oceanfront swimming pool, barbeque grills, shuffleboard and tennis courts.