Hawaii's Lush, Less-Visited Island Is Home To Kalaupapa National Historical Park

While busy Oahu, and its five-star luxury resorts near Waikiki often come to mind for a trip to Hawaii, the Aloha State has a much more low-key, easy-going feel on its other islands. Far away from hordes of tourists, traffic jams, and the concrete jungles, Moloka'i stands out as an authentic slice of the islands where visitors can soak up the local culture and history at their own pace. Located between Oahu and Maui, Moloka'i is the fifth-largest island in the state and has roughly 7,000 residents. Much of the island exists in a different world from modern tourist traps, exhibiting many of the traditions and the rural lifestyle that encompassed Hawaii centuries ago.

Moloka'i is known as Hawaii's "Friendly Island." However, for generations, the island was known as the site of an open-air prison, now known as Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, where more than 8,000 patients suffering from leprosy were forcibly isolated by law. The spectacular sea cliffs rising thousands of feet on Moloka'i, as well as in the ocean around the island, created a natural barrier to isolate sufferers of the disease and prevent others from being sick. Families were separated, and the local Board of Health in Hawaii, the Federal government, as well as missionaries worked to support patients by keeping them comfortable for decades as they suffered during this dark chapter. Despite a cure for leprosy being discovered after World War II and the abolishment of mandatory quarantine laws in 1969, some former patients still live in the village today.

The Kalaupapa Peninsula on the North Shore of Moloka'i was formed from a series of incredible geological events. Nearly one million years ago, the northern third of the island broke off into the ocean, leaving behind towering 3,000-foot cliffs. Hundreds of thousands of years later, Pu'u'uao, an undersea volcano, erupted several times, spilling out smooth pahoehoe lava which gradually formed the Kalaupapa peninsula. To see this unique geological feature up close along with gorgeous cascading waterfalls, book a helicopter tour from Maui to get a one-of-a-kind bird's eye view. You can also explore by visiting the island's only state park, Pala'au State Park. Here, you'll find a short walkway leading out to a scenic viewpoint where you'll see the entire Kalaupapa Peninsula as well as a description of the area and maybe even some goats foraging. While the park makes a gorgeous setting for a picnic, at the time of writing, the state park's campground and picnic pavilion are both closed for renovations.

Visitors who are looking to learn more about the 103-year history of Kalaupapa National Historical Park are required to book a tour and get a local permit to visit the village. Seawind Tours and Travel offers day trips to the National Historical Park from Honolulu, including a round-trip ticket to and from Kalaupapa Airport, and a tour of the village for $625 per person. Note that children must be at least 16 years old, and individuals are not allowed to travel alone within the village, nor allowed to enter without a guide. Be sure to bring something to eat for your trip, as there is no catering, and leave no trace. Tour dates for 2026 are not yet set, but current tours leave on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

When planning a trip to Moloka'i, be sure to keep your expectations in check; you won't find the luxury boutiques and budget-friendly shopping paradise that you would on Oahu, but instead, small authentic businesses largely supported by locals. The handful of hotels and vacation rentals on the island are largely quiet and peaceful, where you can unwind and soak in the local scenery. You'll still be able to get classic foods from the mainland as well as Asia, on top of typical Hawaiian cuisine, including poke bowls. In Kaunakaki, Lunchbox is noted to be vegetarian-friendly and provides incredible service for guests who have dietary restrictions. You'll also be able to grab a cold beer and a delicious meal with a casual vibe at Paddler's, voted as one of the best restaurants in Maui County, and the best restaurant on Moloka'i. If you're on the island on Saturday morning, don't miss visiting the farmers market on Ala Malama by the library for local fruits and authentic handiworks.

Getting to Moloka'i can be an adventure in itself, as it requires hopping on a small plane. Your best option to visit Moloka'i is to fly into Molokai Airport (MKK) from Honolulu or Kahului, Maui (OGG) on Mokulele Airlines. Make sure you have a rental car booked for when you land, as there is little public transportation on the island. A bus runs across Moloka'i intermittently throughout the day for locals. If you decide to visit, you can also check out the top secret Kawakiu Beach which is easily reachable through a short and scenic hike.