Although it is a tiny little town that you may not even have heard of, there are things to do in Maunaloa, Hawaii. Given that it shares its name with a well known Big Island volcano, you may find yourself wondering, "What island is Maunaloa on?" In fact, the town is on the island of Molokai. The fifth largest Hawaiian Island, Molokai lies 25 miles east of Oahu across the Kaiwi Channel, and just north of Lanai, separated by the Kalohi Channel. Measuring in at just ten miles wide, Molokai is home to more than 100 miles of shoreline, breathtaking waterfalls, beaches that stretch on for miles, former leper colonies, the world’s tallest sea cliffs, and the tiny village of Maunaloa - one of the most charming small towns in Hawaii.
Maunaloa is located on the western side of Molokai. It has a population of 300 to 400 people, and it should not be confused with the Big Island volcano of the same name. It is the only town on the island's western coast, and it is downright delightful.
You won’t find much of anything in this tiny little community nestled in the hills above the coast - not even a single traffic light - but if you're looking for an off the grid spot to spend a few hours during your Molokai vacation, this is it.
While this town has always been tiny, the closure of the Molokai Ranch in 2008 made it even smaller. The ranch operated a hotel, the Kaupoa Beach Village, the Kaluakoi Golf Course, the Maunaloa gas station, movie theatre, and cattle ranch.
More than a decade later, the charming little plantation town is home to little more than a post office, a small supermarket, an art gallery, and a gift shop.
The biggest attraction in town is the Big WInd Kite Factory, where visitors will find a unique selection of hand-made kites.
Here, you can go on a tour of the factory or take a kite flying lesson.
You can also visit nearby La'au Point, a picturesque spot marking the southwestern tip of Molokai.
Maunaloa is also close to the popular Papohaku and Kapukahehu beaches.
This sleepy little community is as remote as it gets, and it is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - if only for an afternoon.
Most of the things to do in Maunaloa, Hawaii revolve around the outdoors - which is why people come to Hawaii in the first place. And as one of the least-visited of the islands, Molokai is the perfect place to experience all that the Aloha State has to offer without the tourist crowds. So, what are you waiting for? This tiny little town is just waiting to be explored.
Looking for a bit bigger town to explore on Molokai? That would be Kaunakakai, a charming country town that will take you back in time.
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