Outdoor activities reign supreme on Molokai. Given the island’s spectacularly scenic setting, it’s not hard to see why. Here’s a sampling:

Water Activities
• Ocean kayaking: Paddling along the island’s stunning North Shore is a phenomenal experience. Participants can discover secret beaches, exotic vegetation, wildlife and towering sea cliffs spilling with waterfalls along a coastline that is inaccessible by land. Ocean kayaking along Molokai south shore is a delightful experience all year long. Viewing the undersea world while gliding over the fringing reef in a kayak is an unbeatable way to experience Molokai’s southern shoreline.

• Fishing:  Whether from a boat or from the shoreline, fishing is a passion on Molokai. The island’s veteran boat captains regularly take visitors out for thrilling deep-sea fishing expeditions. Many will even clean and dress your big-game catch and deliver it to your hotel or condominium so you can cook it.

• Snorkeling and more: Molokai’s miles of pristine shoreline and large barrier reef make it a mecca for snorkelers and ocean enthusiasts. You can also surf, windsurf, body board, boogie board, paddle canoes, comb the beach, explore the reef, and more on Molokai.

• Scuba-diving: Molokai is one of the last great places to scuba dive. A new addition to Molokai’s menu of water activities is guided scuba diving excursions in the pristine waters around the island.

Humpback whales average 45 feet in the length and weigh about one ton per foot. Their newborns calves are one-and-a-half to three tons in weight, and consume 80 gallons of their mother’s milk daily. Whales are protected in Hawaiian waters, and federal laws regulate whale-watching activities in order to ensure the animals’ comfort and well-being.

Whale-watching from boats and from numerous vantage points on the island is a not-to-be-missed experience.

Land Activities
• Hiking: Molokai’s network of walking paths and hiking trails through the island’s extensive wilderness offers a rare chance to experience what Hawai`i’s natural environment was like in centuries past. Visitors can also view some of the island’s ancient sites via footpath by joining a walking tour or guided hike that will enrich participants with cultural and historical knowledge. One of Molokai’s most famous trails measures four miles long and descends nearly 2,000 feet to the sea by means of 26 switchbacks. This trek, down to the Kalaupapa Peninsula, can also be made on muleback. Many of the guided hikes and tours on Molokai require advance reservations.

Tip: It is extremely important to respect places of historic significance and great natural beauty. Never remove items or disrupt such sites in any way. Do not touch petroglyphs, even to take a rubbing of them, as they are extremely fragile. You may find that others before you have left behind stacks of rocks or stones wrapped in leaves. Perhaps caused by a misunderstanding of Hawaiian culture, such actions have no cultural meaning, and are disrespectful of the land.

• Horseback: With its expansive ranch lands and numerous trails, horseback excursions are popular on the island. Riders can gallop from sunrise to sunset, across open pastures, through forests and along clifftops, or down to the sea for a plunge in the ocean, horse and all. Some excursions combine a saddle ride with a champagne dinner in a spectacular wilderness setting. Molokai’s paniolo who work the island’s ranches often share their rodeo skills with visiting guests.

• Muleback: One of Molokai’s most famous rides is on the back of a mule, down a steep 2-1/2-mile trail to Kalaupapa Peninsula. 

• Archery: Visitors can try their hand at hunting 3-D targets of deer, wild boar, big ram, black bear, turkey, mountain lion and more. Set up to simulate a real hunt, the targets are located down hills, between trees, in bushes and across hills. Suitable for beginners and adults.

• Paniolo Round ups: Real Hawaiian cowboys teach guests the basics of holding and approaching cattle, how to sort them, and how to do team-penning. Guests compete in an obstacle course on horseback, as well as a penning race.

• Golf: Molokai offers two  courses. The nine hole Ironwoods Golf Course is set 1,200 feet above sea level in Central Molokai, where the air tends to be cool and crisp. The eighteen hole Kaluako`i  Golf Course is located on Molokai’s West End.

• Shopping: You won’t find any department stores, shopping malls or big box retailers on Molokai. Instead, shoppers can delight in serendipitous finds at a variety of charming little shops, boutiques and galleries in Kaunakakai Town, Maunaloa Town, at hotels and attractions. Every Saturday morning, the Open Market in Kaunakakai Town is open from 5:30 a.m. to around 1:00 p.m.

• Spa: The Molokai Lodge in Maunaloa offers the only spa on Molokai. Yoga classes are also available at the Molokai Lodge, and Kaunakakai Town offers Hawaiian style lomi lomi massages at Turning Point Massage Therapy.

• Dining: Many accommodations on Molokai, including hotels, have at least a small kitchenette in their unit, and groceries can be purchased from one of two grocery stores in Kaunakakai. About a dozen eateries on the island offer a range of edible choices including casual “local style” lunches, ethnic foods, baked goods, organic and vegetarian dishes, pizzas, gourmet coffee, seafood delicacies and other hearty fare.