Molokai's island topography and subtropical location significantly influence the visitor's experience.

Climate

The ocean that surrounds the island helps ensure a warm and balmy climate year round, with average temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s generally cooler in the winter months, and warmest in summer. It is also typically warmest along the coast and eight to ten degrees cooler at higher elevations.

Two terms worth knowing are windward and leeward. For Molokai, windward refers to the northeastern side of the island, the direction from which the prevailing breezes blow. Coming in off the ocean, the northeasterly winds are often laden with moisture. When they reach the mountains, the winds are forced upward and must let go of their moisture in the form of rain. By the time the winds reach the mountaintop and continue on their way, they've unloaded their water, and thus, the southwestern side of the mountains receives very little rain. This is known as the leeward side.

As a result, Molokai's east end is more lush and green than its drier west end. It also explains why many of the island’s hotels and accommodations are located on the western side of the island, where the climate is sunnier and drier, with gentle breezes.

From time to time, the prevailing wind changes direction, and comes from the south. Locals call these breezes Kona Winds, which are usually warm and moist.

Due to its unique geography, Molokai has few beaches suitable for swimming, but what it has are among the best in the state.  The best time of the year to enjoy Molokai's beaches are during the summer months. When the weather is right, the island’s beaches are virtually unbeatable: untouched, unspoiled and uncrowded.  (Visitors to the island in the winter should plan on filling their days with some of the island’s many other attractions and activities.)

Molokai, the Friendly Isle
Molokai is sometimes referred to as “The Friendly Isle.” It would not take long for any visitor to see why. Rural in nature with a small, close knit community, the people of Molokai are quick with a warm smile and friendly introduction. The “Friendly Isle” moniker is actually a modern construct: when tourists began traveling to Maui County shortly after World War II, Hawai`i’s government created “nicknames” for the various islands as part of its visitor marketing efforts.

• West End: Molokai's West End offers the most accommodations and amenities for visitors, including the island’s one resort area, major hotels, condominium properties, vacation home rentals, a nine hole resort golf course and some of the island’s largest beaches, including the three mile long Papohaku (PAH-POH-HAH-koo) Beach. 

• Maunaloa Town: More like a hamlet than a town, though with recently widened and paved streets, Maunaloa is home to a must see cultural center, whimsical kite factory, plantation gallery, lodging, activities and other attractions.

• Central Molokai: Also called “Upcountry,” this area is home to Ho`olehua Airport (MKK), a coffee plantation, the “Post A Nut” post office, and a fully restored, historic sugar mill and museum.

• South Shore: This is where you'll find Molokai's main town, Kaunakakai, located about midway along the southern coastline. “Town” is the main gathering place for residents as well as visitors. This is where everyone comes to purchase necessities, fill their gas tanks, and hold meetings, get medical treatment and access public government services. Also along the southern shore is Kaunakakai Harbor, Kapuaiwa or Coconut Grove, farmlands and 28 miles of fringing reef, the most extensive in the country.

• East End: Most of the island’s residents live, hunt, fish and surf on the East End. Visitors stay here, too, at private vacation homes, condominiums and charming beach bungalows. The drive to the East End is one of the most beautiful in the world, twisting along tree shaded curves and past deserted beaches and coves. Along the way are wonderful views of Maui and Lana'i  across the channel. The paved road ends at lush Halawa (HAH-lah-vah) Valley and Bay on Molokai's eastern tip. Attractions include charming churches, historic sites, and trails.

• North Shore: Most of Molokai's rugged north shore is inaccessible to humankind except by air or sea. The awe inspiring cliffs here are the highest on earth. Scientists believe an ancient cataclysmic event, such as a massive tidal wave, caused a portion of the island to rip away and crumble into the sea. Later volcanic eruptions formed the relatively flat Kalaupapa Peninsula, which sits thousands of feet below the rest of the island.