VACATION INFORMATION – Molokai Vacation Rentals & Accommodations Comparison

Visitors to Molokai find resort accommodations in three locations;

1. On the western end of the island in the Kaluakoi area
2. On the south side near Kaunakakai, the island’s main town
3. On the eastern end, 13 miles from town

The Kaluakoi Resort area features three condominium developments that are on or near Kepuhi Beach. All have easy access to Kepuhi Beach and Make Horse Beach, both of which offer safe swimming in the summer and fall. Within a few minutes drive you will find Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s longest and Dixie Maru Beach where safe swimming is available almost anytime. Consult the Beaches Page or the Beaches Map for more info.

Surrounded by the currently-closed Kaluakoi Golf Course, the Kepuhi Beach Resort, Paniolo Hale Resort and Ke Nani Kai Resort offer accommodations available to rent directly from the owner or through a rental pool. You will likely see wild turkeys and partridges meandering about the properties and Axis Deer can be seen in the early evening or early morning hours. The grounds are never crowded and the beaches offer all the solitude you’d like. Viewing the spectacular West Molokai sunsets may become your daily ritual while here.

If you’re wondering about the closed Kaluakoi Hotel that is part of the complex, you can find a short explanation halfway down the Molokai Hotels page under Bygone Molokai Hotels.

Also known as Kaluakoi Villas or West Molokai Resort, these condos offer the best ocean views and are closest to the beach. About a dozen 2-story, tropical-design buildings with 8 apartments each, plus 8 single floor cottages. All offer ocean & sunset views with a few that are beach front. In the 2-story buildings the room choices are studio or one-bedroom with lanai and the cottages offer larger square footage in a one bedroom suite.

The grounds are nicely maintained with barbecues in the central lawn area and a lovely pool that is ocean-side directly above Kepuhi Beach.

Pros – Closest to Kepuhi beach, Great sunsets/views.

Cons – Long drive to restaurants or groceries.

Consult this map for a birds eye view or look for Rental Choices Here.

The name means Cowboy House in Hawaiian and is an homage to the cowboys who used to work these West Molokai ranges of Molokai Ranch. Looking more like town houses than conventional condos, these units are all unique and sequestered in a tree-covered tropical garden. Very few have ocean views, but the landscaping makes up for it and the beach is only a short walk away.

Pros – Best landscaping, Close to 2 beaches, Secluded.

Cons – Long drive to restaurants or groceries.

Consult this Map for a birds eye view or look for Rental Choices Here.

About 120 apartments in 11 buildings encircling the pool and barbecue areas and the west end’s only tennis courts. There are one and two bedroom units all with nice lanais and some offering distant views of Kaiaka Rock and Papohaku Beach. While they are the farthest stroll from the beach, about 500 feet, Ke Nani Kai has the nicest pool area of the 3 Kaluakoi condo choices.

Pros – Best swimming pool, Short walk to 2 beaches.

Cons – Long drive to restaurants or groceries.

Consult this Map for a birds eye view or look for Rental Choices Here.

On Molokai’s south side are three destination choices. Near Kaunakakai, the island’s main town, you will find Molokai Shores condominiums and Hotel Molokai. Located one mile east of town, Molokai Shores is a cluster of 3 three-story buildings surrounding the pool/barbeque/putting green area and offering views across the Kalohi Channel to the island of Lanai. Another mile east is Hotel Molokai, the only hotel on the island, with its polynesian funky design, beachfront restaurant and bar.

Further east, at mile 13, is the tropically landscaped Wavecrest Resort another group of 3 three-story condos, which overlook the pailolo channel and nearby islands.

The closest accommodations to Kaunakakai, the Shores is within walking distance of grocery stores and other shops in town. One and two bedroom units are available directly from owners or through the rental pool. All units have a medium size lanai and all offer ocean views across the channel. An excellent whale watching vantage point from December-April. The grounds are nicely kept and the beach fronting the complex is great for strolling, but the water is too shallow for swimming.

Pros – Central location, Great views, Walking distance to town.
Cons – No swimming beach.

Consult this Map for a birds eye view or look for Rental Choices Here.

Molokai’s one active hotel, the poynesian-style Hotel Molokai, is on the beach about 2 miles east of Kaunakakai. A favorite hideaway spot for visitors since it was built in 1968, the hotel is kinda Hawaiian funky in style and ambiance. Very unique in the Hawaii of high-rise hotels, concrete and glass. The open-air rooms have all been recently upgraded with polynesian-style amenities befitting the hotel. One of the few places remaining in Hawaii where you can dine at the water’s edge, the hotel’s Hula Shores Restaurant serves island favorites and offers full cocktail service. While there is a narrow stretch of beach that is fun to stroll, the water is too shallow and sometimes a little murky, so swimming is not a option.

Pros – Central location, Restaurant/bar on premise.
Cons – No swimming beach.

Consult this Map for a birds eye view or look for Rental Choices Here.

At mile 13, Wavecrest resort is the choice farthest east, which means it receives more trade wind showers than the others. The result is a complex with lush tropical gardens and lots of morning rainbows. One and two bedroom units are available directly from owners or through the rental pool. The units all have a medium size lanai which allows views of Maui across the Pailolo Channel. From the grounds, the islands of Lanai and Kaho’olawe are also visable. No beach here, but it is only 6 miles to one of Molokai’s favorites, Murphy’s Beach.

Pros – Tropical location, Great views, Nice landscaping, Quiet.
Cons – Long drive to restaurants or groceries, 7 miles to nearest swimming beach.

Consult this Map for a birds eye view or look for Rental Choices Here.