Kaunakakai, Molokai Cruise Ship Port Guide

Getting Around Kaunakakai Harbor & Town

Save This Pin

Cruise Access to Kaunakakai

Your cruise ship anchors offshore, and tender boats take you to Kaunakakai Harbour. You’ll step directly into the main town from the port.

Getting Around

You can walk through the entire town easily – the main street takes just three blocks. You’ll find taxis waiting at the tender drop-off point. You can book rental cars beforehand if you prefer to drive yourself. Shore excursions offer organised transport for group activities.

Notable Spot

The historic Kaunakakai Wharf stretches 800 metres into the harbour. You can walk its length and catch brilliant sunsets over the water.

Travel Tips:

• Use your feet for local exploration
• Book rental cars in advance
• Join shore excursions for guided transport
• Visit the wharf at sunset for the best views

Top Attractions & Activities in Molokai

You’ll discover Molokai’s authentic Hawaiian spirit without the usual tourist crowds.

Start at Kalaupapa National Historical Park to explore the historic former leper colony and witness the dramatic sea cliffs. You can relax at Papohaku Beach, stretching across one of Hawaii’s largest white sand expanses.

The south shore invites you to discover ancient Hawaiian fishponds, whilst Halawa Valley offers guided cultural hikes through waterfalls and lush terrain. You’ll find local heritage preserved at the Molokai Museum, and tasty samples await at Purdy’s Macadamia Nut Farm.

For underwater adventures, head to Dixie Maru Cove where you can snorkel in sheltered waters teeming with colourful fish and marine life.

Where to Eat & Taste Local Cuisine

Save This Pin

Molokai offers authentic local food that showcases Hawaiian culture. You can visit several standout eateries across the island.

Kanemitsu’s Bakery serves their famous ‘hot bread’ – you can buy this local favourite through their back door after 8pm.

You’ll find fresh-caught fish and local dishes at Paddlers Restaurant, which offers sea views with your meal. Molokai Burger provides quick island-style burgers and tropical smoothies for casual dining.

You should try Kualapu’u Cookhouse for traditional plate lunches. Local residents gather here regularly, making it a genuine island experience.

Each restaurant gives you a taste of Molokai’s welcoming community spirit and unique flavours.

Cultural Experiences & Historic Sites

You’ll discover Molokai’s rich cultural heritage through its well-preserved historic sites and museums. The Molokai Museum in Kaunakakai showcases ancient Hawaiian fishing techniques and farming methods through interactive exhibits.

You can visit Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, where King Kamehameha V planted hundreds of royal palm trees in the 1860s. This sacred site connects you directly to Hawaii’s monarchy era.

Take a guided tour of Kalaupapa Peninsula to learn about Father Damien’s work with the leprosy community. The site offers powerful insights into this important chapter of Hawaiian history.

The R.W. Meyer Sugar Mill shows you how sugar production shaped Molokai’s economy. You’ll see original machinery and learn about traditional processing methods that local workers used during the plantation period.

Practical Information for Cruise Visitors

Save This Pin

Your Molokai Visit – Essential Information

You’ll need to use tender boats to reach the shore, as Kaunakakai has basic port facilities.

You can walk around Kaunakakai town easily, but transport options beyond the town are limited. You should book your tours and car rentals in advance.

Local businesses:

• Follow shorter island opening hours
• Often close on Sundays
• Prefer cash payments
• Have limited ATM access

You can find free WiFi at:

• The public library
• Several local cafés

Remember to bring:

• Sunscreen
• Water bottles
• Insect repellent
• Modest clothing for sacred sites and local venues

Your packing choices will help you manage the limited facilities and respect local customs.

Shopping & Souvenir Options in Kaunakakai

Shopping in Kaunakakai offers you a genuine Hawaiian retail experience, focusing on local crafts and island-made products.

You’ll find most shops along Ala Malama Avenue, the main street:

• Kalele Bookshop stocks Hawaiian books and local gifts
• Molokai Wines & Spirits sells island-produced beverages
• Big Wind Kite Factory offers colourful local souvenirs

The Saturday morning farmers’ market lets you browse:

• Fresh local produce
• Handmade crafts
• Island specialities

Your purchases directly support Molokai’s local businesses and artisans, making each item you buy more meaningful than typical tourist souvenirs.

Remember: shops in Kaunakakai close earlier than in other Hawaiian towns, so plan your shopping during daytime hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tender Boats Required to Reach Kaunakakai Harbor From Cruise Ships?

Yes, you’ll need tender boats to reach Kaunakakai Harbour from your cruise ship. The harbour’s depth doesn’t allow large vessels to dock directly at the pier. You’ll board a smaller boat that shuttles you from your anchored cruise ship to the harbour’s landing point. This transfer system operates throughout your port visit, taking you back and forth as needed.

What Medical Facilities Are Available for Cruise Passengers on Molokai?

Medical facilities on Molokai operate at a basic level. You can access Molokai General Hospital for emergencies and a handful of local clinics for minor issues. Your cruise ship’s medical facilities might offer better immediate care options. You should:

• Bring all your regular medications
• Keep your prescriptions handy
• Check your cruise ship’s medical insurance coverage
• Verify what medical services your ship provides
• Note the hospital’s location: 280 Home Ola Avenue, Kaunakakai

The hospital provides essential emergency services, but complex medical issues may require transfer to larger Hawaiian islands.

How Reliable Is Cell Phone Coverage and Internet Around Kaunakakai?

Cell phone service in Kaunakakai varies by location. You’ll get strong signals in the town centre, but coverage becomes unreliable along the coast. You can access Wi-Fi at local cafés and aboard cruise ships. Major carriers like AT&T and Verizon provide the most consistent coverage in the area.

Is Molokai Suitable for Visitors With Mobility Limitations?

You’ll find Molokai has mixed accessibility for mobility-limited visitors. The main town and harbour areas offer flat, navigable surfaces suitable for wheelchairs. Most natural attractions and remote locations lack paved paths or wheelchair-friendly facilities. You can access basic amenities in central areas, but many scenic spots require full mobility. Your best option is to stick to the developed regions around Kaunakakai town and the wharf district.

How Does Weather Typically Affect Cruise Ship Dockings at Kaunakakai?

Weather conditions affect your cruise ship docking at Kaunakakai in two main ways. Strong winds can prevent tender boats from safely transporting you between your ship and the harbour. Northerly ocean swells create rough waters that make docking operations risky. You’ll find about 15% of scheduled cruise stops get cancelled due to these weather challenges.

Keep in mind the harbour’s exposed position makes it particularly sensitive to weather changes. You should always check your cruise itinerary for potential schedule adjustments during windy or rough sea conditions.