Maunaloa and Molokaʻi: Culture, Coast and Nature

You can plan your trip to Maunaloa around three specific themes: galleries and Big Wind Kite Factory in town, Pāpōhaku Beach on the west coast, and Moʻomomi Preserve on Molokaʻi’s north side. Culture, beach and nature offer different ways to spend your days on the island.

Culture in Maunaloa: Galleries and Big Wind

Maunaloa has a distinctive shop and galleries, including Big Wind Kite Factory. Visitor offerings at individual shops may change. If a particular business is important to your plans, check in advance whether it is currently open to visitors.

Big Wind Kites is located at 120 Mauna Loa Highway, west of Molokaʻi Airport. Big Wind Kite Factory and Plantation Gallery is housed in plantation quarters that were leased in 1976.

A visitor profile from 2013 described free kite-flying demonstrations at Big Wind’s neighboring Aeronautical Testing Facility. If you plan to include this activity in your stay, check in advance whether it is currently taking place.

Pāpōhaku and Moʻomomi: Two Coastal Landscapes

Pāpōhaku Beach is near the Maunaloa area on Molokaʻi’s west coast. At three miles long, it is one of Hawaiʻi’s longest white-sand beaches. This offers a clear contrast for trip planning with Moʻomomi Preserve: Pāpōhaku is a long sandy beach, while Moʻomomi is known for dunes, coastal birds and rare coastal plants.

Moʻomomi Preserve is on the north side of Molokaʻi and is a beach and dune area. It provides a refuge for numerous coastal birds and rare coastal plants; it is also an important nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle. If you are considering a visit, check access conditions beforehand.

At the regional level, Molokaʻi’s dry West End faces the Kaiwi Channel.

Practical information for Maunaloa and Molokaʻi

Maunaloa Community Center has public restrooms and offers cultural activities. For trip planning, it therefore combines a practical facility with a cultural hub in town.

Maunaloa Highway (Route 460) passes Ho’olehua Airport and ends 17 miles to the west in the village of Maunaloa. This provides a clear road reference for your journey; check road conditions before setting out.

There is no public transportation on Molokai; visitors need a rental car or taxi to reach the island’s attractions. Take this island-wide transportation situation into account if you plan to visit destinations beyond Maunaloa.

Before making your choice, consider whether you want to focus your stay on the town or on several destinations across the island.

Discover more destinations: Kaanapali, Kula, Kahului, Lanai City, Lāhainā, Haiku-Pauwela, Napili-Honokowai, Makawao

For the main travel overview: Maui.