While we love Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu, as well as the various cities and resort towns that populate the islands’ shores, we are slightly obsessed with the charming small towns that can be found across the islands — from Kauai’s western shores to the southern tip of Hawaii Island. None of the towns you’ll find in the Aloha State, however, are as remote and isolated as this charming town. Come along as we explore the many things to do in Kaunakakai, Hawaii.

Tucked away far off the beaten path on the tiny island of Molokai, Kaunakakai is full of history, charm, and serenity.
jshyun/Flickr
With a population of just over 3,000, you won’t find any big chain stores — or even a single traffic light — in Kaunakakai, one of the smallest and most beautiful towns in Hawaii.
Located on the southern shore of Molokai, Kaunakakai was once a bustling port town.
Patrick McNally/Flickr
This was back in the days when pineapple and sugar exports were a major industry.
King Kamehameha V’s royal summer residence was once in this ancient canoe landing.
Sanba38/Wikipedia
And now the Old Western-style storefronts paint the picture of a town stuck in time.

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As the largest town on this small island, Kaunakakai is the main shopping hub for the 7,300 island residents.
jshyun/Flickr
You'll find just a few mom-and-pop stores selling groceries and other supplies.
At just three blocks in size, many of the buildings found within Kaunakakai are still the original construction.
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This includes the Molokai Public Library, which is the only library on the island and was built in 1937. That makes it one of the most historic places in Hawaii as well.
Today, Kauanakai is home to a handful of charming shops and restaurants, including the famous Kanemitsu Bakery.
jshyun/Flickr
The Kanemitsu Bakery is where locals and visitors alike line up after nightfall to devour piping-hot loaves of bread.
Kaunakakai is also the site of one of Hawaii’s last royal coconut groves — Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove — as well as the longest pier in Hawaii.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Another well-known spot is Church Row, where you will discover seven small missionary-style churches, some of which date back to the late 19th century.

Have you ever enjoyed a visit to the charming and isolated town of Kaunakakai? Share your experiences and favorite spots with us in the comments below, and if you’ve yet to experience this historic gem, add it to your Hawaii bucket list.

While you’re here, be sure to take a driving tour of the island.

If you’re still in the mood for more Aloha adventures, check out this video about the10 best places to visit in Hawaii:

 

 

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Hawaii

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | March 18, 2023

Where can we find resorts in Hawaii?

  • Sensei Lanai in Lanai City is an adults-only, upscale luxury resort featuring a fully personalized wellness itinerary for each guest.
  • Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu features snorkeling, a secluded beach, hiking, numerous on-site dining options, and a full-service spa.
  • The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort in Waimea is a pet-friendly resort with a golf course, a 24-hour fitness center yoga classes, a luxury spa, and one of the best pools on the island.

Read on to learn more about the many wonderful resorts in Hawaii.

Where can we find historic sites in Hawaii?

  • The Aloha Tower located on Pier Nine in Honolulu is both a lighthouse and was the tallest building in the state for four decades.
  • The Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement located on Molokai is a U.S. National Park with a historic cemetery of unmarked graves.
  • Kawaiaha’o Church located in downtown Honolulu is one of the oldest standing Christian places of worship in The Aloha State and was the former home of the national church of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Read on to learn more about the many fascinating historic sites in Hawaii.

Where can we enjoy unique adventures in Hawaii?

  • You can go cage diving with sharks on Oahu’s north shore.
  • You can drive along an eight-mile-long unpaved road to get to Mauna Kea, located 13,796 feet above sea level and the highest point in the state of Hawaii.
  • You can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can walk right up and watch flowing lava in person.

Read on to learn more about the many unique adventures in Hawaii.

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Kaunakakai, HI, USA