Molokai

Molokai Shopping & Dining

The people who visit Molokai aren’t looking for high-rise hotels, shopping centers, nightlife, glitz, or glamour. They want a low-key, countrified vacation filled with charm and adventure. As far as dining goes, Molokai restaurants are the farthest thing from formal. They’re casual gathering places to eat island-grown food, relax, and tell stories. If you’re staying at the Kaluakoi Villas, there are several Molokai restaurants just a short drive away in old Maunaloa Town. Or head to Kaunakakai where you’ll find the most choices. Try the hand-tossed pizza at Molokai Pizza Café. (Even their sandwich buns are homemade.) For fresh baked goods on the sweeter side, follow your nose to Kanemitsu Bakery. It’s been a local favorite since 1922. Locals also love Molokai Drive-Inn for American and Asian dishes. Don’t let the funky décor deter you. But if it does, try the take-out window and bring a bite back to your cottage lanai.

Shopping on Molokai means farmer’s markets, island boutiques, flower shops, craft markets, and surf stores. You’ll find Molokai-grown papayas and mangoes, organic vegetables and herbs, coffee, macadamia nuts, and plumeria. And don’t miss the Kamakana Fine Arts Gallery in Kaunakakai where over 100 local artists exhibit their contemporary and cultural fine arts and crafts. Entertainment means sipping sunset cocktails while watching live entertainment from local musicians. Try to catch legendary “Pound for Pound,” a group of artists each over 250 pounds. They perform Hawaiian, reggae, and country, including hits from their CD, “100% Molokai,” a tribute to this amazing island. Or if you’d rather veg at the movies, Maunaloa Cinemas in Maunaloa Town is a triplex theatre that plays first-run movies.