Kaunakakai is a quiet coastal town with deep Hawaiian roots
For a lifestyle of outdoor recreation and vintage Hawaiian charm, Kaunakakai is a wilderness-lover’s dream. Only around 3,000 people call Kaunakakai their home on Molokai, considered the least touristy island in Hawaii. Long ago, when pineapple and sugar exports were booming, Kaunakakai was a fairly bustling port town. Today, it’s a quiet waterside community where you can charter a fishing boat at the end of the Kaunakakai Harbor pier — the longest pier in Hawaii. This 1,900-foot link to deeper waters extends well past Hawaii’s longest coral reef.
Old-fashioned storefronts maintain the bygone charisma of a town embracing its native roots. In fact, you’ll find that the highest population of native Hawaiians choose to live here. Its storied past includes serving as an ancient canoe landing and the site of King Kamehameha V’s royal summer home.
Vintage cottages and ranch homes near water
You can find a range of modest homes in Kaunakakai for under $500,000, including 1950s cottages on the water, 1970s ranch-style homes on a residential loop, and slightly larger 1980s two-story homes further inland on cul-de-sacs. Two-story plantation-style homes larger than 2,300 square feet, and nicely renovated single-story homes, can ask closer to $750,000. Smaller homes right off Kamehameha Highway are often under $400,000.
Public schools have small class sizes
Public elementary-school students may head to Kaunakakai Elementary School and move on to Molokai Middle School and Molokai High School. Students at all three of these schools enjoy small class sizes and student-teacher ratios of 14-to-1 or less.
Outdoor adventures include snorkeling the longest fringing reef
You can walk or bike to Duke Maliu Regional Park for ball games at the sports fields or play on the playground surrounded by a scenic backdrop of sparse undulating hills. Kaunakakai is also a great choice for divers and anglers who want to the freedom to savor the underwater paradise off Molokai’s pristine shores within a short trek from home. Living here, you can snorkel the longest continuous fringing reef statewide. Within this 28-mile natural wonder you can swim with Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and a kaleidoscope or reef fish.
Historic town center offers shopping and dining
Because Kaunakakai is the largest town on Molokai, it’s the centerpoint for shopping across the island. Built in the 1930s, and retaining much of its original architecture, Kauankakai Town makes even daily errands feel like you’re on a distant vacation, away from all the world’s hustle. As a Kaunakakai resident you’re the closest of all the islanders to this delightful three-block district.
In town, residents line up in the alley well into the night to indulge in fresh-baked loaves served at the back door of the famous Kanemitsu's Bakery. In the morning, Kanemistu is the place for taro hotcakes and French toast. You can also enjoy family dinners or date-nights at Paddlers Restaurant and Bar, voted best restaurant on Molokai by Maui News. Paddlers serves up steak and seafood specialties, along with live music and dancing most nights.
Locals shop for a variety of sundries and foods at several markets including the Friendly Market Center, Molokai Mini Mart and The Planter Box, a cozy organic and natural food store.
Kaunakakai offers key services close to home
Molokai General Hospital is also right within your community, as is the Kaunakakai Fire Station and the Molokai Public Library. When you come home to Kaunakakai, you find serenity, while still being in the central hub on one of Hawaii’s least inhabited islands.
![Meridith Ingram]()
Written By
Meridith Ingram
