Maunaloa offers old-school Hawaiian living on Molokai’s leeward side
Molokai is one of Hawaii’s least populated islands, and Maunaloa is the main community on Molokai’s particularly rural leeward side, the western side of the island. It receives very little rainfall, which produces a dry, sweeping landscape with unobstructed Pacific views. This isn’t the traditional lush Hawaiian setting, so it doesn’t get many tourists, but that’s why residents love it. “People here are looking for that old-school Hawaii. It’s very rural, very local,” says Realtor Robert Onofrio with Molokai Realty, who’s been selling on the island since 2016. Maunaloa’s small town center has a general store, a kite factory and a few rows of plantation-style homes. It sits on the high ground, and from there the hills cascade down to the coastline. Between the town center and the beach, there are many open lots and rural retreats where residents enjoy unbothered living. “People don’t come here to change the community,” Onofrio says. “They come here to live the Molokai lifestyle.”
A wide range of prices for open lots and beachfront estates
Maunaloa has small, old plantation-style homes, buildable lots, beach condos and oceanfront estates, so there are a variety of opportunities for buyers. “We’re one of the lowest-priced islands in the state,” Onofrio says. “So, it’s a mix of people coming for the prices and the privacy.” Maunaloa’s town center has some small open lots — less than a quarter of an acre — that have sold for around $70,000 to $80,000. The town’s rows of plantation-style homes are well-established and rarely for sale. One sold in 2025 for $390,000. Near the oceanfront of Papohaku and Kepuhi beaches, small vacation condos and oceanfront studios range from $150,000 to $370,000. Single-family homes are also rarely on the market here. In 2025, a spacious three-bedroom near the beach went for $675,000, and a select oceanfront estate on over 5 acres reached $2.7 million.
Drive to sandy beaches and the world’s tallest sea cliffs
One of the primary benefits of Molokai’s small population is that its landscape remains wild. The island’s lush windward side is known for its scenic cliffs, but Maunaloa residents have better access to the leeward side’s sandy beaches. Papohaku Beach and Kapuhi Beach make up a long stretch of shoreline on Maunaloa’s north end that many residents can reach within a short walk or drive. A 20-mile drive east from Maunaloa, plus an additional hike, leads to Molokai’s most notable landmark, the sea cliffs. These are the tallest sea cliffs in the world, standing between 3,000 and 4,000 feet. They’re located in Kalaupapa National Historic Park, where the forested mountains meet the sea.
Students practice Hawaiian traditions at Maunaloa Elementary
Students here begin at Maunaloa Elementary, which is located in town and earns a C grade from Niche. Maunaloa students start every day with a morning piko. The piko is a tradition at many Hawaiian schools, involving a chant or prayer that connects the community to its heritage. After elementary, they go to Molokai Middle and Molokai High. Molokai Middle receives a C-plus, and Molokai High gets a C-minus. Their shared campus is 13 miles east.
Shopping at Maunaloa General Store and Big Wind Kite Factory
People in Maunaloa do a lot of home cooking because there are no restaurants. However, there are a few small stores. In the town center, Maunaloa General Store offers basic groceries. Across the road, Big Wind Kite Factory is a mom-and-pop shop selling everything from colorful kites and yard decorations to surfboard leashes and souvenirs. On Kepuhi Beach, Da Store has convenience store items. Kaunakakai , Molokai’s largest town, has supermarkets and restaurants, just over 16 miles away via Mauna Loa Highway.
Fly to Honolulu from Molokai Airport
Farming, tourism and small businesses make up Molokai’s economy. The Mauna Loa Highway leads from Maunaloa to Kaunakakai, home to the nearest hospital, just over 16 miles southeast. Molokai Airport is only 10 miles east on the Mauna Loa Highway. It offers short commuter flights to Honolulu, which only take about 30 minutes.
Brush fires on Molokai’s leeward side
Maunaloa itself has a moderate wildfire risk. However, this leeward side of Molokai receives very little precipitation, so its hillside farms experience brush fires periodically. It’s crucial for residents to follow local fire precautions and stay aware of any brush fire activity.
