East Of Kaunakakai Overview

The drive east from Kaunakakai becomes progressively more rural, and the road narrower and less-traveled. The towns listed here are really nothing more than houses clustered along the road. Other than the Iliiliopae Heiau , most sights worth visiting are visible from the road, making this a great stretch to sightsee with the windows down. The highway is dotted with tiny beaches. After many hairpin turns, the end of the road reveals one of Molokai’s most stunning scenes—the Halawa Valley and Falls .

A variety of private cottages, beach houses, and condos are found along Molokai’s southeast shore. There are some great deals, especially if traveling in a larger group; most are easily booked via Molokai Vacation Rentals (☎808-553-8334) or Friendly Isle Realty (☎808-553-3666). Recent enforcement of Maui County zoning laws (Molokai is part of Maui County) have caused some owners to cease renting their houses. Technically, only land designated for resorts/hotels is allowed to host visitors for short-term stays; properties on land zoned for other purposes require special permits. Groups of home owners are trying to obtain exemptions from the restrictions. The owners of   Kamalo Plantation Cottage , situated across the road from Murphy’s Beach, have had to halt rentals altogether. Visitors can try calling to see if the situation has changed. One place unaffected by the zoning law changes is The Wavecrest Resort , located at mi. 13. A condo complex, the resort sits on a lagoon with a good view of Maui. There are two tennis courts, a shuffleboard, and a putting green. Because the units are privately owned, some have been upgraded with stainless steel appliances and flatscreen TVs, while others have more modest furnishings. The condos vary in price; they can be found on www.vrbo.com, www.molokai.com or through local real-estate agencies—often for under $100 per night. (☎808-558-8101.)

Besides Puu O Hoku Ranch , the only place to grab groceries or lunch on the east side of the island is Manae Goods & Grindz (☎808-558-8186), just before mi. marker 16. In addition to the small but well-stocked market, the food counter (☎808-558-8498) serves up light lunch items such as tuna melt sandwiches on whole wheat bread ($3.30) and fresh mahi mahi burgers ($4.60), as well as larger plates like pork stir-fry ($8.75) and chicken nuggets ($6). Video rental is also available for $3.50. (Store open M-F 6:30am-6pm, Sa-Su 6:30am-5pm; food counter open M-F 8am-4pm, Sa-Su 8am-5pm.)