Molokai Island is a beautiful destination all year long. It is important that you start looking for Molokai vacation rentals months prior to your arrival to the island because there are several events and festivals happening throughout the year that consistently attract hundreds of tourists. When planning your next visit to Moloakai, here are 4 must-see events and festivals.
1. Ka Molokai Makahiki Festvial
Happening every January, this festival celebrates the importance of the harvesting season throughout the history of the Hawaiian empire. During the harvesting season, by royal decree, all wars and battles would come to a temporary truce in order for sporting competitions to take place between different tribes. This period is known in Hawaiian culture as "Makahiki." Every year, the Ka Molokai Makahiiki Festival is celebrated at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai Town. The activities range from crafts workshops to sporting event to history lectures. Explore ancient Hawaiian games such as 'uki huki' (tug-of-war) and 'ulumaika' (lawn bowling).
2. Ka Hula Piko Hula Fetsival
The island of Molokai is the original birthplace of Hawaiian hula. To celebrate the birth of hula, every May hundreds of locals and out-of-town visitors head to the Mitchell Pauole Center in Molokai Island to participate in this 3-day festival. You will experience not only several traditional and modern hula exhibitions but also have a chance to take part in hula seminars and lectures. The highlight of this celebration is the grand Hoolaule, which is a day-long celebration on the last day of the festival where music groups from throughout Hawaii perform. During the Ka Hula Piko Hula Festival, you will also enjoy food and craft booths. Please be aware that some traditional hula attire is a bit revealing and may not be appropriate for younger children.
3. Festivals of Aloha
October is one of the most active months for Molokai when it comes to festivals and events because it features not only 3 full days of celebrations but also the Molokahi Hoe Canoe Race. For more than 5 decades, the Royal Court of Hawaii visits Molokai Island to honor the 'kupuna' (elders in Hawaiian culture) and the 'keiki' (children and youth in Hawaiian culture). There are several events happening at the Mitchell Pauole Center and around Kaunakakai Town. On the last day of this October festival, the Molokai Hoe Canoe Race takes place. This is a 41-mil Outrigger Canoe (a Hawaiian canoe for open ocean travel) race starting on Molokai Island and finishing on Oahu Island. The racers compete to see who arrives frist to the Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki.
4. Christmas in Paradise
If you happen to be in Molokai during the first week of December, make sure to head to the annual Christmas Light Parade in Kaunakakai Town. This is the perfect reason to leave your Molokai vacation home and share a special holiday moment with your family or friends. The Christmas Light Parade features marching units, floating light displays, and best Christmas tree and best Christmas dessert contests.
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