Kaunakakai Harbor

Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokai

Kaunakakai Harbor is located on Molokai's south shore, next to Pier Island at the end of a wharf that extends seaward about 1,900 feet (580 m). It is a commercial and recreational harbor, with 29 boat slips and mooring spaces, two docks and a boat launching ramp. Kaunakakai Wharf is the longest wharf in the state of Hawaii.

The harbor was dredged by the Corps of Engineers in the 1930s. It was completed in 1934 and cost $105,000. Visitors who take the ferry (named Molokai Princess) from Maui to Molokai arrive here at Kaunakakai Harbor. Harbor facilities include an office and public restrooms.

There is a small marked swimming area on the right (west) side of the wharf, but it is not used much. You'll have to climb down some boulders to get to it.

Key Features

Main commercial harbor: U.S. Army Corps identifies Kaunakakai as Molokai's primary commercial harbor

Completed in 1934: Federal harbor project completed by the Army Corps of Engineers

Barge supply role: Receives food, fuel and supplies for Molokai by barge

South shore location: Located near Kaunakakai town on Molokai's south coast

Recreational and commercial use: DLNR describes it as both recreational and commercial

Boat ramp: DLNR lists one 12-foot-wide ramp

Berths and moorings: DLNR lists 29 berths or moorings

Two docks and pier: Harbor facilities include docks, pier and vessel washdown

Restrooms and office: DLNR lists public restrooms and harbor office

Ferry history only: Maui-Molokai ferry service ended in 2016

Working harbor caution: Stay clear of ramps, docks, equipment and loading zones

Not a swimming destination: Boats, murky water, rocks and currents can create hazards

Plan Your Visit

Plan Kaunakakai Harbor as a short working-waterfront stop, not a beach or ferry arrival plan. The Maui-Molokai ferry ended service in 2016, so do not rely on regular passenger ferry access unless official service resumes. Stay clear of ramps, docks, loading areas and harbor equipment, and avoid swimming in the harbor.

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rated visitor review.

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Fernando Negrete

Thu Jan 26, 2017

Its a nice place to be if you want to go back in time to old Hawaii without a time machine.

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Kaunakakai Harbor Photos

Browse Kaunakakai Harbor photos featuring the commercial and recreational harbor, boats, boat ramp rules, old ferry images, wharf beach, swim area and harbor waterfront views.

Location, Parking and Directions

Kaunakakai Harbor is located at the end of Kaunakakai Place on Molokai's south shore, near Kaunakakai town. The map point is kept at the current page coordinates for the harbor and wharf area. Visitors usually arrive by car and should use safe parking areas while avoiding restricted harbor work zones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kaunakakai Harbor located?

Kaunakakai Harbor is located at the end of Kaunakakai Place on Molokai's south shore, near Kaunakakai town.

Is Kaunakakai Harbor Molokai's main commercial harbor?

Yes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identifies Kaunakakai Harbor as Molokai's primary commercial harbor, receiving food, fuel and supplies by barge.

Does the Maui-Molokai ferry still arrive at Kaunakakai Harbor?

No regular Maui-Molokai ferry service currently operates. The former Molokai ferry ended service in 2016, so visitors should not plan around ferry arrivals unless official service resumes.

What facilities are at Kaunakakai Harbor?

DLNR lists a boat ramp, 29 berths or moorings, two docks, a pier, vessel washdown, restrooms and a harbor office.

Can visitors swim at Kaunakakai Harbor?

Kaunakakai Harbor is not recommended as a swimming destination. Boats, ramps, rocks, murky water, currents and working-harbor activity can create hazards.