Marina· Molokai· Hawaii
Kaunakakai Harbor
21° 4.9′ N · 157° 1.8′ W
Molokai's only commercial harbor: a dredged barge basin at the end of the state's longest wharf, with a small-boat harbor tucked behind the mole. A sleepy, genuinely old-Hawaii town is a ten-minute walk up the pier.
Practical
Coast Pilot 10 (2026): basin about 600 ft wide by 1,500 ft long, open to the south, approached on a lighted 33.8 degree range with lighted and unlighted buoys. The 29 small-boat slips (DLNR DOBOR) are reserved for regular permit holders; Coast Pilot states no visitor slips are available. Cruisers anchor in the basin: a Sea Seek cruising note (2015) says anchor past the commercial barge dock opposite the dinghy dock and launch ramp, in sticky mud, without swinging past the green C5 buoy; check in with the harbor agent and pay the small daily anchoring fee (verify locally). Good protection from trades except the few severe kona storms each winter, when Kamalo Harbor is better. Trade winds whip down the channel in the afternoon. A safety zone applies off the west face of the state pier, and the wharf is a secure area when barges are alongside. DOBOR harbor office (808) 553-1742; DOT Harbors Kaunakakai (808) 285-0935 per Coast Pilot. Temporary anchorage is possible in about 15 fathoms off the entrance, with little shelter. Water on the wharf; fuel by tank truck only.
Best for
The one real harbor on Molokai, and a walk to bread, groceries and beer
Season
Year-round; konas (winter southerlies) make the basin uncomfortable
Nearby
- Kona Storms and Hurricane Season (Molokai and Lanai)Right here
- Kaunakakai Wharf and Guest Dock0.1 NM away
- Molokai Sport Fishing Charters0.1 NM away
- Friendly Isle Laundromat (Molokai Stores)0.6 NM away
- Kaunakakai Fuel (Town Station and Wharf Truck Delivery)0.6 NM away
- Paddlers Restaurant and Bar0.6 NM away
- Kanemitsu Bakery Hot Bread0.7 NM away
- Kaunakakai Hardware (Take's Variety and Atlas Building Supply)0.7 NM away