Kaunakakai (Molokai Island Hawaii)

Kaunakakai Harbor is a cruise port on Molokai Island (Hawaii USA) and the island's largest town with population around 3,500. Molokai Island is sized 61 x 16 km (38 x 10 ml). By land area (around 673 km2 (260 mi2) it is ranked Hawaii's 5th and the USA's 27th largest.

Ferries from Kaunakakai Harbor go to the privately owned Lanai Island docking at Manele Bay's pier. The terminal's last overhaul included replacing the old supporting poles, foundation works, building upgrades, installing new waterline and sewer piping, and enlarging and refurbishment of all hospitality areas.

Molokai Island is best known for its pineapple production, cattle ranching and tourism. Molokai Ranch company (owned by the Singapore-based Guoco Leisure Ltd) was also a real estate developer, building on the island hotels and resort tourism-related amenities. Following civil protests and accusations for illegal activities, in 2008 the company closed all its resort operations (hotels, restaurants, premium golf course, movie theater). In September 2017,  Molokai Ranch put its entire island property (land sized 55575 acres / 225 km2, or 35% of the island) for sale at the price of USD 260 million.

IMPORTANT: Effective January 1st, 2026, Hawaii extends its Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) to include cruise ship passengers. Previously applicable only to hotel stays, the 11% TAT will be prorated for the duration cruise ships are docked in Hawaiian ports. For instance, tourists on a 14-night voyage with 3 nights in Hawaiian waters will incur the tax on those specific nights. The legislative change is anticipated to generate ~US$100 million annually, with funds earmarked exclusively for environmental protection and climate resilience projects. These initiatives include beach restoration, infrastructure reinforcement against storms, and the removal of invasive species contributing to wildfire risks.

Kaunakakai cruise terminal