For those who feel the ideal vacation is communing with nature in its most pure state, away from all the tourist trappings, Molokai is the place to visit. There are many different nature preserves, hiking trails, parks and wildlife sanctuaries to enjoy.

The Kalaupapa National Historical Park is the site of the historic leprosy settlements of Kalaupapa and Kalawao, the Kalaupapa Peninsula and one of the richest archeological preserves in Hawaii. There are 8,725 acres of land and 2,000 acres of water within the Park's authorized boundary. Many areas within this boundary offer rare native habitat for several endangered Hawaiian plants and animals. On the northernmost tip of this peninsula stands the tallest U.S. lighthouse in the Pacific Ocean, the Molokai Lighthouse. The Puu Uao Lookout offers a view of the Kauhako Crater, which is claimed to be one of the most peculiar lakes in the world. The surface sits almost at sea level and its depths reach to 800 feet, making it the fourth deepest lake in the United States. It's deep columnar tube that is layered with fresh, brackish and salt water is home to two species of native shrimp.

The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, a non-profit organization, has three preserves on Molokai: the Peeking Preserve, the Kamakau Preserve and the Moomomi Preserve. Their mission is to "preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the land and water they need to survive." The Kamakau and Moomomi Preserve are both open to the public but only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles; however, the Pelekunu Preserve is closed to the public due to its fragile nature and for safety reasons. This area features the tallest sea cliffs in the world and protects one of Hawaii's last free flowing streams.

The scenery of Molokai is breathtaking and diverse. Just west of Kaunakakai is Church Row – a row of one room multi-denominational churches standing altar to altar. Kahiwa Falls, at 1,750 feet making it the highest waterfall in Hawaii, can be accessed during the summer by helicopter or boat. Kaiaka Rock was once the location of a heiau where Hawaiian priests (kahuna) studied navigation. It is now a great place to watch sunsets. Visit Mapulehu Mango Grove, one of the largest of its kind in the world, representing a stand of 2,000 trees planted in the 1930's. Moko-Hooniki Island, Hawaiian for "Lovers Pinch Island" is a pre-historic cinder cone with dark, crumbly cliffs that provide a haven for several species of coastal plants and seabirds that can no longer survive on Molokai. Drive nearly a half-mile out over the ocean on Kaunakakai Wharf to view the piles of local produce and goods ready for export. Planted in the 1860's by Kamehameha V., the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove has over 1,000 trees covering 10 acres of land. A very grand display! Molokai offers a variety of ocean activities, however, there are no lifeguards on Molokai. Some of the most beautiful beaches can be very remote and treacherous so use extreme caution before entering the water, especially in winter.