Molokai

American

[moh-luh-kahy, -kah-ee, moh-luh-kahy] / ˌmoʊ ləˈkaɪ, -ˈkɑ i, ˈmoʊ ləˌkaɪ /

Or Moloka'i

noun

an island in central Hawaii, site of a former leper colony. 259 sq. mi. (670 sq. km).

Molokai British

/ ˌməʊləʊˈkɑːɪ /

noun

an island in central Hawaii. Pop: 7404 (2000). Area: 676 sq km (261 sq miles)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Molokai

First recorded in 1885–90; from Hawaiian Molokaʿi or Molokai

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Authorities warn that the same storm system is now threatening other islands, with flash flood alerts and evacuation warnings issued for parts of Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

Flood watch warnings have also been issued for Maui, Molokai and The Big Island.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

The pilgrimage to Kalaupapa, defined by its natural isolation in northern Molokai, is logistically challenging to make under normal circumstances, with longstanding rules including prohibiting anyone younger than 16 from visiting.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2023

Travelers are welcome in Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana, as well as the neighboring Maui County islands of Lanai and Molokai, according to official state guidance.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2023

The Molokai chief thought that Lei-makani was the handsomest man he had ever seen.

From Legends of Gods and Ghosts (Hawaiian Mythology) Collected and Translated from the Hawaiian by Westervelt, W. D. (William Drake)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023