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Moloka‘i is built from two distinct volcanoes known as East Moloka‘i and the much smaller West Moloka‘i. The highest point is Kamakou on East Moloka‘i, at 4,970 feet (1,515 m). East Moloka‘i volcano, like Ko‘olau on O‘ahu is today only what remains standing of the southern half of the original mountain. The northern half suffered a catastrophic collapse and now lies as a debris field scattered northward across the Pacific Ocean bottom.

Moloka‘i is part of the State of Hawai‘i and located in Maui County, except for the Kalaupapa Peninsula , which is separately administered as Kalawao County. Maui County encompasses Maui, Lāna‘i, and Kaho‘olawe in addition to Moloka‘i. The only town of any size on the island is Kaunakakai, which is one of two small ports on the island. The airport is located on West Moloka‘i.

Moloka‘i is known as the "Friendly Isle" and is one of the least developed of the main Hawaiian islands. The island's population is diverse, with a high percentage of people of Hawaiian ancestry. Moloka‘i is noted for the numerous Hawaiian fish ponds along its south shore. Some of these have been restored in recent years. Moloka‘i contains the oldest leper asylum in the United States (see Father Damien).

There are several small hotels in Kaunakakai and a resort located on the west end. Pāpohaku Beach on the western-facing shore is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches in the Hawaiian Islands.