|
Travel to Molokai, Hawaii
Known as "the most Hawaiian" isle, Moloka`i is a cultural and historic treasure trove. Take a mule ride to Kalaupapa, walk on miles of white sand, and visit the birthplace of hula while spinner dolphins and sea turtles play just offshore.
Districts
Moloka`i is often called the most Hawaiian of all the islands. There are a few reasons it has this reputation. First of all, a higher percentage of full-blooded Hawaiians live here than on any other island except Ni`ihau. Second, the way of life on the island remains almost untouched by modernization or commercialization. Time marches on in Moloka`i, but it does it so slowly and gracefully as to be almost unnoticeable. The third reason has to do with the attitude of people on the island. Almost all of them display a genuine "Aloha Spirit" that is impossible to find in any other place in the world. People aren't just polite on this island; they're warm. Shopkeepers aren't professional; they're genuinely interested in being helpful. It's an amazing thing to behold, especially for mainland city dwellers, and it is the reason why Molokai`s nickname is "The Friendly Isle." More...
Kaunakakai--South Moloka`i
Since the wharf is in the town of Kaunakakai, it's usually the first place any visitor sees upon reaching Moloka`i. It's a charming little town, easy to navigate and quickly familiar. A handful of restaurants, shops, and services are downtown, most of them on Ala Malama (the main street).
Upcountry Moloka`i
About 15 minutes' driving distance from downtown Kaunakakai is the tiny settlement of Kualapu`u. Several major island attractions are scattered around this area. Closest to Kualapu`u is the coffee plantation.
West Side
The farther west one goes, the more arid Moloka`i becomes. While some people consider the tropical east side to be more picturesque, there's something calming and aesthetically pleasing about the rolling hills and cultivated pastures of West Moloka`i.
East Side
Most day tours explore the eastern coast of the island. This is the tropical side of Moloka`i. It is crisscrossed by green valleys and dotted with historical churches, ancient fishponds, and other sites of interest.
Northern Moloka`i
The northern side of the island is completely undeveloped, except for an isolated community at the tip of the Kalaupapa Peninsula. From Pala`au State Park on the northwestern side, it's possible to gaze down onto the peninsula, but the only way to access it is via a strenuous guided mule ride or an expensive (also guided) air tour. Close
Entertainment
Moloka`i is the ultimate vacation destination for outdoor activities and adventures. The island is virtually undeveloped, and it offers hundreds of acres for hiking, biking, camping and horseback riding. The islands' beaches offer everything from surfing to snorkeling to skimboarding. Offshore is Hawaii's only barrier reef, an attraction that draws scuba divers from all over.
There are also a number of educational and entertaining local attractions. From the coffee plantation at Kualapu`u to the guided mule rides at Kalaupapa, Moloka`i offers a culture that is unlike any other. More...
Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding
There are innumerable places to hike in Moloka`i, and almost as many places to bike. Moloka`i Ranch and Pu`u O Hoku Ranch offer miles of trails. Pala`au State Park has a few great trails, as does Mo`omomi. Many of the beaches, though not appropriate for swimming, are perfect for avid hikers. For horseback riding, check with Moloka`i Ranch Stables or with Pu`u O Hoku Ranch. Both places offer a number of riding tours.
On the Water
Beach Activities
Secluded, wild, and pristine, Molokai`s beaches are great for hiking, exploring, and picture-taking. For swimming, they're questionable. The East Side's two popular beaches, Waialua and Murphy's, are right next to each other (on Mile Markers 19 and 20) off the highway. The favorite on the South Side is One Ali`i. On some days, the West Side Beaches such as Kepuhi and Papohaku can offer safe swimming, but for the most part, especially during the winter, it's better to stay out.
Snorkeling/Diving
There are a few great places to snorkel around Moloka`i. The East End has Waialua and Murphy's Beach Park, both sheltered by the offshore barrier reef. At the West Side's Kawakiu Beach and the North Shore's Mo`omomi, it's always necessary to watch out for rocks--and during the winter months, it's best to stay out altogether. Scuba diving along the 28-mile long barrier reef is excellent. Call a local licensed dive operator to arrange a dive tour.
Bars
There are a few places to wind down after a day in the sun. The Oceanfront Restaurant at Hotel Moloka`i has a great happy hour with live music. Maunaloa has the Maunaloa Dining Room for the cigar-and-whiskey contingent, while the Village Grill's outdoor patio lends itself to loud, informal bonding over beers. After a visit to Moloka`i Wines & Spirits, a few enthusiastic people can move the party back to a hotel room or condo. Be respectful, though! Other than the places named above, no establishments serve alcohol. This is a very religious island, and not a very touristy one. Close
Dining and Drinking
Moloka`i has no pretensions in regards to its dining scene. It doesn't claim to be a culinary Mecca; nor does it aspire to be one. There are just a few restaurants on the island and most of them serve simple, greasy local fare with a strange Filipino twist. There are about three special-occasion restaurants, but even the fanciest of them is rustic by mainland--or even Maui--standards.
Where To Stay
Travelers who want the real Hawaiian experience would do well to stay on Moloka`i. While it has a larger population than neighboring Lana`i, for the most part it has not attracted any high-ticket investors or developers. As a result, it is friendlier, more authentic, and more laid-back than any other island. On the whole, average room rates are lower in Moloka`i than on any other Hawaiian island.
Hotels are usually on the small side, and while there are definitely some luxurious digs, even the most expensive ones seem to place comfort ahead of glamour. There are also a few condominium complexes in Moloka`i, most of them on the West End in Kaluakoi Resort.
There may only be a few hotels on Moloka`i, but there are plenty of B&Bs and guest houses scattered around the island, most of them boasting great locations. Nearly indistinguishable from the B&Bs--till breakfast time rolls around--are the numerous guest houses on the island. Waialua Beach seems to have more than its fair share of these properties.
Moloka`i by the NumbersElevation: 455 feet
Average Annual Precipitation: 24.4 inches
Average January Temperature: 70 degrees F
Average July Temperature: 76 degrees F
Time Zone: GMT-10
Area Code: 808
Population: 6,838
Major Industries: tourism/hospitality/recreation, agriculture, government |
Did You Know?Moloka`i is often known as the "Friendly Island" and the "Most Hawaiian Island" as there is little automobile traffic (not even a traffic light on the island), no shopping malls, and no buildings taller than a palm tree.
Orientation/GeographyMoloka`i is located in Maui County between the islands of Oahu and Maui, which are amongst the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific Ocean.
|
|
|
|
| |