| When you hear the name Molokai, you should picture an island paradise that offers spectacular coastlines, amazing wilderness, and a trip back into time. This is one of the most
unspoiled and undeveloped of the Hawaiian Islands and offers a great escape for those who are looking for true Hawaiian traditions and culture without the hustle and bustle of big-city
life. With a population of about 8,000 people, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic jams as auto transportation is limited. In fact, traffic lights don’t even exist
here. What you do have to worry about is where to start when it comes to places to see and activities to enjoy. Even though it’s quite a serene destination, there are plenty of adventures
to participate in.
If it’s natural beauty you’re after, one of the best places to start is Halawa Valley, which is where the first inhabitants of the island are believed to have settled back in 650 BC.
This lush and beautiful historic area is filled with breathtaking waterfalls and vistas. There are several trails and swimming holes in the valley and guided tours are also available.
The drive to the valley is about 90 minutes from Molokai Airport and it’s one of the most scenic in America. It’ll take you past Kumimi Beach, Kaluaaha Church, Halawa Bay, and Halawa
Beach Park. Another site you’ll hit will be the Hawaiian Fishponds which are made out of coral and stone and have been present on the south shore of Molokai for about eight centuries now.
Other regions on the island with amazing landscapes include Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Kaunakakai, Papohaku Beach, Kamakou Preserve and Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove. Being an island
with a warm climate it’s just natural that people will be heading to the coastlines to enjoy the beaches. You’ll find numerous sandy beaches in Molokai with none of them getting too
crowded. All of the usual outdoor beach activities can be enjoyed, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, sunbathing, fishing, and windsurfing.
Visiting Molokai is ideal any time of the year since the weather is fine throughout. There are a couple of popular festivals held each year with the Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival taking
place in January and the month of May featuring the Molokai Ka Hula Piko, which honors the founding of the hula. For those who are interested in whale watching, the best time to visit is
from December to May.
When flying to Molokai Airport, you won’t be able to reach it from any international destinations or mainland America. You’ll have to land in Honolulu on the island of Maui first.
Ferries are also available from Maui. Once you arrive, you’ll find there are some taxis available, but there isn’t any public transportation on the island. Renting a car is the best way to
explore as much as possible. Most of the accommodations are available in Maunaloa and Kaunakakai, where you can find cottages and condos to rent as well as bed and breakfasts and hotels in
a variety of price ranges.
Most people consider Molokai as the most traditional of the Hawaiian Islands where you can actually live like a local and join and experience their traditions and culture close up. It’s
an excellent location to explore since it’s less than 40 miles long and only 10 miles across at the widest juncture. But while it may be small, it’s filled with numerous adventures and
awe-inspiring scenery. |
