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The fifth largest and least developed of the
Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is only 20 minutes by air
from Hawaii's most populous islands, Maui and Oahu.
Molokai's population, numbering less than 7,000,
includes the highest percentage of people of native
Hawaiian ancestry of any of the islands. Because of
their friendliness to visitors, Molokai is known as,
"the Friendly Isle."
Molokai is a quiet island that offers a unique
introduction to the gentle rythms of South Seas
life. Many of the Hawaiians here still exist much in
the fashion of their ancestors, reaping fish from
the sea. Days are spent in a carefree manner, and
nights pass in a relaxed mood of tranquility
Kaunakakai, the main town on Molokai, is famed in
song for its "Cockeyed Mayor."
A
few hotels and condominiums are scattered along the
island's south shore, and on the western coast is
the 6,700-acre Kaluakoi Resort with an 18-hole
championship golf course and miles of secluded white
sand beach. On the west end of Molokai is the
plantation village of Maunaloa.
A
highpoint in any tour of the Friendly Isle is a
visit to Kalaupapa, one of America's early
settlements for sufferers of Hansen's Disease
(commonly known as leprosy). The most interesting
way to visit is on a mule, with the Molokai Mule
Ride. Established by the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1866,
the settlement lies on a peninsula jutting out from
Molokai's north coast. Father Damien de Veuster, a
Belgian priest, came to Kalaupapa in 1873, planning
to stay only a few weeks. Instead, he spent the rest
of his life establishing order, ministering to those
forgotten people, and becoming himself a victim of
Hansen's Disease. Damien's church, St. Philomena's,
stands near the settlement's old cemetery where a
monument marks the martyr's gravesite. From a
pleasant park along the craggy shoreline you have a
stunning view of Molokai's windward side, with the
world's highest seas cliffs and waterfalls plunging
thousands of feet into the ocean. Near the park is
Kaohako Crater, with ancient Hawaiian graves along
its slopes.
All of Molokai is rich with old Hawaiian lore. Much
of the island's eastern end is dense wilderness,
thrusting mountains deep, green valleys. The western
side is a rolling fertile plain which is Molokai's
agriculture center. Winding country roads beckon
sightseers via offroad tour and taxi services.
You'll find a pit where Hawaiians measured loads of
fragrant sandalwood before shipping them to China,
missionary churches, the walls of ancient Hawaiian
fish ponds, stark stone heiau (sacrificial temples),
and historic battlegrounds. Molokai's
thickly-forested back-country intrigues the huntsmen
with a variety of game, while isolated and
unfrequented beaches and reefs delight skindivers.
Like all of the islands, Molokai, or "the friendly
isle" as it is called, has a variety of distinct
climate zones, including the cool, wet rainforests
of the rugged mountains and valleys of East Molokai,
the sunny, arid rolling hills of West Molokai and
the dry central plains region of Hoolehua. Visitors
will find the island's climate relatively uniform
throughout the year. The average summer temperatures
in the island's principal town, Kaunakakai, range
from 68-82 degrees while the average winter
temperature is 61-80 degrees.
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The Most
Hawaiian Island: The
simplicity of the island lifestyle is something
vacationers long for in their hectic lives. Not a
single building stands over three stories, and with
little traffic there isn't even a single traffic
light. The beauty of Molokai boasts natural scenic
wonders, such as the world's highest sea cliffs,
Hawaii's largest white sand beach and the longest
waterfall. Also regarded as the most spiritual of
the Hawaiian islands, Molokai is the birthplace of
the hula. Molokai is known as "The Friendly Isle."
Damien Churches-Nestled on the east end of
Moloka'i are St. Joseph's and our Lady of Seven
Sorrows, two churches deigned and built by Father
Damien.
Halawa Valley-One of the world's great
wilderness regions. .
Lli'ili'opae Heiau-Over 320 feet long and 120
feet wide, this is one of Hawaii's largest heiaus.
Kalaupapa Lookout-Located at the end of Hwy.
470, the short 5-minute walk through the iron woods
brings you to a spectacular view of Kalaupapa and
the north shore of Moloka'i.
Kamakou-Site of the Nature Conservancy's
2,700-acre Kamakou Preserve.
Kapuaiwa Grove-Planted by Kamehameha V in the
1860s, this is one of the last royal coconut groves.
Kakaha'ia Pond-An inland ancient fishpond,
this historic site is now a wetland bird sanctuary.
Kaunakakai-Virtually unchanged since the
1900s. The island's main town is an eclectic
collection of quaint shops and restaurants.
Maunaloa-The headquarters for Moloka'i
Ranch's working cattle ranch, rodeo arena, and
campgrounds.
Mile 20-Moloka'i's most popular snorkeling
beach among visitors.
Moaula Falls-Deep in the valley of Halawa is
Moaula Falls.
Puu O Hoku-Located on the luscious east end
of Moloka'i is Puu O Hoku "Hill of Stars." Puu O
Hoku is a working cattle ranch. |
