Moloka`i has enough exciting and unique adventures to make any visit a memorable one. The following are 10 of Moloka`i's best.

Moloka`i's best wilderness and backcountry hiking trails have controlled access by The Nature Conservancy environmental protection group. Visits must be arranged in advance and there are guided hikes on a regular basis. For information, contact The Nature Conservancy, Moloka`i Preserve, PO Box 220, Pueo Place, Kualapu`u, HI 96757,  808/553-5236, e-mail emisaki@tnc.org; or call the Honolulu office at 808/537-4508. 

These trails are accessed only by 4WD vehicles via rugged backcountry mountain roads. Kamakou Preserve includes three separate trails. Pelekunu Trail is .4 mile and climbs to the rim of Pelekunu Valley, with spectacular views of a cloud forest, valleys and gulches. Pepeopae Trail is .6 mile and goes through the Pepeopae Bog via a boardwalk to keep hikers from disturbing the fragile native plant ecosystem. Pu`u Kolekole Trail is two miles long, beginning at the Pepeopae trailhead and leads through the cloud forest to the 3,951-foot summit of Pu`u Kolekole.

Mo`omomi Dunes is on Moloka`i's northwestern coast. This area comprises three beaches, Kalani Beach, Kawa`aloa Beach and Mo`omomi Beach. This is a lonely, haunting and windswept place of crashing surf, gusty tradewinds and blowing sand. There are few wilder spots on Moloka`i. It is a dry, almost barren place where a few hardy native plants and seabirds hold on in a fragile ecosystem. Behind the coast, a large expanse of sand dunes called Keonelele is constantly being reshaped by the elements. It is an incredible place to wander and experience the wild elements of nature.

For a quiet relaxing adventure, pick any beach on Moloka`i's east coast along Highway 450, and walk the shoreline. The numerous old Hawaiian fishponds and reef lagoons, some of which have been and are being restored, are teeming with fish and seabirds. A quiet stroll along Moloka`i's uncrowded coastal areas can be an adventure in itself.

Moloka`i Ranch Trail System covers the dry, rolling hill country of west Moloka`i and the ranch country. There are spectacular ocean coastal views, mountain views and open savannah-like country. Trails lead to historic sites such as old Hawaiian heiau (temple) ruins, village sites and caves. The ranch has guided and self-guided history and cultural hikes available. 

Halawa Valley once had an open trail network but parts of it have been closed indefinitely by private landowners due to liability problems. However, there have been recent reports that this may change and guided hikes may be restarted (or have been by the time this goes to press). If so, you will be able to hike once again all the way to the valley head and view the spectacular 500-foot Hipuapua Falls or the 250-foot Moa`ula Falls. The falls are visible from the highway lookout above the valley. For information on hiking Halawa Valley, contact Moloka`i Visitors Association, PO Box 960, Kaunakakai, HI 96748, in US and Canada, 800/800-6367 or 808/553-3876. 

Kalaupapa Trail is a four-mile round-trip up and down the 1,600-foot sea cliffs. This is an all-day adventure for strong hikers. The trail begins near Pala`au State Park close to the end of Highway 470, just above the Moloka`i Mule Ride barn. The rugged trail switchbacks down to Kalaupapa and the Makanalua Peninsula and the former leper colony settlement. This is the place where Father Damien de Veuster ministered to the lepers who were destined to live out their lives on this isolated peninsula. The colony existed from the late 1800s through the mid-1950s, when modern drugs were able to control the disease. The peninsula is now protected and preserved as Kalaupapa National Historical Park and includes a portion of the spectacular north shore cliffs, a National Natural Landmark. Permits are needed to traverse the trail and enter the settlement. Visitors can hike both ways, or hike in and fly out, hike in and ride a mule out or vice versa. It's most convenient to arrange a tour with Damien Moloka`i Tours, PO Box 1, Kalaupapa, HI 96742, 808/567-6171. As an alternative, contact Moloka`i Mule Ride, PO Box 200, Moloka`i, HI 96757-0200, 800/567-7550, 808/567-6088.