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Facts : Population 7,404, Area 260 sq. miles
The "Friendly Isle" has diversified agriculture, ranching, tourism and the world's highest sea cliffs along its northern coast. On a 13-square-mile peninsula below high cliffs is Kalaupapa, the Hansen's Disease settlement, officially called Kalawao County, a National Historical Park.
Flower : White Kukui Blossom
Island Color : Green
Molokai offers the perfect place for ultimate relaxation, though you can always find some interesting things to do. Try your hand at fishing with the locals or be adventurous and go sportfishing out in the open ocean. Intimate hiking and breathtaking bicycle tours are also available. For a truly unique experience, visitors aged 16 years and older can take a mule ride down the steep cliff to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, the isolated and historic settlement of those inflicted with Hansen's Disease.
Climate
The average temperature range is 70-75° around the island. Rainfall averages 30 inches annually on the lush, windward, eastern end to only a few inches on the dry, windy, leeward end of the island.
Getting Around
Molokai Airport is near the middle of this elongated island. From the airport it is eight miles east to Kaunakakai town; Maunaloa Village and Molokai Ranch are about 12 miles west; Kaluakoi Resort on the far west end of the island is 15 miles; the beautiful Halawa Valley on the far eastern end is 36 miles; Palaau State Park and Kalaupapa Lookout is nine miles northeast of the airport.
Most of the lodgings and accommodations are located in two places. The first major concentration of hotels and condos is at Kaluakoi Resort on the far west end of Molokai. Located here are the Kaluakoi Hotel, Ke Nani Kai Condo, Kaluakoi Villas, and Paniolo Hale Resort Condo. Most of the other major lodgings are spread out along the southern coast just east of Kaunakakai town. These include the venerable Pau Hana Inn, Molokai Shores Condo, Hotel Molokai, and Wavecrest Condo. Bed and breakfasts are found in residential areas around Molokai.
Whether you're exploring by bike, car, or on foot, a good map will be helpful. The Map of Molokai and Lanai, by James Bier, published by the University of Hawaii Press, is an excellent full color topographic map. Look for the latest edition in shops around the islands.
There is basically one road on Molokai. It goes from the east end of the island at Halawa Valley through Kaunakai town, past the airport and continues west to Maunaloa Village, ending at Kaluakoi Resort on the far west end. There is a short branch road north to the Kalaupapa Lookout, but that's about it. So, navigating around the island will be a breeze. The road east from Halawa Valley runs through the rain forest hills and gulches of the east end and becomes an enjoyable drive along a beautiful coast of beaches and fishponds. At Kaunakai, the road bends inland past the airport and heads west through drier, warmer open farmlands and plains with a gradual climb uphill. From the Maunaloa area, the road passes through cattle pastures, remnants of the old pineapple plantation fields, and descends through open arid rolling countryside to the golden beaches of Kaluakoi.
Since Molokai is small and traffic is generally light and slow, it won't take you long to get to your lodging. Do drive slowly; there is no need to rush anywhere on this small rural island. Take the time to enjoy the sights along the way. Remember Molokai doesn't even have a traffic signal anywhere on the island. It's a very special sort of place.
Molokai Arts Scene
Molokai is believed to be the home of the hula, so you're sure to find this graceful art in practice across the island - especially during the popular Ka Hula Piko Festival and during the summer season at the Hawaiian Performing Arts Competition put on by Molokai's own Moana's Hula Halau.
Molokai Culture & History
Molokai residents show a deep regard for tradition and take great care to preserve the island's unique cultural heritage. Here, it often seems as if the past and the present exist simultaneously. One of the island's most popular cultural attractions is the Kalokoeli Fishpond, where ancient Hawaiians once practiced a remarkably sophisticated form of aquaculture. As many as 60 of these fish ponds once operated along the southern shore, and most of them were constructed at least 700 years ago. Another must-see is the Iliiliopae Heiau, one of the largest ancient temple platforms in all of Hawaii. Set deep within a thriving forest, this historic site offers a palpable sense of wonder and spirituality. |
