Your Information to Molokai – Hawaii Aloha Journey

Molokai. A rural Hawaiian island filled with pure magnificence. Right here, vacationers don’t line the road, and also you received’t see a single glistening resort. The neighborhood is rooted in conventional Hawaiian values, providing a glimpse into what Hawaii can be like with out tourism and mainland influences. 

And for many, it’s finest to go away Molokai unvisited. This isn’t the place to be drenched in resort-quality service, to hurry from one exercise to the subsequent, or to really feel entitled to any sort of expertise.

However, for the few who enterprise to Molokai with the precise outlook and expectations, it’s possible you’ll discover a sort of serenity you’ve by no means skilled earlier than. At the moment we’re studying extra about Molokai, from its earliest historical past to the distinctive draw of the island that continues to endure.

An Distinctive Place

Molokai is the fifth largest island within the Hawaiian island chain. It measures 38 miles lengthy and is 10 miles extensive at its widest level. 

For reference, you may examine that to Oahu, which is 44 miles lengthy and 30 miles extensive. 

Molokai is between Oahu and Maui, with the island of Lanai simply south of it. It’s a part of Maui County, which additionally consists of the islands of Maui and Lanai. So, there’s no authorities seat or capitol on Molokai. Nonetheless, the vast majority of houses, companies, and county places of work are positioned within the city of Kaunakakai. 

Geographically, Molokai is a marvel. It’s dwelling to a number of the highest sea cliffs on this planet, a variety of microclimates, and untouched seashores.

However what makes Molokai so distinctive are the individuals who reside there. The island’s communities, life-style, and traditions set it aside from the opposite Hawaiian islands. 

Molokai Fast Details

Location: Within the Hawaiian Islands, between Oahu and Maui

Measurement: 261 sq. miles (38 miles lengthy and 10 miles extensive)

Inhabitants: About 7,500 residents

Predominant City: Kaunakakai 

Why is Molokai Well-known

Earlier than we speak about why you will have heard of Molokai, let’s speak about why you will have by no means heard of it. 

Molokai tends to fly below the tourism radar, and most residents (and guests!) favor to maintain it that method. You possibly can’t fly on to Molokai from the mainland, you don’t have a variety of lodge choices, and there’s not a ton to do when you get there. 

It’s additionally not a spot the place many individuals transfer (and the residents positively wish to hold it that method!). The island has restricted jobs and sources, and the cultural thread is an important a part of life there. 

So it’s small, each in measurement and inhabitants, and it doesn’t supply a lot to vacationers. However nonetheless, it holds a spot within the hearts of wanderlusts, geographers, and Hawaii fanatics. 

One in every of Molokai’s largest claims to fame is its sea cliffs. The island’s north shore is made from steep, inexperienced cliffs that attain as much as 3,900 toes excessive. 

Beneath the ocean cliffs rests the distant peninsula of Kalaupapa, the place 8,000 individuals with Hansen’s illness (the vast majority of whom had been Native Hawaiian) lived in isolation after being compelled away from their households and communities. At the moment, Kalaupapa is a National Historic Park. 

Many individuals additionally know and love Molokai due to its measurement and distinctive options. Visiting there seems like stepping again in time. Whereas different islands face improvement, heavy tourism, and big-city vibes, Molokai is marked by its genuine small-town life-style and Hawaiian traditions. 

The Historical past of Molokai

Molokai fashioned over 1,000,000 years in the past, and early Polynesian settlers arrived round 600 AD. They first settled in Halawa Valley, on the far east finish of the island.  Over the centuries, they lived all through Molokai, together with distant Kalaupapa, surviving largely off of taro farming and fishing. 

Starting within the 1700s, Molokai confronted invasion by the kingdoms of different islands. In 1795, Kamehameha I invaded Molokai as he united all of the Hawaiian islands below his rule. 

The 1800s noticed many modifications for Molokai, as ranches had been established and pure native habitats had been destroyed. Missionaries started arriving in the course of the century too, and so they had been those who led the cost to show Kalaupapa right into a colony for Hansen Illness (Leprosy) sufferers to reside in isolation. This meant eradicating Native Hawaiians from their houses in Kalaupapa and shifting in different Native Hawaiians who had been compelled from their houses on different islands.

Kalaupapa served as a leprosy colony from 1866 to 1969. At the moment, just a few surviving sufferers select to stay in Kalaupapa. 

Whereas the distant peninsula served as America’s largest leprosy settlement, the “topside” of Molokai additionally noticed modifications. The land was used for sugar plantations, cattle ranches, and later pineapple plantations. 

By way of the 1900s, a lot of the island’s agricultural exercise occurred on the west finish’s Molokai Ranch, personal property comprising a few third of the island. Paniolo (cowboy) tradition reigned supreme on Molokai because the property served as a cattle ranch. At the moment, the paniolo life-style continues robust on this rural island. 

Across the 12 months 2000, Molokai Ranch opened a lodge, restaurant, golf course, and movie show, nevertheless it shut down all operations (ranching and tourism) in 2008. Now the world is generally overgrown, however there’s a small neighborhood and basic retailer in its city of Maunaloa. 

Molokai At the moment

As different islands battle to stability rising tourism with the on a regular basis wants of residents, Molokai stays true to Hawaiian traditions, creating jobs and life based mostly on native wants, not the wants of vacationers. 

Whereas that may make life on Molokai a bit tougher, it additionally makes it really feel a lot extra genuine. It has a real small-town ambiance the place everybody helps their neighbors, preserving watch over one another and the island they name dwelling. 

Visiting Molokai

Whereas Molokai isn’t a “vacationer vacation spot,” the precise customer can nonetheless have a good time on this small island. The secret’s having the precise expectations, appearing respectfully to the land and other people, and being versatile. 

You will have a great time on Molokai if…

• You possibly can have versatile journey plans in case flight schedules change dramatically.
• You get pleasure from plenty of downtime in your holidays. 
• You don’t want luxurious lodging, smooth rental automobiles, and high-end outlets.
• You get pleasure from studying about cultures and respect completely different life.

You in all probability shouldn’t go to Molokai if…

• You love to do plenty of actions on trip.
• You possibly can’t stand discovering a bug in your lodge room, want pristine seaside entry, and need 5-star service.
• You imagine that native residents must be wanting to serve and respect you because you’re contributing to their financial system.

Flights

Once you journey to Molokai, you’ll arrive on the Hoolehua Airport (MKK). Mokulele is your solely airline possibility, and so they fly in from Maui and Oahu. 

Mokulele flights to Molokai get booked up shortly, as they’re primarily 9-passenger planes. Should you’ve by no means rode on one in all these “island hoppers,” you’re in for a deal with (or a nightmare, in the event you aren’t comfy flying). 

Mokulele flights get canceled or delayed fairly often, which will be powerful to navigate in case you are on a restricted trip schedule. However as your itinerary modifications, do not forget that it’s much more exhausting for native Molokai residents who’re attempting to journey for medical causes, courtroom appointments, uncommon household gatherings, and different vital causes. 

However, touring to Molokai does have some perks. There’s no have to undergo safety, and you’ll carry liquids as your carry-on. And, if the aircraft takes you across the “bottom” of Molokai, by the ocean cliffs and over Kalaupapa, you will notice a number of the most lovely sights on this planet. 

Able to be taught extra about attending to Molokai? Here is the ultimate guide for Molokai flights!

Resorts

There aren’t any huge resorts on Molokai, however there’s a lodge and a number of other rental choices to select from.  

Lodge Molokai has basic lodge rooms and suites in a bungalow-style setup. There’s an onsite restaurant and oceanfront pool. It’s positioned in Kaunakakai, a couple of minutes’ drive from the middle of city. 

Molokai Shores can also be in Kaunakakai. These condos supply kitchens, which you’ll get pleasure from in the event you keep on Molokai for greater than a few days (restaurant choices are restricted on the island). 

Molokai Wavecrest is a rental property east of Kaunakakai and has lovely grounds. 

Kepuhi Seaside is a rental property positioned on the far west finish of Molokai, the place issues are much more quiet and secluded. That is the place to remain in the event you actually wish to really feel away from all of it. 

General, the motels and condos on Molokai are fairly rustic and easy. Hawaii Aloha Journey might help you select the precise lodging to your journey. 

Actions

Regardless of Molokai’s quiet ambiance and slower tempo, there are literally many distinctive sights and actions to get pleasure from when you’re there. Listed below are a number of the prime issues to do:

• Head to Molokai Fish & Dive to e-book a ship tour out of Kaunakakai.
• Journey to the island’s north finish to take a look at the Kalaupapa Overlook and Phallic Rock. 
• Prior to now, mule rides have been accessible to take guests down the cliff path into Kalaupapa. Whereas these aren’t presently provided, they could be an possibility for a future trip. 
• Take a guided hike to Halawa Valley Falls on the east finish of the island. 
• Stroll alongside Papohaku Seaside, one in all Hawaii’s longest seashores.
• Molokai has particular occasions happening most weekends, from markets and swap meets to cultural occasions and live shows. 
• Take pleasure in reside music, chilly beer, and yummy meals at Paddlers Restaurant and Bar. 
• Take a scenic highway journey and see a number of the island’s historic church buildings.
• Go to Purdy’s Pure Macadamia Nuts for a quick tour and to purchase contemporary nuts and honey. 
• Spend the morning exploring Kaunakakai city and testing the distinctive outlets. 
• Keep up late to purchase “Molokai Scorching Bread ” from Kanemitsu Bakery. You’ll undergo the aspect alley to order contemporary bread after hours. Select yummy fillings and eat it instantly!

Procuring

Most of Molokai’s purchasing choices are in Kaunakakai city, although there are just a few smaller shops in neighborhoods across the island. 

In Kaunakakai, you’ll discover two grocery shops which might be probably a lot smaller than what you’re used to. The excellent news? You received’t waste plenty of trip time wandering by way of the aisles of a grocery retailer. However, you additionally received’t have the choice it’s possible you’ll hope for. 

However there may be extra purchasing than simply groceries in Kaunakakai. There are snack outlets, ice cream shops, a bakery, and a number of other garments boutiques that includes Molokai designs and artistry. 

A Saturday market in town additionally gives crafts and merchandise from native distributors. These outlets and markets are a good way to assist Molokai’s financial system, join with residents, and snag a one-of-a-kind memento. 

FAQs About Touring to Molokai

How lengthy ought to I keep on Molokai?

• A few days on Molokai is sufficient to see the island and do a few of its actions. Some individuals who wish to actually get away from all of it might keep for every week or extra. There are additionally “snowbirds” who keep for a lot of the winter. 

Will I really feel unwelcome on Molokai?

• It’s possible you’ll encounter individuals who make you’re feeling unwelcome, usually simply because they’re going about their lives and unconcerned along with your trip. However you might also meet a number of the kindest, warmest individuals ever – particularly in the event you trip respectfully and are open to studying concerning the native lifestyle.

Will I would like a rental automotive on Molokai?

• Sure, Molokai has no public transportation, so you will want to lease a automotive. Do that effectively prematurely, as provides are restricted. 

How else ought to I put together for my journey?

• You’ll wish to carry money or plan to make use of an ATM, as many companies nonetheless don’t take bank cards. You’ll additionally wish to plan to pay extra for gadgets than you do on the opposite islands, as all the things is pricier on Molokai. Whereas there, get your dinner early, as many locations shut early. 

Planning Your Secluded Hawaii Trip

A visit to Molokai isn’t for everybody. Nonetheless, anybody touring to Hawaii can profit from studying about this lovely, rural island. Molokai gives a glimpse into what Hawaii can be like with out tourism and crowded roads, the place cultural traditions are part of on a regular basis life.

So, in the event you’d get pleasure from a relaxed, slow-paced trip on Molokai, contact Hawaii Aloha Travel to plan a visit that’s conscious of the island’s native values. And, if one other island feels like a greater match, we’ll be glad to assist with that too.