Hawaiian Culture,
Mauna Loa, Father Damien, Kalaupapa, Halawa Falls, Macadamia Nuts Hawaiian Culture,
Mauna Loa, Father Damien, Kalaupapa, Halawa Falls, Macadamia Nuts
Often described as the "real Hawaii" or "old Hawaii", Molokai gives visitors a taste of the Hawaii of old. It has not succumbed to the influence of mass tourism but rather flourishes by providing the opposite in the true spirit of Aloha. Its relaxed atmosphere, leisurely pace of life and friendly solitude make it the ideal place to retreat and replenish the spirit in beautiful tropical surroundings. The beaches are not packed. There are no traffic jams. In fact, there are not even any traffic lights. Do keep in mind however that the few towns are small and spread out on Molokai, so take advantage of our rental car options when visiting the Friendly Isle. Whether you're actively inclined or reclined, Molokai offers the following variety of activites:
Culture & History: Since Molokai has avoided the ultra-modern, ultra-touristy trends of other vacation hotspots, it has retained its cultural charm and pride in its history. Molokai is the perfect place to spend time learning Hawaii's history. It is said that the goddess Laka invented the hula dance on Molokai and every May this is remembered at a celebration of the birth of hula, called Ka Hula Piko. Historic places abound as well, including of course the famed leper colony once in the care of Father Damien at Kalaupapa. Tours of the compound are available for those aged 16 and older. Less well known but equally interesting is the Kalokoeli Fishpond, where ancient Hawaiians once practiced a remarkably sophisticated form of aquaculture. 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. Molokai Museum & Cultural Center in Kualapuu is another fun way to Book it now!
Nature: Papohaku on the west end is the longest white sand beach in the Hawaiian Islands, stretching nearly three miles. Despite this, it is never crowded and visitors often find themselves alone on this pristine stretch of sand. Molokai is also home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs and well worth a helicopter ride to take in their grandeur. To the north, you may want to visit the rain forest on a hike through the Kamakou preserve. Advance reservations with The Nature Conservancy office on Molokai are required for this hike. On the east end of the island, a hike of several hours will bring you to Halawa Valley and its beautiful waterfalls. Molokai also offers a variety of water adventures from kayaking to scuba and snorkeling, thanks to its own protective barrier reef. Other interesting activities include visiting a tropical flower farm, a macadamia nut farm or a coffee plantation. Book it now!
Fishing: Sport fishing charters are available, but in the spirit of Molokai, you might also investigate the native forms of fishing on the island. Locals use several types of nets, depending on what kind of fish they hope to catch. Fishing enthusiasts might also enjoy the historic fishponds developed over 700 years ago when the ancient natives practiced their own type of aquiculture. Book it now!
Golfing: Molokai offers only one major golf course, but Ironwood Golf Course is considered one of the 5 best courses in Hawaii. It has no tee times, no clubhouse and no big golf pros. It does have refreshing views over a unique course, perfect for simply enjoying the pleasure of the game. Book it now!