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Aloha and welcome to Molokai, otherwise known as “The
Friendly Isle.” If you are looking for simplicity, quiet beauty and
pristine beaches, Molokai is your island. You won’t find traffic lights,
tall buildings or night clubs here. Molokai is a peaceful island destination
with a population of about 8,000 residents who embody the aloha spirit.
Geography and Climate
Molokai is seated approximately 449 feet (137 m) above sea level. Like
the other Hawaiian Islands, Molokai has a comfortable and pleasant year-round
temperature at an average of 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8 C), with night-time
temperatures a bit cooler in the winter months. Gentle trade winds combat
the strong and ever-warming sun.
On Molokai’s northern coast, you’ll feel closer to the heavens in the
midst of majestic sea cliffs of volcanic rock while overlooking the
untouched valleys of Pelekunu and Wailau. In West Molokai, visitors
enjoy unique scenery that seems unchanged over hundreds or even thousands
of years. Ancient Hawaiian fishponds and other archaeological sites
invoke curiosity and allow visitors to peek into the long ago civilization
that once thrived on this island. The hiking on Molokai is unparalleled
with many scenic overlooks, switchbacks and secluded tropical havens.
The main village of Kaunakakai on Molokai’s south shore reflects its
pineapple port days with rich historical evidence. Mauna Loa, a former
pineapple plantation town on the west side of the island, is the perfect
place for an enjoyable stroll past quaint shops and local art galleries.
Be sure to visit the Royal Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, the last of the chiefly
coconut trees planted by King Kamehameha V in the 1860s.
Beaches
Bask in ample sunshine on any of Molokai’s diverse coasts. Molokai is
revered for its many secluded beaches, such as Papohaku Beach, the largest
white-sand beach in the state. Visit Kawakiu Beach on the northwestern
corner, a stellar example of the seclusion you will find on this island.
If you are a camper, Papohaku Beach Park and One Alii Beach Park allow
tent camping and have restrooms and shower facilities. Here on Molokai,
you will find small and large beaches, white sand and black sand. Surfers
searching for a challenge will appreciate the swells that tend to hit
the west end in winter. For those who prefer calm waters and relaxed
swimming, Murphy Beach and Sandy Beach will not disappoint. Divers will
enjoy spectacular views of Hawaii’s only barrier reef off the northern
coast.
Kalaupapa
During your visit to Molokai, a must-see is the infamous leprosy colony
Kalaupapa on the Makanalua Peninsula on Molokai’s north shore. After
an uncontrollable outbreak of what is also called Hansen’s Disease,
lepers were forced into isolation at this site on the island of Molokai.
Surrounded on three sides by the sea and the fourth by insurmountable
sea cliffs, Kalaupapa is about as secluded as you can get. Kalaupapa
was run by Belgian priest Father Damien and others who dedicated their
lives with no thought to the risks of contracting leprosy. Today Kalaupapa
enjoys a National Historic Site status and is home to a handful of former
leprosy patients. Travel here on foot or by mule and experience the
solemn remembrances of the selfless care and healing that transpired
here.
Molokai Ranch
Molokai Ranch, once a thriving cattle business that operated for more
than 100 years, covers one-third of the entire island with its beautiful
53,000 acres. Here paniolos, the Hawaiian cowboys, still ride horses
and work in the tradition of their ancestors. Nowhere else in Hawaii
will you find so many unique activities in one undivided land tract.
Visit the Molokai Ranch Zoo with its unusual collection of exotic animals,
or take a group on a true cowboy retreat. Experience Molokai’s Paniolo
Roundup, where cowboys share their knowledge of the trade, or accompany
paniolos on horseback down the Great Molokai Ranch Trail. The paniolo
heritage of Molokai has greatly influenced generations not just on this
island, but throughout Hawaii.
What makes Molokai unique?
Molokai is for those travelers who seek a simplistic, unfettered and
awe-inspiring island to explore. Come to Molokai for the deserted, gorgeous
beaches and leave your watch behind. Come to Molokai for the absence
of shopping malls, elevators and fast food drive-thrus. Molokai is said
to be Hawaii as it was 50 years ago. On rural Molokai, you will find
fishermen and farmers dedicated to preserving the land below their feet
and keeping the coastal waters unpolluted. The pace is relaxed and country
living is the only way to go. The wild, untamed island of Molokai is
the perfect place to find your center, rediscover clarity and embrace
the true essence of nature.
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