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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.
Maunaloa, 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 settlement
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 Hansen's disease patients. Travel here on foot or by mule
and experience the solemn remembrances of the selfless care
and healing that transpired here.
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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