Molokai, Hawaii Through Our Eyes: Day Trippin’ Around the Island

Written by my husband:

Travelers lucky enough to visit the island of Molokai will be treated to a unique Hawaiian experience. Currently branded “Hawaiian by Nature”, the mana (power) of this island is truly is its bold connection to the culture and traditions of old Hawaii. While other islands have embraced the tourism industry, Molokai has persistently turned their backs to cruise ships, though small numbers of visitors are welcomed as sister and brother. With natural wonders at every turn and a postcard picture just waiting for you to open the shutter, Molokai offers an experience not found anywhere else on Earth.Commonly referred to as “The Most Hawaiian Island”, Molokai sports an estimated population of 8,000 residents. Nearly 40% of these are of Hawaiian descent and some of the locals we had the pleasure of meeting have never even left the state of Hawaii (why would you?), nor have they visited the other islands in the state. Populated over the eons by wayward flora and fauna set adrift by the whims of Mother Nature, Molokai was eventually settled by adventurous sailors from the islands of the South Pacific. Early inhabitants found fertile land for farming and a bounty of resources from the ocean and developed traditions of hard work and a spiritual oneness with the island that continues today.  Our visit to Molokai included all of the rest and relaxation anyone could ask for. However, you may find that this very quiet and very rural island may be too relaxing and if you get the urge to explore this island will not disappoint.

We decided to drive east from our hotel in Kaunakakai along the Kamehameha V Highway and where treated to serene vistas of palm lined beaches bordered by ancient fish ponds that grace the south shore of the island. This south shore is graced with an intricate fringing shallow reef system that extends ½ off shore as well as occasional glimpses of distant whales breeching in the Kalohi Channel with the Island of Lanai as a backdrop.

Traveling east, the road gradually narrows and the silhouette of Maui appears across the Auau Channel. Eventually the ragged nature of the coast forces the road up through lush mountain valleys and over the crest of the ancient shield volcano and down into the secluded Halawa Valley.Our second day on the island included a trip through Molokai’s burgeoning agricultural center. Traveling past fields of corn, soybeans, coffee and macadamia nuts we sauntered over to the north side of the island.

The Kalaupapa Lookout treats visitors with breathtaking views of the Makanalua Peninsula with the tallest sea cliffs in the world in the distance.

This isolated Peninsula on the north side of Molokai is the site where a selfless man spent 16 years ministering to those who suffered from Hansen’s disease which led to him eventually succumbing to the disease himself.

With a church named after him, this man, Saint Damien, left a legacy of selflessness and compassion that will inspire all. The island is full of faith-strong citizens, you see that imminent in the many denominations and churches spread over the island.

Heading off the beaten path along a dirt road for 9 miles led us through the Molokai Forest Reserve. This forest is a striking contrast to the tropical beaches of the south shore. Abounding in lush vegetation and draped in a cool fog, this road through the forest reserve promises spectacular views of the north shore. However, ominous black clouds and the single lane dirt road where beyond my off-road confidence and I chickened out before making it to the lookout point, definitely a must do when I’m lucky enough to get back to the island.

We spent our last day on the island touring the west end of Molokai. As you pass the airport westbound on the Maunaloa Highway, the fields of central Molokai gradually give way to the rolling hills and ranches of west Molokai.The road ends in the small town of Maunaloa where we visited the Big Wind Kite Factory. This whimsical shop has the best collection of Hawaiian books that I’ve found in my visits to the island along with a unique assortment of gifts and unusual items. We then rolled down the hill to the Kaluakoi area, home to a variety of vacation rentals and estates.

This end of the island possesses a wide variety of beaches from small coves to wide white sand expanses.

Each beach access road ended at a secluded stretch of beach totally different from the one we just left minutes ago. Our favorite was the sheltered cove known as Dixie Maru Beach which is perfect for snorkeling had I not been getting over an illness.For the Hawaiian visitor who is looking to truly escape the commercial glitz of the other islands, Molokai offers a unique experience. Expect to find beautiful beaches, forests and towns with a minimum of bustle and you will be satisfied. A little aloha goes a long way on Molokai and the island will truly inspire.