The 260-square-mile island of Molokai,Hawaii is located between Oahu to the west and the islands of Maui and Lenai to the southeast. Although the island is only 10 miles wide and 40 miles long, Molokai is rich with history and culture. This lesser-known Hawaiian island doesn't receive as much tourism as neighboring islands, so its one of the best places to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and see an unspoiled piece of Hawaii at your own leisurely pace.
To reach Molokai, visitors typically fly to the centrally located Molokai Airport on an inter-island flight using small 70-seat turboprop planes. The island is also accessible by sea for visitors who prefer to arrive by boat at the quay in Kaunakakai, which is the island’s main city. In Kaunakakai, visitors will find a bakery, grocery store and sporting goods store as well as one of the only gas stations on the island. The geography of Molokai is exceptionally diverse. The eastern coast covered with lush forests while the west coast is parched. Driving to the dramatic Halawa Valley Beach at the end of the curvy Kamehameha V Highway also known as Route 450 is one of the best ways to see Molokai's dramatic sea cliffs and plunging valleys. On the way to Halawa Valley Beach, visitors will pass ancient Hawaiian fish ponds as well as Murphy Beach also called Kumimi Beach, which is located at mile marker 20. The calm shallows of this south-shore beach are ideal for snorkeling.
Molokai, Hawaii is home to a large number of spectacular white sand beaches as well as the world’s tallest sea cliffs, which tower almost 4,000 feet above sea level. In the late-fall and early-winter months, Molokai is pounded by waves that can create a fierce undertow, so it’s imperative to respect the forces of nature particularly at this time of year as most beaches do not have on-duty lifeguards.
Two of Molokai’s most famous attractions, the Pala’au State Park and the historic leper colony at the Kalaupapa State Park, are located on the opposite side of the island. The geographic proclivities of the nearly inaccessible Kalaupapa Peninsula made it the ideal place to sequester sufferers of Hansen’s Disease before the advent of modern medications. Today, visitors can travel to the remote peninsula on a popular mule ride that takes riders down 1,700 feet of unforgettable volcanic cliffs for the quintessential Molokai experience.
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Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
