If you are interested in experiencing “old Hawaii” there is no better place to visit than the long, skinny island of Molokai. This 260 square mile beauty features 3,000 foot sea cliffs, dramatic waterfalls and rolling plains. In the mid 1800’s, Molokai was once the home of victims of leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) who were banished to the island when they were stricken with the disease. Thought to have been brought to the islands by Chinese laborers who worked the sugar cane field, isolation was the best means of keeping the disease in check during this time period. In 1866, victims of the disease were left on Kalaupapa, a small peninsula on the north side of the island. Today, although this area is a National Historic site, access is best done through a Molokai tour company since residents can be finicky about access to the area. Tour companies offer access via hiking in or riding on a mule tour but children under 16 years old are not allowed on these tours. |
Molokai is home to approximately 8,000 residents and is a part of Maui County. Life on the island is very laid back with prices at Molokai’s one resort being less expensive than on other islands. Hiking to places like Halawa Falls is an interesting trip and there are plenty of tour offerings to suit every visitor’s tastes. The easiest way to get to Molokai is to take the Molokai Princess from Lahaina harbor into Kaunakakai, Molokai. The trip between the two ports will take about 90 minutes and costs about $85 per adult. Hotel Molokai, located 2 miles east of Kaunakakai is the only beachfront hotel on the island but nice condos are easily available and may prove to be an economical choice while on Molokai. |
