Molokai: The Friendly Isle

While Molokai may lack the number of tourist attractions that Oahu or the Big Island have to offer, you can still find plenty to do. Molokai is one of the least developed of the main islands, but it is a perfect destination for those who want to see the "real Hawaii."

 

On Molokai, you won't find the large crowds of tourists. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to even meet another group of tourists while you're on the island. But there's nothing wrong with that, as you'll have the beach all to yourself and the roads in the village won't be clogged with cars and trucks. On Molokai, life is peaceful, the going is relaxed, and the people, the real people of Hawaii, are as friendly as can be.

 

There aren't many hotels on Molokai, but as the island doesn't get as many tourists, accommodation shouldn't be a problem. And as far as attractions go, most of the excursions and activities you expect from a Hawaii vacation can be found on Molokai:

Like all the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is blessed with beautiful landscape, crystal-clear waters and lush rainforests. It's also home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world, and boasts Hawaii's largest white sand beach. You can visit the fishponds once used by Hawaiian royalty, and hike into the shade of hidden valleys.

 

If relaxing is the point of your Hawaii vacation, then you must visit Molokai. Its laid-back lifestyle is the perfect opportunity to put all your worries aside and enjoy the cool ocean breezes and the friendly people of Molokai.

Probably one of the best-known landmarks on Molokai is Kalaupapa. The nearly flat, 10 square-mile peninsula originally served a farmland for the local Polynesians who grew sweet potatoes, taro and onions in the volcanic soil. The locals also fished in the surrounding waters.

 

However, Kalaupapa is most famous as a leper colony. Thought to have come to the islands from China, the first documented case of Hansen's disease (commonly known as leprosy) occurred in 1848. Because the disease spread rapidly and no treatment was known, total isolation of affected individuals was necessary. Kalaupapa was the chosen location. At the time, the inhabitants lived in caves or rudimentary shelters. It wasn't until Father Damien, a Dutch Catholic missionary, came to minister to the people of Kalaupapa in 1873 that homes were built and medical services and drinkable water was brought to the patients.

 

While treatment for Hansen's disease became available in 1940, few chose to leave their settlement, even though treatment put their disease into remission. Today the Kalaupapa settlement is a National Historic Site as well as the home of those who chose to stay. Damien Tours offers tours of the settlement, which can be reached by air or on foot or mule-back via the trial from upper Molokai.