Introduction
The formation of Molokai and its interesting origin lies in three different volcanoes. These volcanoes are found to be the Puu Nana to the west, the Kamakou to the east, and the peninsula of Kalaupapa, which was formed by a small volcano. With a population of seven thousand, it is only thirty-eight miles in length, and this piece of paradise has no stop signs or any traffic lights.
The topography and scenery of Molokai is varied. Here you will find valleys that are uninhabitaed, such as the Wailau and Pelekunu valleys, as well as an old volcano that is around three thousand feet in height, or very high sea cliffs in the Pali coast, to the north. Gorgeous natural waterfalls that are as high as twenty one hundred feet are common scenes of natural beauty in Molokai. The beauty and magnificence of this Island has been shown in Hollywood movies, such as the very popular Jurassic Park.
To the east of the island, you can find coral reefs and fishponds that have been around for long and throughout the shoreline. To the north, there are many beaches and vast green fields, were grazing cattle delights. Visitors and residents can enjoy many activities such as diving, swimming, horseback riding and the popular wagon tours.
A simple country lifestyle abounds here among the residents who are mostly of pure Hawaiian heritage or part Hawaiian, as many as fifty percent of the residents. Niihau is the island with a higher percentage of Hawaiian population, followed by Molokai. This island has tourism, but not as developed as the main Island of Hawaii. Only one resort exists in Molokai and it is located on the west end of the island - the Kaluakoi Resort. The resort has a golf course, five small hotels, and a few simple bed and breakfasts. A few vacation homes can also be found. The Molokai Ranch is also available for vacations. Overall, Molokai wants to remain a special place, not a big resort for large tourism.
History of Molokai
James Cook, a British, discovered Molokai in 1778, but it was not he who put feet first on it, as it was George Dixon, who did so later in 1786, and reaching the island to the south. James Cook did not bother to anchor in an Island that seemed isolated and of no interest.
There is a very significant Hawaiian legend about Kamehameha the Great. Legend has it that he found his wife in Molokai and marries his sacred wife in Waikiki. The Kahunas practiced many rituals that were sacred on this island. About sixty thousand acres of Molokai Ranch were established by Kamehameha V in 1850, what was approximately forty percent of the island. There is another legend about the Molokai Hula dance. This legend has the origin of the hula dance in Molokai after the goddess Laka gave birth to it in Kaana - what is known as a sacred place. This explains another name for Molokai - Molokai Ka Hula Piko - that translates to Molokai, center of the (hula) dance. A yearly festival celebrates this legend.
The leprosy plague that came fifteen years later to Hawaii made the Kalaupapa peninsula a home to the victims of the epidemic. Left to fence for themselves, the victims were not given provisions or medical attention, not even shelter. A missionary of Belgian origin known as Father Damien came to the rescue in 1873 and worked very hard for over 16 years to help these victims; however, he died from the disease in 1889 leaving a legacy - what is known today as the Kalaupapa Hanson's Disease Center.
After this, many people who were cured decided to make Molokai their home. This part of the island is only reachable by plane, water, or by trail on a mule. Today, some tourists visit this part and chose the mule ride, which offers a panoramic view of the coastline, and the tour of the National Park.
Kaunakakai
Kaunakakai means beach landing. This section has approximately twelve hundred inhabitants and is found at the south shore of Molokai. This is the largest village of the island. It is very rural and you will not find any fast food restaurants, stop signs, traffic lights, theaters, nightclubs, or even bus lines. This very small town is where visitors will buy food and will buy a permit to camp. In addition, this town has to the north a barrier reef, which is the only one in the entire Hawaii. Here, people can dive. There is a port, but is not actively used since the pineapple plantations shut down.
To the west about a ten-minute walk, you can find the Royal Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove. This grove was created by Kamehameha V to commemorate his birthday. He planted over one thousand trees, however only a few hundred remain today.
You can find a few hotels in Kaunakai and few places to eat. One popular local delicatessen is Kanemitsu's bread. This is from an old bakery, a family owned business dating back over seventy years. The bread is very popular with locals and tourists.
Molokai Ranch
Molokai Ranch is sixty thousand acres, and it was developed by King Kamehameha V in 1848. Kalma Waha was an influential Hawaiian woman who married Rudolph Mayer - a German immigrant. He operated the ranch. Later a banker named Charles Bishop bought half of the ranch. King Kamehameha's sister inherited the other half, but she was Charles Bishop wife. Today, after many owners, the ranch is managed privately.
Paniolo Camp, part of the ranch, is located in the mountains. It offers panoramic ocean views from above. Visitors will camp in tents that consist of one or two bedroom. These tents are standing on platforms made out of wood. Solar power makes possible light and water supplies. It is a very natural and eco friendly environment - a delight in paradise. Besides the gorgeous views, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, biking, hiking, kayaking, and communing with nature. Paniolos manage the camp - Paniolo are Hawaiian cowboys. Guests are treated in a warm and friendly manner at the ranch.
The Molokai Beaches
Molokai's Beaches are romantic and deserted, very natural and unspoiled. Miles of gorgeous beaches extend to be enjoyed in peaceful surroundings; however, many beaches are inaccessible as there are no roads leading to them, or they may be a protected area. Most beaches have high surf in winter and strong currents and are not good for swimming, during this time as they may be dangerous, but these sandy beaches and the natural surroundings are perfect to enjoy a lazy day at the beach and total relaxation. You can hike through the beach as well. The gorgeous natural surroundings certainly make up for the lack of swimming.
Papohaku Beach
The Papohaku Beach is about three miles in length and its width expands about one hundred yards. It is considered the largest beach in Hawaii with white sand. Much of the sand for Waikiki beach came from here. This beach is perfect for jogging or walking and enjoying the beautiful sunsets. In the summer, people can swim, however this activity is not advisable during the winter, as it can be dangerous due to high surf and strong currents.
Kepuhi Beach
This beach has white sand and just as Papohaku beach, swimming is recommended when the surf is calmed. However, this beach is at the Kaluakoi Resort, and is less quiet, as it is very popular with locals and tourists.
Molokai's west coastline offer many beautiful beaches where people can swim, windsurf, and snorkel. Windsurfing is popular here, thanks to the wind. The channel between Maui and Molokai is popular as well.
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Molokai is one of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii.
