Guide to the History of Molokai Island

Molokai is actually developed from volcanoes that erupted in the ocean. The eruption of the volcano takes places millions of years ago. When the eruption takes place, two islands are created including Molokai and Kamakou. Later, a smaller island called Kauhako surfaced on the ocean and develops the Makanalua peninsula. The northern region of the island eventually erodes. The eroded regions are transformed into vertical sea cliffs. The vertical sea cliff is the north shore of Molokai now. The island covers an area of 260 square miles.

According to the local legend, Molokai used to be inhabited by priests that have magical powers. The legends retold by the natives caused Molokai to be well known for sorcery. The power of the priests is so great that the kings from other surrounding islands did not attack it. In the 18^th century, larger islands such as Maui, Hawaii’s Big Island and Oahu decided to launch battles against Molokai. Finally, King Kamehameha captured Molokai Island as well as other islands. The first westerner to arrive in Molokai is Captain James Cook. Captain James Cook saw Molokai when he was on his way visiting Sandwich Islands. Captain James Cook died after a year so he is not able to bring the European settlers to the island. Captain George Dixon managed to travel to the coast of Molokai in 1786 with a group of Europeans.

Many years later, the Christian missionaries came to settle on the island. They had set up a few camps on the island including Kamalo and Waialua. The Molokai Ranch covers an area of about 54,000 acre. Reverend Harvey Hitchcock established he first Protestant mission house on Molokai in 1832. The mission house was established to provide services to 5000 people. In 1897, several businessmen established the Molokai Ranch Ltd. The businessmen bought about 70,000 acres of land. The lands that are bought by these businessmen are located on the western side of Molokai. They used the land to raise livestock such as cattle, sheep and etc. The paniolo cowboys play an important role in the Molokai Ranch. The paniolo cowboys are responsible for raising cattle at the ranch. They carry out the cowboy chores every day.

Halawa Valley is the site of the first settlements of the Hawaiians. If you visit the south shore of Molokai, you will be able to find a few ancient fishponds. There used to be over 60 fishponds at this site. The majority of the fishponds have already disappeared.