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Moloka'i - Hawaiian by Nature
Fast Facts
Size: 260 square miles, 2nd smallest of the main islands
Coastline: 88 miles
Distance from Oahu: 22 miles
Highest Elevation: 4,961 feet (Kamakou)
Population: 8,000
Number of Golf Courses: 1
Main town: Kaunakakai
Island colour: Green
Nickname: The Friendly Isle
Imagine what Hawaii looked like 50 years ago and you will get an idea of Molokai. Known as the most Hawaiian of the islands, thanks to nearly half its population being of native ancestry, Moloka'i has been able to preserve its rural lifestyle thanks to its love of the land, or aloha 'aina.
The island clings to tradition. Its small population prefers to live by raising crops, catching fish and adhering to the old ways. Molokai is the least commercial of all the islands>. There is nothing fancy here, few roads and not even any traffic lights, just the basics. There are only two guesthouse-style hotels on the island, otherwise accommodation is limited to individually owned condominiums.
Consequently there are not many tourists, which is just the way some people like to travel. There are, however, many opportunities for a variety of activities on the island.
Some of the most popular activities on offer include mountain biking, snorkelling (the island's best spots are protected by its 32 miles of barrier reef), sports fishing, kayaking and horse or mule rides. Of course, you could just take it easy and relax with the locals in the capital, Kaunakakai.
If Molokai is of interest to you, Aloha Holidays suggests incorporating a day trip to your itinerary. This can be arranged for you in advance with your own hire car or you can book a guided tour locally.
Molokai's Highlights:
Kalaupapa Settlement - over a century ago a Belgian priest, Father Damien de Veuster, came to Kalaupapa to minister to those with Hansen's Disease (formerly known as leprosy) in a 'forbidden' village on a peninsula isolated from the rest of Molokai by the highest sea cliffs in the world. Now incorporated into the Kalaupapa National Historical Park you can join the guided Molokai Mule Ride to explore the area.
On the day tour you will experience one of Hawaii's most remarkable tours, in a community hidden from the world for so many years. You will learn about the leper colony, its people, incredible tales of struggle and human suffering, along with stories of courage and love.
Damien was beatified in 1995 and the Pope approved his elevation to sainthood in July 2008. He was cannonised in Rome as Hawaii's first Catholic saint on 11 October 2009, 120 years after his death from leprosy. The arduous process towards cannonisation requires the documentation of two miracles. For Saint Damien the first was the healing of a French nun 100 years ago who was dying, the second a former Aiea high school teacher, Audrey Toguchi.
Audrey was diagnosed with liposarcoma 12 years ago. No one in recorded history has survived this type of vicious terminal cancer, but instead of chemotherapy Audrey prayed to Father (now St) Damian. Her tumors disappeared and ten years later she is still cancer free. She attended St Damien's cannonisation in Rome.
Papohaku Beach Park - at 3 miles long, one of the State's longest white sand beaches which rarely gets too crowded. A great picnic spot.
Illi'ili'opae Heiau - an enormous temple platform with over 60 ancient rock-wall fishponds located on the island's South Shore which is sheltered by the largest reef system in Hawaii.
Sea Cliffs - found on Molokai's northern side, at over 3,000 feet these are the largest sea cliffs in the world (as recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records).
Kamakou Preserve - a mountain forest that is home to endangered native plants and rare birds.
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Hawaii Island Information
Moloka'i is the legendary birthplace of hula. The annual Molokai Ka Hula Piko attracts the State's premier hula troupes to the island.
Great Value Hawaii in 2010!If we find cheaper prices on your travel dates we'll pass the savings on to you!
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