Molokai Island
See the Molokai Island Map.
The island of Moloka'i is known as the "Friendly Isle". Visiting Molokai is a unique experience capable of slowing down the most high-strung of people. Just one of many examples to help explain Molokai's relaxed pace would be its traffic. Automobiles are so few on Molokai that you won't find a single traffic light. This doesn't mean that Molokai is boring. There are plenty of things to do on this incredibly beautiful island as well as relax and enjoy the calm and serenity of Molokai's natural landscapes.
Molokai Things To Do
• Scuba dive the barrier reef
• Visit a coffee plantation or macadamia nut farm
• Mountain bike along the numerous trails and roads
• Golf at a world-class golf course
• Go to the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
• Catch some local fresh fish on a sport fishing boat
• Go surfing, boogie boarding, body surf or swimming
• Go kayaking over the beautiful reefs
• Hike through a rain forest at the Kamakou Preserve
• Go snorkeling with friends
• Ride a Mule down the Kalaupapa Sea Cliffs
• Ride horseback across open expanses
• Visit the sugar mill in Kala'e
• Go shopping in Kaunakakai
• Visit one of Molokai's many cultural sites like a Heiau.
• Enjoy unblemished beaches
Molokai History
It is believed that Molokai was first settled in 650 A.D. by migrating Tahitians. For centuries, Molokai was known throughout the islands as a religious sanctuary, often visited for the sole purpose of meeting with some of the more revered holy men. In the 16th Century, the prophet Lanikaula was seen as one of the most respected for his great wisdom. When Captain Cook first came to Hawaii, he did not visit Molokai. Captain George Dixon made the first European debut in 1786 to Molokai.
In 1864, Father Damien de Veuster landed at Honolulu. After receiving priesthood, Father Damien moved to Molokai on May 10th, 1873 in order to care for those in the leper colony. King Kamehameha V forcefully quarantined those with leprosy, now called Hansen's disease, to the North of Moloka'i Island. Up to 1,200 people at one time were exiled to live at Kalaupapa. It wasn't until 1969 that the isolation law was repealed. In 2008, the United States Government made an official apology to the remaining victims of Hansen's disease of who lived in exile.
Today, Molokai is home to over 8,000 inhabitants. Around 40% of these people have Hawaiian blood making it the "Most Hawaiian" Island in the chain.
Get more in-depth information on beautiful Moloka'i.
Also, check out our indepth history and information about Lana'i.
Molokai Island Map
The Molokai Island photos were taken by Natalie Brown, Maui Photography.