Maui > Molokaʻi
Molokaʻi – The Friendly Isle
The island of Molokaʻi is known as the “Friendly Isle”. Visiting Molokai is a unique experience capable of slowing down anyone accustomed to a fast-paced life. Lack of traffic is a major factor. Automobiles are so few on Molokai that you won’t find a single traffic light. This doesn’t mean that Molokaʻi is boring. There are plenty of things to do on this incredibly beautiful island. And, of course, you can still relax and enjoy the serenity of Molokai’s vast natural landscapes.
See Molokaʻi Map
Things to do on Molokaʻi
• Scuba dive the barrier reef
• From Maui, take a Helicopter tour across Molokaʻi
• 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 sportfishing boat
• Go surfing, boogie boarding, body surfing, 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 Kalaʻe
• Go shopping in Kaunakakai
• Visit one of Molokai’s many cultural sites like a Heiau.
• Enjoy unblemished beaches
Molokaʻi Vacation Properties
There are both condos and homes available as vacation rentals on Molokaʻi. Choose from ocean view condos at Kepuhi Beach Resort, Paniolo Hale Resort, Molokai Shores, and Ke Nani Kai Condos or from a 2 or 3-bedroom house on the beach. Learn more about Molokai Rentals.
Molokaʻi History
It is believed that Molokaʻi was first settled in 650 A.D. by migrating Tahitians. For centuries, Molokaʻi 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 Molokaʻi.
In 1864, Father Damien de Veuster landed in Honolulu. After receiving his priesthood, Father Damien moved to Molokaʻi 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 Molokaʻi 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 who lived in exile.
Today, Molokaʻi 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 Molokaʻi.
Also, check out our in-depth history and information about Lana’i.
