Hawaii Vacation: Molokai

Visit Molokai's serene seascapes, unspoiled coastlines, untamed wilderness and travel back to a timeless place. This is an island that stays true to its Hawaiian traditions, tucked away from the hustle of the outside world. Where no building is taller than a coconut tree. Where there’s no traffic and no traffic lights. Where you can feel the mana (power) of Hawaiian culture from an area near Maunaloa, said to be the birthplace of hula, to the natural wonders of Halawa Valley. Whether you’ve come to Molokai for a quiet escape or for outdoor adventures ranging from sports fishing to a memorable mule ride, you’ll fall in love with this undiscovered island. Experience for yourself why Molokai is “Hawaiian by Nature.”

Maunaloa is a small, charming plantation village set in the hills above the coast and is the only town in West End. The Maunaloa area is nearby two popular Molokai beaches, Papohaku Beach and Kapukahehu Beach (also known as Dixie Maru Beach) on the western coast and is also a great place to find rental condominiums and cottages. You’ll also find a unique shop and galleries in Maunaloa including the famous Big Wind Kite Factory. You'll discover everything from dancing hula girl windsocks to high-performance stunt kites here. Go on a tour of the factory or take a free kite-flying lesson. Many of their kites are handmade right in Molokai and these perfect gifts can only be found in Maunaloa.

It's quiet as you ride on your mule along the 2.9-mile trail to Kalaupapa Peninsula. You would be speechless too riding along sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific, descending from 1,700 feet and with Molokai’s North Shore Pali just to the east - the tallest sea cliffs in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, measuring 3,600 to 3,900 feet. Three miles, 26 switchbacks and 90 minutes of magnificent views later and you're back to sea level in the historic town of Kalaupapa, one of the most remote settlements in Hawaii. It's scenic, isolated and peaceful here, but the story of Kalaupapa National Historical Park is even more compelling.

In Kaunakakai, visit Kapuaiwa Coconut Beach Park, an ancient Hawaiian coconut grove planted in the 1860s during the reign of King Kamehameha V. With hundreds of coconut palm trees, this is one of Molokai’s most recognizable natural landmarks. There is an obvious danger of falling coconuts within the grove, so the safest view of the grove is from neighboring Kiowea Beach Park. This is an amazing spot for a spectacular, sunset view of one of the last of the royal coconut groves in Hawaii.

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Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100