A Day Trip To Moloka‘i Hawaii
Molokai is known for its micro climates, diverse history, its lavish scenery and wildlife. You can see so much in just one day at Molokai, from hiking a rocky pine forest to taking in a breezy ocean to mule riding into Kalaupapa.
Molokai
Molokai is the fifth and not very populated island of Hawaii; you can see it from Oahu, and Maui. It’s well-known for its breath taking views, and deep forests. Half of its people are native Hawaiian but they welcome anyone ready to appreciate their land.
It might be good news for adventure lovers who hate places crowded with tourists; Molokai gets few tourists due to its shortage of resorts. You will be staying at owner-rented condos or vacation homes; you can have a surprising day trip that includes earliest Hawaiian culture, stunning tropical scenery, out of sight waterfalls and an appealing good lunch.
A trip back in time
Molokai is so vast and filled with most beautiful forests and scenic views and it may take one week to explore every single place, but there is an alternative way. You can enjoy this lavish island in few hours, with Molokai Car Rental.
Take Kamehameha V Hwy and after 10 mile drive to Lanai the road get thinner and plunges into a garden full of flowery delights. Soon you will see St Joseph’s Church, build by Father Damien in 1876, which was once a home for sick in days of Molokai’s infamous Peninsula. You reach famous Manaʻe Goods & Grindz after the 6 mile drive after church and this is a small grocery store, you can also have a nice meal there under a tree-shaded picnic table.
Visiting Moaula and Hipuapua Falls will be yours years to remember experience, with a help of a guide, (Halawa Valley Falls Cultural), it is a three to four hour journey and you end up at abundant archeological reserves and beautiful pools at the base of the falls.
The National Historic Park of Kalaupapa
Situated on the north shore of Molokai island is Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Its history is somehow dark; in 1865 leprosy patients were exiled at this place. You still can find few patients living there; also you should follow National Park Service orders to maintain the occupants’ privacy, so you can visit that only once a day. Once you are at Kalaupapa don’t forget to visit 1664ft cliff which is a famous tourist attraction point, but there is a small problem to reach there, the path is steep, about three miles long. It’ not possible to reach there through the ferry, on plane you have to book an early flight.
Getting There
Three airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air, and Mokulele Airlines can take you to Molokai. From Oahu you can buy tickets for $140 each, it take about 30 minutes to reach the island and it flies all day.