Many visitors love staying on the East end of the island as well. The breaks can be quite large, especially in winter leave the surfing to the pros and, instead, just lie back and soak in your serene surroundings. Home Blog Travel Cultural Experiences Dont Travel to Molokai, Actually, the best thing you can write about Molokai is to tell people not to come here, she said. An adorable yet quirky hotel right on the water with a highlight being the Meet the Manager night with drinks by the pool bar! I think it sounds perfect for you. The beaches are out of this world. We provided cell phone numbers and have the email confirmation. Molokai isn't as prominent as some of the more famous islands like Maui, but that's what makes it a bit of a hidden gem, especially for any nature or hiking enthusiasts. The island is not very friendly. Only 100 adult visitors are allowed to visit the park per day, so make reservations through Father Damien Tours and set foot on truly hallowed ground. we will make it feel like home to you once you step foot off the Mokulele. 17 years ago Save Only you can decide if it is worth it to you. Your best bet for an unbeatable dinner is to head to a market where fresh fish is sold. Is Molokai Worth Visiting? Short Answer: YES. But It's Unlike Any Other Or you can fly in those are the only two ways to get there that I know of. We did not do it justice, but didnt know what to expect. I was born and raised on Molokai and the people there are very considerate and friendly. If you have a small stash of points in any of those buckets, and do not plan to fly those airlines enough to secure a long-haul trip, a free hop to Molokai is a wonderful way to burn miles that would otherwise go to waste. Thanks so much for the offer! Is the water cold there? There is so little traffic on Molokai that there is not even a single traffic light. Im a hermit-y person anyway. As I thought about that conversation, I knew that it wasnt that they didnt want people to travel to Molokai, they just simply wanted people to know that one of these [islands] is not like the other and understand that Molokai might not be for everyone. Do you mean day-tripping or staying there? We were thinking of going to Molokai for the first time. The Kalaupapa Pail Trail is currently closed due to landslides but is expected to reopen. My only other 2 big questions are: ( What about Hospitals and Healthcare clinic availability? Is Molokai Worth Visiting? i spent a day there with my mom 8 years ago. We stay on the West end where there are 3 condo resorts that all have beautiful grounds and most have ocean views. Grandpa Bob Peterson would travel from Minnesota to Molokai every January for his seed corn pollination projects contracted thru Hawaiian Research, now Monsanto. We love it. Yay! If you're coming from the mainland, you can easily fly to HNL and then connect over to Molokai (MKK). Hawaii.com is proud to offer Hawaii vacation packages, most with rates under $1,000. Accomodations are available for every budget ~ not much different than any other island, except for the fact that there's less available meaning no condo buildings lined up one after another. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-81654638', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hawaii, considering their clientele is mostly the locals. Disclosure: I was a guest of Molokai Visitor Bureau for my trip, however all opinions are my own. Not safe period. The locals here are not all bad. Note: If youre into cycling and sustainability two very popular things on Molokai check out Molokai Bicycle. If you're on Molokai, a visit to Kalaupapa and the tour should not be missed. DONT FORGET! He's an explorer at heart, having traversed nearly 50 countries and all 50 US states. This post is proudly produced in partnership with the, Download the 17 Reasons To Drop Everything And Go To Molokai | HuffPost Life If you're looking for old Hawai'i, this is it. It's about time you got to know the "Friendly Island. People wave. Love Molokai!! Only about 8,000 folks reside here and on any given day there will be only 1,000 or so visitors on the island. Smokey the Mule on #Kalaupapa #Molokai , A photo posted by @nicola212 on Sep 28, 2015 at 2:52am PDT. Condos are too noisy. I encountered a couple of guys selling fish from their truck. Thank you. Once you have the chance to experience it, youll quickly feel just like the locals do: Molokai (is) Mo Bettah.. Planning a Trip to Hawaii: DOs and DON'Ts (2023) - Never Ending Voyage Im planning to go back on Kauai and want to give a try to Molokai this September. With great sea cliffs come major waterfalls, so if the island has seen consistent rainfall, you'll be in the presence of some of the world's most spectacular falls on your helicopter tour. Shutterstock Aerial view of Molokai island in Hawaii Molokai is one of the lesser-known islands around the world that people often overlook. I am well traveled and want my peace. Perhaps it comes as a surprise, but the shopping on this small island is pretty exceptional. I hope you enjoyed it! Molokai has a lot of beautiful beaches on all parts of the island. And if I do want to go to a bigger island for fine dining or shopping for stuff it seems close enough to run off and spend the night at a resort or hotel. Buyer beware!!! Short Answer: YES. Bringing a northwest Washington country kid. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. I love quiet and I am basically an introvert who has learned to be social to get by. My advice, dont travel to Molokai if your reaction is going to be the first one. The Best Things To Do in Molokai Savoteur And its not just a little slice of bread its a giant round of bread bigger than your head. Whether you decide to stay a few nights or hop over for a day trip, Molokai will be a Hawaiian experience you'll remember for a lifetime. During my last visit, I ran across a couple enjoying a lazy day on the beach. Verdant valleys and massive sand dunes punctuate the coast, and the most populous town has under 4,000 residents. Even saw serious swimmers with half wet-suits on for insulation. So I wonder if theres such camping opportunities on Molokai. Aloha Sherry, I live on the island of Molokai full time. Cattle graze there. No ferry from Maui anymore; you have to fly in to Hoolehua airport on Molokai. Even though the other islands claim to be running on " Hawaiian Time" which is usually slower than mainland activity. Leave your sport coat at home, because dining on Molokai is the definition of laid back. The bread freezes well to take home with you, too! We used to work with someone who was born and raised on the island name Ron but we cant remember his last name! Molokai has few roads, so it's possible to see everything via highway in a day or two. Everyone here knows everyone. I too love Molokai and am finally taking my son to stay a week on the west end later this year. Based on BillieJo's report the weather will be more iffy that time of the year (more rainy weather on average). We have been to Molokai three times and have plans for a fourth. Admission is free, so there's no reason not to attend. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Show respect and they will show you respect. Yes the island is definitely worth a day visit if that's all you have. No major airline flies to Molokai from the US mainland, and while there was once a Sheraton, it's now left without a single points property. Id love to get back there for a visit! This is a perfect place to talk story with locals and really dig deep. But It's Unlike Any Other Hawaiian Island See more Where to Stay It's worth a visit in case you've never made it. I don't think they are open any longer. We were told that we were not the only ones this happened to. Which, for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination, is all very good news. We are going to Hawaii for the first time in April 2019. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. "Visit, Spend, Go Home." It has had an undeniable effect. Hi Tianna I dont know that I can answer all of your questions but I do know that youll need a car to get around for sure! I read your post and knew that Molokai was the place for me! Just want to experience and chill on the island that I have wanted to see since I was a little girl. But this is what I know you have to have permits for overnight camping. We were told that the ride had been cancelled. Hawaii Travel by Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku Jun 9, 2021 in paid partnership with We all have different feelings about traveling right now. Ive been spending my time on Maui but that island has become too over crowed, congested, expensive and hostile with the local housing issues, car wrecks, fires and crime. For more casual meals including Hawaiian favorites like the loco moco, plate lunch, or teriyaki burger visitors and residents alike love Kualapuu Cookhouse, Manae Goods & Grindz, Molokai Burger, and the vegan-friendly Hula Bean Cafe. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Re: is it worth going to Lanai or Molokai? According to archaeologists, the valley is one of the earliest settlements in all of Hawaii. Is there anything to do there?? You'll likely notice quite a few options on the extreme western edge of the island. As I continued down the street a guy leaving the Filipino restaurant nearly ran into me hmmm not very friendly I thought. You can fly into either from Honolulu. Paddlers Restaurant and Bar also offers a more elevated menu, with a large selection of pupus (appetizers) that go great with a beer and the nights live music. I went kayaking but I didnt get in the water for any prolonged amount of time. A photo posted by Michellegetting salty (@puka_chellel6) on Jan 25, 2015 at 2:47pm PST. Go late at night when the bread is freshly baked, choose a filling combination (strawberry cream cheese is a fan favorite) and eat an entire loaf in one sitting. And at the Hoolehua Post Office, the coconuts are free -- all you have to pay is postage. These impressive examples of early aquaculture are regarded as ancient engineering marvels. NOTE: As of late 2019, the trail for hiking to Kalaupapa is closed until further notice due to a landslide. Is it worth a visit? On simplicity. ), particularly on the south coast. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveler. It is all fixed up to look real fancy, and good food too. Hi Pierre I would be safe and ask the tourism bureau for sure. However, luckily for me, Hotel Molokai holds one of the liquor licenses! He's a seasoned storyteller, instructor and communicator, working across marketing, editorial and public relations for some of the world's most progressive brands. Waves thrash the shoreline and reeds whistle in the wind. But mostly she tries to stress the idea of Let the moments happen. Read more about current safety protocols. Short Answer: YES. There is plenty of HawaiI you can travel to, leave this for the locals. Mahalo. Aloha. Molokai is surrounded by stunning reefs (be sure to get a window seat on the plane! We werent sure if we need to fly into Maui and take a ferry over or if there is an airport on Molokai. Is Molokai Worth Visiting? Wavecrest has barking dogs and loud roosters. There's a good chance you won't see another soul in or out, so pack rations and make sure you create an offline map using Google Maps for finding your way back. Choose from cinnamon, butter, strawberry, blueberry, and cream cheese toppings, exchange money and youll walk away with a brown paper bag filled with hot bread. Molakai is aloha most visitors dont know what the definition truly stands for! But thats what makes it so great if you ask me! We booked a tour with Molokai Outdoors, i believe and he picked us up at the airport and drove us around for the day. Below, 17 reasons visiting Molokai is a must. Fantastic meals! In fact, Molokai, also known as the "Friendly Island," offers a taste of Hawaii unlike any other island, both in historic value and natural beauty. THis sounds like the perfect place for me. Molokai is unique and is on of our favorite memories. If you are a little scared of Molokai, maybe try Lanai instead. One of the very few luxury items I try to find is gourmet espresso drinks, like at Surfin Ass Coffee on Hawaii. What do you like to do on vacation? Do the Kalaupapa Lookout. We visit as much as possible and the ohhh effect hits us every time we land and lasts the full visit and beyond. It sure was on other islands. The beach was deserted and it was so peaceful. Visiting Molokai will give you a new appreciation for Hawaii. Thank you all for the input. Molokai lacks the spectacle that so often comes with island getaways no top-dollar resorts, no packaged experiences and instead focuses on serenity. There are many things to do here but if your not the outdoorsy type, then Molokai will seem boring to you. Hans Zeiger of the Washington Air National. In the case of Kalaupapa, traveling to the destination is a big part of the adventure. The sleepy island's tiny population and languid life-style are a chief part of its allure. But just because they'd win a popularity contest doesn't mean these islands should be any higher on your bucket list. It sounds wonderful. But just because they'd win a popularity contest doesn't mean these islands should be any higher on your bucket list. Molokai has an airport there its small but its there! At a preferred beach on Kauai the water wasnt much warmer than a sunny summer lake in Canada. For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter. thinking about the week of Thanksgiving. We chatted for a bit as I paid for my oatmeal and left. If a local starts to tell you stories, listen. Mokulele is not a part of any points-earning alliance, but the cash savings may be enough to let that slide. The tour costs about $50. Kekaula Tours or Saint Damien & Mother Marianne Cope Molokai Tours. Molokai has a much slower paced lifestyle than many of the other islands. Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions welcome. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. I think about it often and plan to go back someday. When you come to Molokai, we will greet you with the Aloha Spirit and so much more! Its not unusual to have to come to a stop while driving here as two vehicles going in opposite directions stop and talk story. However, its not booze thats being secretly made and sold, its bread. Think that sounds weird? "We came here 20 years ago for our honeymoon," they said. Chances are good that whatever is being hawked was reeled in just hours (or minutes!) Advice for visiting Molokai : r/maui - Reddit All this begs the question: This is Hawaii after all, so what about the beaches? See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Yes I believe you can still hike the trail down. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. What makes vacation great is connecting, creating relationships, and talking story. ago. We only need the basics. For those people, they will fall in love with Molokai. Its not personal, its survival. I have been to Molokai a number of times and love it so much that I bought a condo there. I m older now and looking for a much slower pace. The island is a quiet place that reflects a more traditional Hawaii. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. I think the best description of the island mood was on Anthony Bourdains No Reservations episode on Molokai, where an elder essentially said you will be welcome if you want to enjoy Molokai as it is. Is Molokai Worth Visiting? For AvGeeks, arriving into Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) is the preferred choice, with jaw-dropping views of Molokai's sheer cliffs welcoming you to one of the most remote settlements in the world. WaveCrest looks lush but West side seems to have better beaches. We love our secluded beaches, and aren't looking to be entertained except for what nature offers. This sounds perfect for me!!!! Is it worth a trip? - Molokai Forum - Tripadvisor We go at an island pace, are polite to everyone we meet, and have yet to run into outright rudeness from full-time residents. I have been looking at Kauai but clearly the cost of living is a third! There youll find a dimly lit corridor (they type your mother warns you about) leading you to a little window where theyll take your bread order. If so.is it the whole island or only certain sections of the island where the signals are strong ? Your email address will not be published. Its way more expensive and has absolutely no resorts or fancy restaurants. I loved Molokai, but it could easily be overwhelmed by too many tourists. If you'd prefer to see a waterfall on foot, take a cultural hike through sacred Halawa Valley to see Moaula Falls. I was alarmed I was on Molokai, one of the 6 islands (that are visit-able) that make up Hawaii, in order to experience and write about it as a holiday destination and I was being told that people shouldnt come here. Short Answer: YES. Grass was growing in the cracks in the pavement on the main road. So when you come here to this beautiful island have an open mind and have an amazing time exploring. Not every year though many years the family would fly out and join Bob near the end of pollination. It does not have luxury resorts, five-star restaurants or designer retail stores. The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. If you mean "anything to do there" being organized adventures or something, then no, there's nothing to do there (well except the mule or hike to Kalaupapa, an "organized" hike with a local to the waterfalls in Halawa Valley, or boat ride to the stunning 'backside' which has the highest sea cliffs in the world). For points and miles aficionados, your best bet is Hawaiian Airlines. The clinics started Saturday and run thru Sunday in six locations across Maui, Molokai and Lanai. To visit, guests must be sponsored by a resident or go with a tour group. Molokai is even more relaxed. Sarah, I have a question for you. Like every where you live you come across those A holes. 10 Feb 692 shares As a travel writer, I often get asked what the most memorable trip I've ever taken was. In addition to hiking trails that lead deep into ironwood forest, theres a stunning overlook of Kalaupapa (from about 1,000 feet above the peninsula). Ahhhh that cinnamon bread is a must!!! You know about me, I like the away places, and it was ohhhhhh so away. There is a lodge and two seperate places to stay. Any information you can give us would be a great help. However, even the folks who worked at the Pizza Restaurant in town were not giving the friendly isle a good name. Travel to Molokai - What to Do and What Not to Do - Traveling Canucks For any or all of these activities, hit up Molokai Fish and Dive. Three miles long and youll rarely see anyone else on it. You shouldn't visit Molokai without spending a day at one of the most interesting (and least visited) units in the National Park System. Goodness no I was there a little over a year ago and found no hostility at all towards me or tourists! You can still fly down, but you have to have a sponsor. Molokai was formed by two volcanoes: Wailau (East Molokai Volcano) and Mauna Loa (West Molokai Volcano). Ideas of where to stay? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-81646298', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car for sure cause if you show up without a reserve you may be SOL (only one major renter on the island). We rent a car and visiting a quiet island without the big american industry will please us. Things to Do Restaurants Places to Stay Travel Information Events Welcome to Molokai Hawaii 's fifth largest island, Molokai is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point and is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world and the longest continuous fringing reef. Love Molokai! International Visitors to Hawaii All non-US citizens must still show proof of vaccination to enter the US. Read my blog and you will get a taste of Hawaii right here on Molokai. Drive to Kapukahehu Beach, park and start walking south. I wanted to put it to the test; just how friendly were the people? From the moment you touch down at the airport (flying from Maui or Oahu), youll realize Molokai isnt your average Hawaiian vacation island. My wife and I love Molokai. We have an entire guide to redeeming points and miles on Hawaiian, which you should pore over before making a reservation. I love Molokai more than my wife, it is country and all locals are like me. Darren holds the Guinness World Record as the planet's most prolific professional blogger, a feat he achieved in 2010. This is exactly the kind of description that would make me want to visit Molokai . Never had a problem getting a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Oct 30, 2015, 07:00 AM EDT | Updated Sep 13, 2019 Of the eight major Hawaiian islands, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai hog most of the attention. Whale-watching tours, meanwhile, will focus on the the Kaiwi and Kalohi channels, where humpbacks tend to congregate in the chillier months. Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions welcome. Dont travel there, its not a safe place. I live in Nashville and one of the things I love about living here my entire life.. Im considered a local and know all the greatest things to do the tourists have no clue about.We like to keep it that way. If you're looking to make Molokai a part of a multi-island trip within Hawaii, you have two options. You need to either be an employee, be invited by a patient-resident or visit with one of a handful of authorized tour operators. While you can spend 15,000 HawaiianMiles round-trip (7,500 one-way), you're likely better off paying cash and earning miles if you're planning far out. Hiking to Kalaupapa - A Must-Do when Visiting Molokai, Hawaii Many hikes, including to waterfalls or heiaus. AND there was plenty more to do than just the mule ride! We were 19 and were going to Hawaii for the first time. The park supports education concerning Hansen's disease (leprosy), and is equal parts enlightening and strikingly beautiful. And some people come and day ohhhhhh this is it!. Talk about how to rip you off in front of you. In my experience there I found people pretty welcoming. If not sure make an exploratory trip for a couple of days. Alternatively, you may use. Molokai Travel Information | Go Hawaii hawaiigirl846, What do you mean, "Been there many times"? Currently, the park is fully closed due to Covid-19 check the NPS website for updates. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-81645328', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights can be a challenge. The sleepy island's tiny population and languid lifestyle are a major part of its charm. Hey Tammi so happy this sounds like a place youd like to live! The Ultimate Guide to Molokai: Information, Activities & More I decided to test this friendly title by spending an hour walking around the 2 block Main Street and see what happened would I make friends? ). Thanks! We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. ", A photo posted by Wendy Harvey (@prwahine), Molokai is the birthplace of the Hawaiian art of hula, best preserved examples of ancient Hawaiian fishponds, a gate called a makaha would allow small fish to enter, A photo posted by Tawny Cariaga (@tawnykb), one of the most troubling times in Hawaii's past, exiled all those in the Kingdom of Hawaii who contracted Hansen's disease, one of the last royal coconut groves in the state, A photo posted by proudhapa (@jccdesigns), A photo posted by Todd Swanson (@toddhswanson).