Molokai Hawaii Vacation

Molokai has resisted tourism, which has protected the island over the years and preserved much of the culture and heritage. To see fishermen bringing in their catch and local crops getting collected is more than a cliché here and is a part of everyday life and has been recognized for its advanced environmental stewardship in the relation to other Hawaiian islands and islands worldwide in general.

Molokai Hawaii

This is not your typical Hawaiian vacation experience yet remains one of the most authentic Hawaiian vacations for families wanting to see the rural lifestyle without the over-tourist aspects with often less than 1000 visitors on any given day.  

If you decide to hire a car you are sure to have plenty of room on the roads with only the occasional stop to wait for one of the casual on road conversations that develop to dispel. 

An additional benefit to this is that there is only now only one hotel, 7 bed and breakfast and 100 vacation rentals on the island and a few other vacation rentals. However, the hands of time are not held back indefinitely and family vacations offer the younger ones memories to carry on to tell their kids about the way life was on the wonderful Hawaiian island of Molokai. 

For a relatively small island Molokai offers quite a few superlatives including the worlds the highest ocean cliffs and the biggest waterfall in Hawaii.

Video Overview of Molokai

Molokai Things to Do in Molokai

This video serves as an introduction of some top activities in Molokai. The video features interviews with top activities operators.

The path to the hills | Flickr - Photo Sharing! www.flickr.com

The road is quite accessible but a little narrow and follows the East coast along the island. There are even spots where you can stop off and take a family hike up to the waterfalls with the help of one of the locally available guide which you can book in advance.

Down by the beach you can get a great vista looking towards the valley although a little shallow wading is required. Enjoy views of water splashing into the bay.

A Family Vacation to Molokai

This tree part series follows a local Hawaiian family and their Molokai travel adventure.

Food on Molokai

While there are a handful of condo style accommodations and hotels and food is usually taken care of by self-catering or in the super casual restaurants and food stands. Cooking for yourself condo style can end up as much as eating out as anything that is not produced on the island can end up costing quite a bit more than you would expect because of the cost of bringing it on by barge.

Entertainment at the Cook House Restaurant on Molokai. 

Molokai Mule Ride

One of the more popular attractions near the main town of Kalaupapa are the Mule / Donkey rides to the former leper colony (Hansen's Disease). The five km ride skirts the more than 1600 meter cliffs around to the colony in Kalawao County. While not for the younger kids, older children who are not daunted by heights can enjoy the mental challenge of overcoming their initial fears.

On arrival, you get a chance to soothe your nerves, and then it's on to enjoy the story of Father Damien and his life with the lepers.

Accommodation in Molakai

Castle Shores Molokai is typical of what you can expect in the accommodation market. The property includes one and two bedroom oceanfront suites, and is located in the hub of Kalaupapa. Big lawns and tropical gardens leading down to the waters edge.

You may find it surprising to know that there are seven great B& B and Hotels on the Island of Molakai.

Hotel Molokai

Hotel Molokai is the most well known and established places to stay on Molokai. The hotel offers good connections and makes for a fine home away to explore the nearby towering cliffs, waterfalls, mango and coffee plantations and natural way of life. 

The bungalow style accommodation is traditional Hawaiian yet offers mod cons like Wi-Fi, private lanais, comfort and kitchenettes. From here it is not difficult to arrange deep sea fishing, golf, kayaks, paddle boards,  scuba or whale watching opportunities for your family. A starter complimentary breakfast is served every day. There are also performances is also a range of classes in traditional cultural activities.

See reviews and great offers on Hotel Molokai

Getting to Molokai

Transfers and day trips are available on the Lahaina ferry. Contact them on (877) 500-6284  

At the time of writing costs were as follows: 

Adult (13 & older): $66.73

Child (4-12): $33.37

Infants free

Molokai Car Rental - 808.336.0670 is local.

Once you arrive at either 

Hawaiian Airlines 800.367.5320

Mokulele Airlines 808.426.7070

Makani Kai Air - Kalaupapa 808.834.1111 

Paragon Air - Maui 800.428.1231

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