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Moloka'i is the ultimate vacation destination for outdoor activities and adventures. The island is virtually undeveloped, and offers hundreds of acres for hiking, biking, camping and horseback riding. The islands' beaches offer everything from surfing to snorkeling to skimboarding. Offshore is Hawaii's only barrier reef, an attraction that draws scuba divers from all over.
There are also a number of educational and entertaining local attractions. From the coffee plantation at Kualapu'u to the guided mule rides at Kalaupapa, Moloka'i offers a culture that is unlike any other.
Beaches Activities
Secluded, wild and pristine, Molokai's beaches are great for hiking, exploring and picture-taking. For swimming, they're questionable The East Side's two popular beaches, Waialua and Murphy's, are right next to each other (on Mile Markers 19 and 20) off the highway. The favorite on the South Side is One Ali'i. On some days, the West Side Beaches such as Kepuhi and Papohaku can offer safe swimming, but for the most part, especially during the winter, it's better to stay out. Always exercise extreme caution when swimming. There are no lifeguards, and sudden "rogue" waves or strong currents can be extremely dangerous.
Snorkeling/Diving
There are a few great places to snorkel around Moloka'i. The East End has Waialua and Murphy's Beach Park, both sheltered by the offshore barrier reef. At the West Side's Kawakiu Beach and the North Shore's Mo'omomi, it's always necessary to watch out for rocks--and during the winter months, it's best to stay out altogether.
Scuba diving along the 28-mile long barrier reef is excellent. Call local licensed dive operator Bill Kapuni to arrange a dive tour.
Fishing/Cruising
In addition to running dive tours, Moloka'i Charters takes groups out for whale watches and books deep-sea fishing excursions aboard Satan's Doll. Fun Hogs Hawaii is available for almost any kind of activity, from body boarding excursions to deep sea fishing charters, for a price. Alyce C. Sportfishing is the favorite for fishing charters. Ma'a Hawaii is a local guide service that specializes in sailing trips along the North Shore.
Golf
Molokai's golf scene isn't high glamour like Lana'i or high volume like Maui. There is currently only one golf courses, and while it is decent, it doesn't engage in the scramble for the Top 100 charts. Ironwood Hills Golf Course is a serene upcountry course set amidst ironwood trees. The Kaluakoi Course provides for top notch golf alongside the beautiful surroundings of the island.
Hiking/Biking/Horseback
There are innumerable places to hike in Moloka'i, and almost as many places to bike. Molokai Ranch and Pu'u O Hoku Ranch offer miles of trails. Pala'au State Park has a few great trails, as does Mo'omomi. Many of the beaches, though not appropriate for swimming, are perfect for avid hikers. The Nature Conservancy, Halawa Falls Cultural Hikes, and Molokai Outdoor Adventures offer guided hikes to some of Molokai's best spots.
For horseback riding, check with Molokai Ranch Stables or with Pu'u O Hoku Ranch. Both places offer a number of riding tours.
Museums—Places of Interest
The Molokai Museum is located in Kualapu'u, and focuses on local history and culture. A historic restored sugar mill is also on the property. The Maunaloa Museum is under construction at the moment.
Nearby attractions include Purdy's Natural Macadamia Nut Farm and Coffees of Hawaii. In other towns, one can tour Father Damien's former place of work, take a historic tour of Kaunakakai, or ride a horse-drawn carriage through a working ranch.
Galleries & Shopping
A Molokai shopping spree, lunch included, won't take more than three or four hours. The Plantation Gallery in Maunaloa and Molokai Fish & Dive downtown are among the better shops. A great new space for art, the Kamakana Gallery, has opened up in the new Molokai Center. It showcases the work of Moloka'i artists, many of whom do not exhibit elsewhere. The Artists Society of Molokai organizes ongoing exhibitions around town.
Moloka'i By Night
Live Shows
Any performances on Moloka'i will likely take place on the outdoor stage at Hotel Molokai. A breezy outdoor pavilion in Maunaloa is used for any major events in West Moloka'i. Lectures and other small events are held at the Moloka'i Library. There is just one movie theater on the island—but it's a nice one. Located in downtown Maunaloa, it shows first-run movies, most of which are appropriate for family viewing.
Hawaiian Performance
Interestingly, although Moloka'i is called the most Hawaiian island and the birthplace of hula, it doesn't have any hotel luaus. Quite probably, it doesn't want to sully its authenticity with glitzy, touristy productions. Visitors flock to the annual Ka Hula Piko to celebrate traditional hula, but during the rest of the year, it's necessary to contact Ka 'Ohana Productions or Moana's Hula Halau to see what's on.
Bars
There are a few places to wind down after a day in the sun. The Oceanfront Restaurant at Hotel Molokai has a great Happy Hour with live music. Maunaloa has the Maunaloa Dining Room for the cigar-and-whiskey contingent, while the Village Grill's outdoor patio lends itself to loud, informal bonding over beers. After a visit to Molokai Wines & Spirits, a few enthusiastic people can move the party back to a hotel room or condo. Be respectful, though! Other than the places named above, no establishments serve alcohol. This is a very religious island, and not a very touristy one.
Moloka'i is a low-key place that relies on word of mouth for much of its publicity. Of all the accessible Hawaiian islands, it feels the warmest and the most genuine.
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