Molokai
Best months:
October to March

Molokai

Hawaii
LAST UPDATED 21/02/2008
Bookmark and Share

introduction

678c2f02c81023b3302823a674aea9a9
MattWright: Colored locator map for the island of Molokai; 30 July 2007

Molokai is the fifth-largest Hawaiian Island, between Maui and Oahu. The total area of the island is 673.4 km². It lies east of Oʻahu across the 40 km wide Kaiwi Channel and north of Lānaʻi, separated from it by the Kalohi Channel. The lights of Honolulu are visible at night from the west end of Molokaʻi, while nearby Lānaʻi and Maui are clearly visible from anywhere along the south shore of the Island.

surfing

6ce03e8143f516212629b6716996e18b
Eric Guinther: Halawa, Molokai; 2003

Molokai isn't widely known for it's surf and the locals would like it to stay that way. The island has excellent exposure to north and SW swells with better surfing topography situated on th southern flank of the island. It's all very laid back here, for many this is the true Hawaii. Do all your 5 star hotel dining and shopping before you come here, there's surf to be had.

travel

33ff680a036c7b3710655c1d74569808
Singularity: Hawaii Superferry Alakai, docking in Honolulu Harbor on June 30; 1 July 2007

Plane, bus, boat, car - all these means of transportation are available in Hawaii. Airlines are quite good and you can find virtually all flights between the islands. And you can actually save money and time by planning "triangle routes" that arrive in Hawaii on one island and leave on another. An of course, booking in advance will save you money as well.

If you want to travel by car, book in advance (Waikiki is the only exception) and note that insurance coverage is very expensive - it can pretty much double your daily rate or more. Gasoline won’t be cheap as well. In this situation renting a scooter or taking a bus can be good alternatives. Renting a scooter won’t be as expensive as renting a car (about $50 per day), plus the gas is cheaper as well. And Oahu has an excellent public transportation system - TheBus. The route information on how to get around the island is available from the booklet “TheBus” at local ABC Stores. There are buses on the neighbouring islands, but the system is less developed.

If you prefer to get around by water, than the following options are for you.  There are ferries that operate between Oahu, Maui and Kauai daily, as well as charter boats between some islands, especially the Maui-Molokai-Lanai area.
 

where to stay

870015be0e8a42442667dc15c35c4407
Lijjccoo: Camping in Amsterdam, 16 January 2007

Camping

There are two state parks on this island which allow camping. Both have showers and bathrooms.

Papohaku Beach Park
One of the longest and finest beaches in the Hawaiian Islands, it extends over three miles of coastline and is more than 300 yards wide. Even though the beach is beautiful, it is often deserted as strong winds coming from the west can whip up and prick you badly on a windy day.

One Ali'i Beach Park
This lovely beach park is a favorite spot for a picnic, the beach is mostly sandy, with some rocks and coral. Swimmers should be careful, particularly in the winter months or when the surf is high.

Vacation Homes

Papapa Plantation $375/night (4 people).

what to pack

4b923aa32c8ba11999e680f11122b9e8
Rich Niewiroski Jr.: 62 mm ultra-violet, fluorescent, and polarizing lens filters; April 9, 2007

Pack light, take some casual t-shirts, shorts and rubber slippers. In the winter bring a light jacket or sweater. Bring plenty of memory for digital cameras or films) and bring plenty of batteries, as they are quite expensive. Bring supplies from home. Pack some basic toiletries so that you do not need to spend unnecessary money to purchase these basics. You may want to just buy a travel pack and bring it.

Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar.
A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking. 

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.