Molokai Activity Guide

You won't find a single traffic light or any skyscrapers on the island of Molokai. And that's how the people of Molokai like it. This is an island that stays true to its Hawaiian traditions. Outdoor adventures are more personal here, tucked away from the stress of the outside world. Get back to nature and find tranquility on Molokai. Serene seascapes, unspoiled coastlines and untamed winlderness is what you can expect when visiting Molokai. Imagine what Hawaii looked like 50 years ago. No stoplights. A scattering of visitors. The chance to truly live as the locals do. That's Molokai today. Known as the most Hawaiian of the islands, thanks to nearly half of its population being of native ancestry, Molokai has been able to preserve its rural lifestyle thanks to its love of the land, or aloha 'aina. Be prepared to be active on Molokai. Whether you're hiking, mountain biking or learning to surf, Molokai is a place to get in touch with nature. There are only two ways to get to Molokai: a local air carrier from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu or the daily ferry from Maui. The ferry to Molokai crosses the channel twice every day between Lahaina, Maui and Kaunakakai, Molokai: once in the morning, once in the late afternoon. Total time from port to port: one and a half hours. If you decide to take the afternoon ferry, expect to be treated to a spectacular sunset. If you're traveling in the winter months, get out on deck and whale watch. Unless you're with a guided tour, it's best to rent a car on Molokai. The island is easy to navigate, with only one two lane highway stretching across it. However, some excursions require the use of a four wheel drive vehicle. Most rental car agencies have them available but make reservations in advance. In the sleepy, central town of Kaunakakai, horse posts and a view of Molokai's plains take you back to a simpler time. The town's main strip, Ala Malama Avenue, was named after the nearby house used by Kamehameha V in the 1860s. You'll find it easy to peruse the fine gift shops and boutiques of its three-block business district without crowds of tourists. At Kanemitsu's Bakery, be sure to have a piping-hot loaf of their famous onion and cheese bread, a Molokai must. Molokai, Hawaii's fifth largest island, is 38 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point. Molokai's snorkeling spots are protected by the island's 32 miles of barrier reef, including one of the state's longest white sand beaches, Papohaku. The island's southeast coast has Hawaii's largest concentration of ancient fishponds. The largest sea cliffs in the world can be found on Molokai's north side. The island is the legendary birthplace of hula. The annual Molokai Ka Hula Piko draws the state's premier hula troupes.