Hawaii Trip Reports are ‘surfing’ in. Best Hawaii Vacation visitors will appreciate it. Mahalo to Brigitte from
BeBack Hawaii for this Molokai Trip Report
"Take a special Hawaiian getaway vacation in Molokai. If you have run out of ideas on what to do and where to go in Hawaii, take a few days off and go back many years. In Molokai, time stood still. We would like to share some personal WHAT TO DO ON MOLOKAI tips and recommendations with Hawaii visitors.
What is there to do on Molokai?
There are beaches all around the island. Summer is a good time to swim on the West End and to the right of the Hotel you will find some beautiful beaches with golden sand, one cove after the other. In winter, surf is majestic and dramatic and too dangerous to swim. Unexpected high waves can be dangerous while walking the shore and there are strong currents in the water. NEVER swim alone. Ask for safe swimming places. These conditions change all the time. There are no Lifeguards on Molokai's Beaches!
To the left of the golf course is everybody’s favorite beach, Papahako Beach, 3 miles long and hardly a soul. You can easily walk to it across the golf course. Be very careful, as swimming at this incredible beach is dangerous most of the time. But what a great place to walk! Also a fun place to have a sunset picnic. For a great view, walk up to Kaiaka rock. Stunning views on all sides.
There is lots to do in Molokai, even if it seems very slow. The people are friendly and ready to help. Make sure you take a drive to the east end, or at least take a look from the Kalaupapa lookout over the dramatic North Shore where Kalapapa is located. It is breathtaking.
All along the East end are lots of pretty sandy beaches, which offer scenic palm lined swimming opportunities. Here the beaches are calm and protected by a reef. Perfect snorkeling and also great for kayaking
On the way to the east end take a break halfway at the old neighborhood store (now called something else) but you cant miss it - the only place where you find something to eat and drink. They have very good sandwiches!! Of course the lookout at Halawa valley is not to be missed. If you can drive all the way down and enjoy a walk on the beach. To get into the valley you need to sign up for a tour and the Fish and Dive shop in Kaunakakai
For land activities see Molokai Ranch Outfitter Center in Mauna Loa. They can set you up with bike and horseback activities and let you know about other planned events during your stay. For ocean activities (whale watch, sailing, fishing) you should call Mike Holmes at 567-6789. For organized Hikes into Molokai's Nature Preserves call the Nature Conservancy on Oahu (808) 537-4508. They have hikes on set days only. Plan ahead. These are fantastic landscapes you will be hiking through. Or call Off Road Tours at 553-3369. You can hike to Kalaupapa Peninsula on your own but you have to pay a fee and get the permit (from the same place where you take the Mule Ride). Once you reach the Peninsula you have to join the group to sightsee. Or you can fly in or do the Mule ride. Ph: 567-6088. Check with the
Molokai Visitors Bureau for vendors contact numbers and vacation ideas.
In Molokai you can mostly plan your day as you go. No need to reserve this and that - but instead book an activity if the weather and mood is right. Or just go for a drive or walk and discover Molokai on your own. After all, this island is known for what it does not have…crowds, traffic, malls, noise or pollution! Only the Nature Preserve and Kalaupapa visit should be planned in advance. In winter you might also reserve a whale watch tour if you have only a few days to choose from.
Shopping and Restaurants on Molokai
If you arrive early in the day you might want to go to Kaunakakai first to get your groceries. It saves you a trip. Otherwise get your essentials in Maunaloa. They close at 6 PM and are closed Sunday afternoon! If you arrive very late, be prepared to eat out (in Maunaloa) since there are no shops to get groceries on the west end. Or bring something with you to make an easy dinner on your first night. Once you are settled you should do your big shopping in Kaunakakai. If you are lucky to be there on a weekend visit the farmers market in Kaunakakai.
The Friendly Market for general groceries, the Health Food Store (Outpost) has lots of healthy goodies and the Liquor Store in Kaunakakai a surprisingly fine wine selection and some cheeses & gourmet items! In Maunaloa, there is the Maunaloa grocery store where you can find most of the essentials Also there is the only Gas Station on the West end (which closes at 1 PM).
For a perfect Sunset experience enjoy a cocktail at the beautiful Maunaloa Lodge Bar. This impressive Hotel has created a very luxurious but country style environment in a beautiful setting. The Restaurant at the Lodge serves Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner and also a Brunch on Sunday. The setting is superb, the food first class. Please check with Hotel for hours. The most fun restaurant now is probably the Hotel Molokai Oceanfront Restaurant in Kaunakakai. Delicious and quite reasonable here meals are served daily for lunch and dinner, and what a great spot at Sunset also.
Enjoy a Mai Tai at the very tropical Bamboo Bar at this fun little Polynesian Hotel, and rub shoulders with some local folks. Friday nights they often have fantastic Molokai style entertainment that is not to be missed and frequented by locals as well as tourists!
Close by is the new indoor/outdoor Paddlers restaurant which is getting very good reviews.
Kaluakois Oceanfront Resort Golf Course across from Ke Nani Kai has been reopened and the 18 hole golf course is ready for you! The Ironwood 9 hole golf course in Kalae is a great and inexpensive alternative to play golf in a beautiful mountain setting. Bring your clubs! And don't forget your tennis rackets to play our recently redone Ke Nani Kai courts! At our pool there is a gas grill, and fish can be bought in town, if you don't catch one yourself!
We hope you have a wonderful time, make sure you tell your best friends about Molokai for their next Hawaii vacation. Molokai is still a great secret in Hawaii."
Bookmark this blog for hot tips from your Best Hawaii Vacation team. Aloha, Pua
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