First of all, let me start off with that this is my favorite island in existence. Second of all, it will most likely be yours too. If you are not into touristy things. I chose this island after being called to it during a Reiki session. Dove into google for further research and discovered that this island is what Hawaii used to be like before all the tourism and high commercialism. I am going to go over some hotpots and the usual of accommodations. I do ask though, if you plan to visit this island, please understand they are not into tourism. They are the most welcoming warm hearted people I have met and you will too as long as you go there wanting to learn about THEM and THEIR culture. Don't run up in there expecting this to be the next Disneyland. It's not. It's far from it and that's what makes it beautiful.
First let me go into how you are going to get there. You could fly direct...technically. You will be boarding a little plane called Mokulele to get there. It's a 9 seater and the most adorable thing you will ever be in. I took the flights from Oahu but I think you can go from Maui too. Best thing is, there is no TSA check so you can bring like literally a whole pizza with you on the plane...yes I saw it. Book your flights through Southern Airways and they can be as cheap as $40 or as high as a little over $100. Carry on cannot weigh more then 15 pounds. Checked luggage is $20 or at least that is what I paid when I went. If you uber from your hotel in Oahu, have them take you straight to this terminal, do not go to the main airport or you would have to catch the shuttle which runs every 10 minutes:
Hot spots
-Molokai Farmers Market: Open every Saturday from 7:00am to Noon. It is an adorable little spot where you can grab your fresh produce for the week, art, jewelry, snacks for your hike, whatever! The people are so kind and welcoming. Keep in mind most only took cash so be sure you have cash on you. If not, you can drive 10 minutes up the street to Hotel Molokai and use theirs's.
-Molokai Art from the Heart: Okay I am nitpicky because I LOVE art galleries. I happened to meet a friend of the owner's at the farmers market and he recommended I go see the store. I loved her pieces. Ann (the artist) is a sweetheart and otherworldly talented. I bought a few pieces from her. She also houses other local artists so you can see their work too. BTW, if you are open for it, be prepared for conversations with everyone. The moment the people of Molokai like you and your vibe, it's like you are talking with your best friend for the next 15 minutes. Remember, native Hawaiians love sharing story, it is apart of their culture. So please join along. You wont regret and it will give you a better perspective on humanity.
-Phallic Rock: You can walk around here on a very short hike and it's beautiful but beware that you will most likely be the only one out here. It is not very crowded and the island itself does not receive many visitors. So just a heads up if you are uncomfortable being in wooded areas alone. I got no bad vibes here though. You will never smell air so clean either. Soooooooo X rated pic but, ancient Hawaiian legend has it that when a woman wanted to get pregnant, she would come here to make her offering and spend the night sleeping under this rock. She would then return home pregnant. I asked if there was a rock I could sleep under to find a husband instead but the answer was no for that one.
Molokai Forest Reserve: I went with Molokai Outdoors. Uncle Gordon is an absolute sweetheart alongside his wife Auntie Claire. The staff is amazing too (shout out to Malia!) Uncle and Auntie are used in Hawaii as a form of respect. Similar to sir and ma'am but Uncle and Auntie are used since everyone is Ohana. So here is the thing, Molokai outdoors cannot take you through the whole hike due to regulations put in place by the Nature Conservancy. However, they will take you to the Waikolu Lookout and you can hike the rest of the way on your own. They only book a minimum of two for this trip so you are guaranteed a hiking buddy. You will need it too since the trail is very muddy and once you get to the boards, its very difficult to keep balance. Molokai Outdoors will supply you hiking poles and ponchos at no cost. They also do include lunch. Sandwiches made by a local churchgoer and friend of Uncle Gordon's. I really cannot stress that it is one big Ohana on this island and you will never feel so loved, cared for, or apart of a tribe in your life. Also, you need a 4x4 to get up here and it is a brutal drive. I would not recommend it in a rental. Besides, Uncle Gordon's stories make the experience so take the drive with him. They do a lot of other excursion too. I really wanted to do the Kayaking one but couldn't get to it. Let me know if you do! https://molokaioutdoors.com/activities/
-Molokai Hot Bread: First of all.....society didn't deserve such a gift as this. It is well worth it! It's massive and they have all these different flavors and it is only $10 for two flavors! You can split it between 4 people. I myself had guava and cream cheese and they make it right there on the spot. It opens at 7pm and they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays if memory serves right. You go behind Kanemitsu's Bakery, the infamous "dark alley" which you are in for all .5 seconds and then you see the shack off to the left. It is lit and not pitch black and has plenty of people so I was able to go alone just fine. If your doing this trip solo dolo like me, buy yourself one and use it for breakfast over the next few days. Cash Only!
-Hiro's Ohana Grill: Such a fun spot! Belonging to Hotel Molokai, this is a gorgeous ocean front restaurant that has live music every night. They are closed Monday's though so make sure you get in a dinner. You can then walk on the beach afterwards. Have you ever seen water so still before?
Other hotspots:
-Sandy's Beach at mile marker 22: Easy to get here and you can see so much of the island driving to here. It is a gorgeous beach with volcanic rocks to climb on and views of Lanai. You will also see a few locals here spear fishing. It is a very tranquil space and I did not feel it was overcrowded at all. Water was a little too chilly for me to get in since it was December but let me know how the swim is!
-Kalaupapa Overlook: Entrance is right next to Phallic Rock entrance and is a real short walk. However, you want to go on a clear day and it was very cloudy when I went. I heard its worth the view though.
-Kalaupapa: This is home to the leprosy settlement in the 1800's that housed the people of the Hawaiian Islands who got infected. It is a very grim and dark history and I just personally felt I would be too sensitive to the energies that remain there so I chose not to go. If you are into history, check it out. There are still some patients residing there today! Check out the national park website for information: https://www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm
-Halawa Valley: You can do this by cultural hike with Uncle Phil or ask Molokai Outdoors when they go. Please keep in mind, you cannot get to the waterfall if it has rained that week. The rivers swell very easily and for liability reasons, the hike will not proceed. If it has been dry without rain for a good few days you will be able to see it. It really all depends though. Please come here understanding you may not be able to complete this experience as it is very much weather permitting. It is all what the island has in store for you though.
-Molokai Land and Trust: Please volunteer here if you have time. I did the plant nursery and Patty walked me through all the native species they have. You can also go with them to the east coast and help plant in their conservation area. The mission of this group is to restore native plants to Molokai. They are beautiful people and will be very appreciative of your kindness.
There are other beaches and other places to check out. These came from my experience. I hope they add to your adventures
Where to stay and Transportation:
-Hotel Molokai: LOVE. THIS. PLACE. Molokai Outdoors is located right in the lobby which is convenient for planning your excursions. The hotel is outdoors. so walking from room to room or building to building is outside. It overlooks the beach and has hammocks overlooking the ocean water. The moment you set foot here you are at peace. The staff is super kind and everything about this screams relaxation without the annoyance of an overpriced overcrowded resort. They have Roosters walking the grounds along with you. Plus they have a cat named Mama. It's cat approved so you now you have to go.
-Molokai Shores: My Air BnB was here and I think that is the only way you can stay here. I recommend trying to get a place for a few days that has a kitchenette so you can cook. Eating out can get pricy and plus its just nice to cook for yourself and overlook the ocean
-Transportation is the usual Turo app OR you can rent a car from Molokai Outdoors. Please give back to the Hawaiians when you come to these lands. Do not use chain rent a car places. You will save a lot of money anyway.
Additional last minute tips:
-Get your groceries early. The stores close earlier than the mainland (some around 6 or 7) and understand you are not going to find everything you need. This isn't Target people. These are mom and pop owned shops and they do not control the shipments.
-I travelled by carry on and did my laundry at the hotel. There is also a laundromat in town that are cheap. Cash only.
-Molokai hours vary and days places open vary so please get used to going with the flow.
-Bring CASH. A lot of the bigger places accepted card but it was hard to gage who and who didn't. It is just easier if you carry at least $100 with you depending on how long you plan to be there and what you plan to do.
-There is NOTHING in terms of stores on the east or west side of the Island. I found staying central near the airport at Hotel Molokai or Molokai Shores helped tremendously because I was 5 minutes from the main town.
-Getting to the accommodations listed above, you will pass a sign that says "Tourists Not Welcome". Please do not take offense to this. The owner of that sign went through hell and back when a tourist decided to screw him over financially by trying to sue him for getting injured on his land. A place they were NOT supposed to be. Come here understanding that everyone has a story and their own gripes. As long as you treat everyone with love and respect, they will return the same to you.
-As always, Hawaiian roads are island roads. Meaning you are going long stretches at a time without gas stations. This doesn't happen in the main town but if you plan on going to the costs or even just 20 minutes outside the main town, be prepped for that.
-It didn't rain much when I was there but Hawaii has trade winds as mentioned in my other posts. Sometimes a rain storm can come out of nowhere. Be prepped for that.
Molokai changed me as a human. She opened my eyes to a greatness of humankind and wonders I wouldn't have otherwise known. Take care of her when you come here and she will do so to you. Come ready to share your heart with others and get ready for a lifelong journey full of memories and friends. Buen Viaje!
Love,
Tiff
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