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MOLOKAʻI:
Hawaiian By Nature
Natural and rustic, Molokaʻi remains true to its island roots. Where visitors can experience old-style Hawaiʻi and feel the Hawaiian culture and aloha spirit permeate from the central town of Kaunakakai to the rugged wilderness on a guided trek through revered Hālawa Valley. Explore the glorious North Shore Pali Coast to see the tallest sea cliffs in the world and take in some of the islands’ most remarkable views. Or discover Pāpōhaku Beach, one of Hawaiʻi’s largest white sand beaches. Here, it’s all about savoring the simple things in life.
Kalaupapa Lookout at the Pālāʻau State Park
This overlook features an amazing view of Molokaʻi’s north coast and Kalaupapa National Historic Park. More than 8,000 people affected by Hansen’s disease (leprosy) were exiled to the Molokaʻi peninsula in the years 1866 to 1969. Today, a handful of patients voluntarily remain, and the park is now a place where people gather to honor the memories of those that came before. Saint Damien and Saint Marianne Cope both served patients here.
Eco-Tourism: Take a farm tour to see how locals work the land. Visit Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm for a fascinating tour. Hawaiʻi is the world’s leading producer of macadamia nuts. Or, to really see environmental preservation in action at the Nature Conservancy’s two sites on Molokaʻi: the Moʻomomi Preserve on the northwest coast and the Kamakou Preserve in the mountainous rainforests to the east.
Golfing: The golf on Molokaʻi is as relaxed as you might expect it to be. At the lovely Ironwood Hills Golf Course, it’s okay to just show up for a tee time. There are no golf pros—not even a clubhouse—just 3,088 yards of upcountry pasture with splendid views.