Tours

It's hard to get any kind of realistic idea what Moloka'i has to offer until actually arriving on the island. Most visitors tend to visit for five hours the first time—and four days the next. There's just too much to do for anyone to be satisfied after a brief neighbor-island day tour.

Unlike nearby Maui, Moloka'i is hardly developed at all, but because most of it is ranch land, it's not as barren as neighboring Lana'i. There are plenty of ways to spend a day. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers find Moloka'i to be a nearly perfect island; it has great beaches, fun riding trails, miles of mountain bike territory and countless hiking trails. History buffs will want to take the mule ride down the peninsula at Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Nature lovers can arrange for a tour of the Kamakou Preserve or the bird sanctuary at Kakahai'a. Lay-abouts will be happy to find a comfortable patch of sunny beach on which to wile away the hours.

Molokai Ranch—Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding

The Molokai Ranch spans tens of thousands of acres on Molokai's West Side. Like Kauai's Princeville Ranch, it offers a full program of activities. Guided horseback rides, guided or self-guided hikes and backroads biking adventures are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed on this enormous working cattle ranch. Pick up a brochure at the Molokai Ranch Outfitters Center located next door to the Lodge at Molokai Ranch. Solo bikers or hikers can rent bikes and gear at the adjacent shop.

After a day of outdoor activities, visitors are likely to be famished. The Ranch's Maunaloa Dining Room or Mauanaloa Town's Village Grill serves hearty, meaty dishes guaranteed to satiate even the most raging appetite.

Kualapu'u

Families with small children should set aside a day to explore Kualapu'u. The first stop of the day should be at the coffee plantation. After the adults enjoy a much-needed cappuccino (made of Molokai's own homegrown coffee beans), everyone can take a tour of the plantation. Reassure children ahead of time: this is not a walking tour. Guests are conveyed in the highest style…in good old-fashioned Moloka'i mule-drawn carriages.

When it's time to leave the ranch, there may be some argument about which way to go. To the east is Ironwood Hills Golf Course, a 9-hole municipal course known to be a good bargain. Golfers might be sorely tempted to grab a quick game—but without reservations, it's not always easy to get a tee time. Better to go west to Purdy's Macadamia Nut Farm, where no reservation is necessary in order to tour the grounds or (yum!) sample the products.

Unwary tourists might head straight back to Kaunakakai for lunch after touring Purdy's. That is a mistake, as Kualapuu's one-and-only restaurant is a bit of a local jewel. It serves burgers, omelettes and sandwiches in a friendly environment.

Beaches

According to experts, there are approximately 30 beaches around the perimeter of Moloka'i. The most popular beaches on the island are probably Papohaku, One Ali'i and Murphy's Beach Park. Papohaku is all the way over on the West End of the island. Don't get it confused with the beach behind Kaluakoi Hotel; it's actually three miles further down the road. The soft golden sand stretches for almost three miles, and in slow seasons, there's scarcely a visitor in sight. Swimming is great in the summer, although it should not be attempted during January or February (rough weather season). One Ali'i is outside of Kaunakakai, and is popular with island residents and with visitors.

The East Side beaches are a popular tour bus destination. The eastern part of the island is much more humid and tropical than the west. While there are no resort areas on Molokai's eastern shore, the quaint settlement of Waialua is a great place to take photos or buy supplies (Wavecrest General Store). Murphy's Beach is a favorite of snorkelers.

Pala'au/Kalaupapa

Unlike other Moloka'i day trips, this is not one that should be approached lightly or attempted by everyone. Kalaupapa Peninsula was the site of a leper colony for more than 100 years. It was here that Father Damien did his noble work, bringing a small measure of hope and humanity to a desolate, outcast community.

There are two ways to reach the Kalaupapa Preserve. The first is by mule. People taking the trek usually choose to stop first at the Kalaupapa Lookout (technically within the bounds of Pala'au State Park) where the steep trail down the peninsula is visible. The next stop is at the Molokai Mule Ride stables and office. There, experienced tour guides will introduce each journeyer to their trusty steed. The mule ride down the trail is not easy, nor is it over quickly. Once travelers have reached the preserve, Damien Tours meets up with them to continue the ground tour. Participants learn about Father Damien, visit one of his churches, and tour the present-day Kalaupapa Settlement.

The other way to reach Kalaupapa Preserve is by charter plane. Only one company offers charter flights, and once at the destination point, all visitors are turned over to Damien Tours for the ground portion of the tour.

It is strictly forbidden (not to mention logistically impossible) to visit the Kalaupapa Preserve without permission. People who are curious but not willing to commit to a full day's experience, should check out Pala'au State Park's Kalaupapa Lookout.

Other great Moloka'i daytrips include (but are not limited to) a summertime boat tour of the North Shore seacliffs (the highest in the world), a trip to Kamakou Preserve, and a retreat to Pu'u O Hoku Ranch. Molokai Outdoor Activities located in Hotel Molokai offers a number of great tours, in addition to renting out vehicles and equipment. For the most up-to-date information, contact the Molokai Visitor's Association.