| Molokai is the fifth largest Hawaiian island, and one | | | | islands. There is a resort on the west side of the |
| of the best-kept secrets when it comes to | | | | island, as well as several small hotels. On the west |
| Hawaiian vacation destinations. Molokai is located | | | | shore, Papohaku Beach is a popular beach said to |
| east of Oahu and north of Lanai. Honolulu, Lanai, | | | | be one of the best on all of Hawaii. Molokai is a |
| and Maui are visible from various parts of the | | | | relatively quiet island known for its relaxing |
| island. The island measures approximately 38 miles | | | | mindset. Considered by many to be a hidden |
| by 10 miles. Molokai is home to two small ports, | | | | treasure, Molokai offers the best of Hawaiian |
| as well as the tiny Molokai Airport on West | | | | outdoor activities without the crowds. Popular |
| Molokai, which offers flights only to other Hawaiian | | | | activities on the island include snorkeling near the |
| islands. There are about 6,000 to 8,000 people | | | | reefs, fishing, and hiking through the Halawa Valley. |
| living on Molokai depending on the season. They | | | | A unique attraction on the coast of Molokai is the |
| live in six towns and villages; the largest of these | | | | fishponds. Built centuries ago, there were at times |
| is Kaunakakai. | | | | up to 62 such ponds along the coastline. Today, |
| There are two distinct volcanoes on the island, | | | | only a few remain, although several others are |
| known as East Molokai and West Molokai. The | | | | currently being restored. At Kaunakakai Wharf, |
| highest point on Molokai is the top of East Molokai, | | | | you can visit the stone formations of a home of |
| at 4,970 feet. The largest sea cliffs in the world | | | | Kamehameha V called Malama. He ruled the |
| are located on East Molokai. These cliffs can be | | | | Hawaiian Islands from 1863 to 1872. |
| seen in Jurassic Park III, and are a popular tourist | | | | Molokai is perhaps best known historically as the |
| destination. They tower 3600 feet over the | | | | home of Father Damien de Veuster, a Belgian |
| surface of the ocean. | | | | priest who lived on the island in the nineteenth |
| The western half of Molokai island is lower in | | | | century to serve a colony of lepers who had |
| elevation, and is the home of the Moomomi | | | | been quarantined there. During his time on Molokai |
| coastal dunes. The eastern half, home to lush | | | | he treated patients and built hospitals, churches, |
| forests with heavy annual rainfall, is known for a | | | | and other buildings. Father Damien eventually |
| diverse collection of exotic flora. Near the top of | | | | contracted the disease, dying of it in 1889, and is |
| the East Molokai volcano is the Pepeopae bog, a | | | | expected to become a saint for his work on |
| unique environment. Unfortunately, many of | | | | Molokai. There are no active cases of the disease |
| Molokais original native species of both flora and | | | | on Molokai in present times. To learn more about |
| fauna have become extinct. | | | | Father Damien, visit the Kalaupapa National |
| The island of Molokai is relatively undeveloped | | | | Historical Park, which also offers mule rides and |
| when compared to the other populated Hawaiian | | | | other activities. |