East Molokai
Places to Explore in East Molokai
Molokai, the birthplace of hula, is a place where people slow down and forget all about their hustles and bustles in the city, what with the island’s white sandy beaches. Molokai is the fifth largest island in Hawaii, barely populated with only less than ten thousand locals inhabiting the island, making it a real haven of peace and quiet. This beautiful island of Molokai was shaped when Kamakou and Maunaloa, two of Hawaii’s largest volcanoes, erupted and ruined the façade of the Pacific Ocean. East Molokai boasts a peaceful environment, but there are loads of places to explore in this very remote and calming island, for you to experience. So, come and book your vacation trip now to East Molokai, a vacation destination of adventures blending with calm and tranquility.
Halawa Beach Park
If you came to this island for some surfing escapades, then don’t fail to explore the Halawa Beach Park. It is best that you visit the Halawa Beach during the winter months which bring larger waves, making it in an excellent surfing beach for surfing enthusiasts. However, if you prefer to just wade in the waters, or merely float around, come during the summer, when the waters are very calm and safe for swimming. Halawa Beach Park is a peaceful hang-out place for both visitors and the locals, who simply fancy admiring the panoramic view of Molokai’s two beaches -- the Kama'alaea Beach and the Kawilli Beach. It is also great for sunbathing and picnics, relaxing vacations, and surfing gigs. During winter months, it is not recommended for swimming since the waters are usually turbulent and therefore poses great dangers to people who are going to swim.
Kamakou Preserve
Another exciting getaway that you should visit while in East Molokai is the rainforest of Kamakou Preserve, which lies hidden near the summit of the highest point in Molokai, Mt. Kamakou. This rainforest belongs to a 2,774-acre preserve full of hardwood trees, wet forests, extraordinary swamps, and over 250 species of various local Hawaiian plants, trees, and wildlife. What’s amazing about it is that 219 of those species are only found in Hawaii, and nowhere else in the world. So, should you wish to take the trail going to this lush rainforest, visit first the Nature Conservancy to sign in and get directions on how to reach the preserve. It is best to explore the Kamakou Preserve with a guided hike available to a limited number of people per group, held every once a month.
Honouliwai Taro Patch Farm
Honouliwai Taro Patch Farm is the best place to go when you want to understand and learn the Hawaiian culture of taro farming. Going to this unique farm is a must. The owners provide a one-and-a-half-hour tour wherein visitors are exposed to all aspects of taro farming. The owner, raised in Thailand, uses a traditional plow-pulling water buffalo named Bigfoot, a strong animal built for farmwork. Join tours by calling for an appointment and directions. There could never be a more relaxing experience than listening to the sounds of the running water on the wet-land taro patch farm. Or better yet, you might as well go for a dive in the nearby beaches close to this charming farm.
Kalokoeli Fishpond
Molokai has several well-preserved fishponds with narrow rock walls bending out from the water's edge, which dates back to the 13th century. Lava boulders and coral formations make up the crescent walls of the ponds, keeping the fish inside while allowing the seawater to flow away in and out. Kalokoeli Fishpond is a popular and accessible scenic attraction of Molokai where visitors get to see two historical fishponds-- the Keawa Nui, which is Molokai’s largest fishpond, and Ualapue Pond, located at Mile Marker 13, which has been restored after being raised in the ancient times. Make sure you bring with you a pair of sandals or flip-flops so you will be comfortable while roaming around, a towel, sun block lotion, and your camera to take wonderful pictures of this beautiful tourist attraction.
Kamalo Harbor
Leaving East Molokai after exploring its beauty and uniqueness will surely provide you loads of wonderful memories as you go. But don’t forget to drive through the Halawa Falls Drive from Kamalo to Halawa Valley, since it is considered by many as one of Hawaii's most lovely drives. It is only in Kamalo that visitors may take a peek of old Hawaii, wherein Kamalo, during the 19th century, was a natural harbor used by small cargo ships. It was a much loved fishing spot for the Hawaiian natives. Drive all the way to the end without going for any pit stops, so you will surely enjoy the magnificent view of this century- old harbor.
Puu O Hoku Ranch
Pu'u O Hoku, meaning “Hill of Stars,” is a Hawaiian ranch of about 14,000 acres of private highlands developed during the thirties in the area of East Molokai. Visitors will surely enjoy and marvel at the superb views of Maui and Lanai while staying at the ranch’s guest cottages sitting atop hills overlooking the sea, and bounded by incredibly lush gardens. It offers eleven bedrooms with a maximum sleeping capacity of twenty-two people. Since Puu O Hoku Ranch’s location is extremely still and unruffled, it is so perfectly apt for holding retreats, seminars, and workshops. Visitors may also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including healing therapies, yoga exercises, hiking on safe hiking trails available all over the ranch, and not to mention the enchanting sight of white sandy beaches just a few minutes drive away.
Waialua Beach Park
Although there are not as much activities to do in East Molokai like in other parts of Hawaii, there are still a lot of stunning beaches in East Molokai that will surely catch your admiration. Yes, East Molokai is a very secluded area, so remote, calm and deafeningly quiet. However, the Waialua Beach is not as isolated like the other beaches in East Molokai. Visitors may actually see a General Store, where they can dig up some things they need, as well as a number of residences less than a mile away. Waialua Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling getaways on the island, an extremely enjoyable place to explore on the east end of Molokai.
Waialua Beach is truly another addition to the countless beautiful beaches that Hawaii boasts of. It is one beach that can boast of its golden sands and waters so clear and shallow. Sometimes the waters become too shallow that visitors may catch a glimpse of the various fishes swimming and jumping among the coral heads. A truly remarkable experience not to miss. Located on the East End of Molokai, just before Mile Marker 20, Waialua Beach is definitely a great place to swim, suntan, or body surf. The beach tenders very small waves which make surfing very ideal for the amateur surfers. Visitors will not have a difficult time getting to the beach, since it is just right next to Twenty Mile Beach, more popularly known as Murphy's Beach Park, which is another popular family spot in East Molokai, Hawaii.
So, book your vacation trip to East Molokai now and experience the charms of peace and tranquility East Molokai has to offer. You will have a difficult time finding serenity in the city, but in the beaches of East Molokai, peace of mind is definitely free. Bear in mind though, that whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, be sure to take care when entering the waters.