Moloka'i - Uniquely Hawaiian

Moloka'i is only 10 miles wide and 38 miles long. Moloka'i is the home of Hawaii's the longest, least crowded of the accessible beaches.

When leaving Ho'olehua Airport, a sign reminds you that Moloka'i roads, which have no stoplights, are a place to "Slow Down"- one of the reasons many people come to Moloka'i.

Moloka'i's East End shoreline road is riddled with ancient Hawaiian fishponds, taro farms, mango patches, and incredible inlets and bays with surf. At the end of the road, you reach Halawa with its valley walls, waterfalls, meandering stream and Hawaiian village.

One of the largest heiau (Hawaiian temples) in the state, Ili'ili'opa'e, is located near Puko'o, and a Hawaiian family takes visitors by horse-drawn wagon on an interpretive tour, designed for individuals or groups. Moloka'i Horse & Wagon Ride also offers prearranged activities and an informal Hawaiian picnic on the beach next to the largest mango patch in Hawai'i.

As you approach the end of Kamehameha V Highway, the scenic drive becomes more winding and the coast more rugged. The tiny, turtle-shaped isle of Mokuho'oniki is just offshore. As you descend into Halawa Valley there are beautiful lookouts and the mouth of the stream is a wonderful place to rest. The walking trail up the valley is closed to the public.

The highway ends at Halawa, marking the beginning of the inaccessible North Shore and the world's highest sea cliffs. The deep valleys were agricultural centers of old Hawai'i with taro patches and many house sites. Today, the valleys are visited by hunters, fishermen and paddlers of kayak and canoe. It is best to find a guide, as the coast is very rugged. The return road trip from Halawa to the airport is 37 miles, and is most enjoyable driven leisurely, taking several hours for scenic stops.

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