The island of Molokai (26 mi/42 km east of Oahu) is for those who want to unwind quietly. It's a great place if you like isolated beaches, deep-sea fishing, history, hiking and relaxing. Residents voted to retain Molokai's rural flavor instead of invite tourism development. Those who want the activities and attractions of an urban area or bustling tourist center are not going to enjoy the island.
The island's most distinctive area is Kalaupapa National Historic Park (http://www.nps.gov/kala). The isolated peninsula on Molokai's north side is the site of a leper colony that was established in 1866. Those with the disease were shipped there and left to fend for themselves. A Belgian priest, Father Damien de Veuster, began working with them in 1873; his efforts to bring dignity into their lives is an inspiring story. Though no new patients are being admitted, the colony still has residents who remain by choice. The area can only be visited as part of a tour—no one is permitted to walk around the compound unaccompanied. The most popular way to get there is the Molokai Guided Mule Trip, where you traverse the precarious cliff-side trails as part of a mule team. The excursion is conducted by Molokai Mule Ride Inc. (phone 808-567-6088, toll-free 800-567-7550; http://www.muleride.com). You can also take hiking and flying tours to Kalaupapa. All of the excursions can be arranged as a package that includes flight connections to and from Honolulu.
At the west end of the island, Papohaku Beach is the longest white-sand beach in the state, but the waters are often too dangerous for swimming. Also at the western end is Molokai Ranch, an expansive resort that offers guests a range of activities, including horseback riding, ocean kayaking, hiking and more. Guests can stay in a traditional lodge or opt for a rustic outdoor tentalow cottage.
Beautiful valleys and mountains are found on the eastern end, including trails to Moaula Falls and Hipuapua Falls in the Halawa Valley. If you hike one of the trails, leave early (it's a long drive to get there) and prepare for a hefty workout. You should hire a guide to hike some of the trails: It's easy to get lost.
Other sites on Molokai include Palaau Park, with its "phallic rock," and Kaunakakai, the island's principal town, which is a quiet place with a few shops and no traffic lights.
