Moloka'i Must Dos
(or, ten reasons why you'll want to
come back) |
 The Hemingway
Way
If you've never met the challenge, or known
the heart-pounding thrills, of deep-sea, big-game fishing, there's no
better place than Moloka'i to start. And the shallow-water fishing is
fabulous, too! Moloka'i boat captains are the real McCoy, take care of
everything for you, and most will clean and dress your catch and bring it
to your hotel or condo so you can cook
it. |
 Stalking the Wild Wilderness
Perhaps the
quintessential Moloka'i experience, hiking this astounding,
ever-surprising island is a window into Hawai'i's primordial beginnings.
On the famed Pepe Opae Trail, which is more accurately a boardwalk across
the fragile eco-system, you'll see rare, endemic species that evolved here
in utter isolation. And hiking on foot is the only way to explore the
incomparable Halawa Valley. |
 Java Good
Time?
At the Moloka'i Coffee Plantation, you
can tour 500 acres of coffee trees in a mule-drawn wagon, then check out
the processing plant to learn "how they do it." Complete the buzz by
relaxing on the lanai with a perfect gourmet cappuccino, or maybe a
sinfully rich, iced "Mocha Mama." Then explore the very cool boutique for
unique gifts. |
 High-Return Mutual Fun
On Moloka'i,
Hawai'i's complete portfolio of watersports is available for your
selective investment of time. Why selective? Because you can't possibly do
it all in one trip. Sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving
(both really incredible here, because of the miles of amazing barrier
reefs), body boarding and boogie boarding, surfing, outrigger canoeing-
you get the drift. And all of it is framed by the dazzle of the island's
blue-chip beaches. |
 Kayak the South Shore
Ocean kayaking is a
major craze on Moloka'i, but doing it along the South Shore is beyond
belief. It's like the postcard paradise of your Hawai'i dreams, with
secret beaches, exotic vegetation, flocks of sea birds, and glorious
waterfalls cascading from sheer cliffs. |
 Ride 'em, Cowperson
Horseback riding is
pure pleasure on Moloka'i. Guided trails take you through high
mountain forests and green pastures, or go for the plateau range or the
spectacular seashores. You can even learn rodeo skills from real paniolos,
the authentic Hawaiian cowboys who still work the island's
ranches. |
 Golf, Moloka'i Style
A classic
Moloka'i moment: You show up at the Ironwood Hills Golf Course but no
one's around to give you a tee time or take your $14 (no, we didn't leave
off a zero). No problem, bradda- a sign tells you to just go ahead and
start playing. And what a gorgeous location! Originally built for Del
Monte executives, and set in the cool, crisp air 1200 feet upcountry,
Ironwood's open fairways, towering trees and breathtaking views make for a
truly memorable round. |
 Bikers, Your Mountain Awaits
And your shoreline,
and forest, and cliff-top, and kiawe desert- heck, Moloka'i has so many
extreme terrains, there are some even we don't know about! Suffice it to
say, if you've been searching for the ultimate challenge in mountain
biking, Moloka'i is ready for you. Are you ready for
Moloka'i? |
 Get in the Grove
Moloka'i sunsets
are tropical treasures, stopping residents and visitors alike in their
proverbial tracks. Top viewing spots include the Kaunakakai Pier and the
Ninth Fairway at Kaluakoi Golf Course. Bring your own beach chair and
cooler and hang out with real Molokaians taking in the show. But perhaps
the place to end a Moloka'i day is Kupuaiwa Coconut Grove. The palm trees
seem to crack open the colors like a kaleidoscope, and the mirror of
reef-sheltered waters reflect the palette to stunning
effect. |