With the possible exception of the island of Lanai, Molokai is the best bet in the Islands for those who really want to get away from it all. With a total population of 7,200, the island offers wide open space and a range of accommodations defined mainly by geographic region.
West Molokai or, more specifically, the northwestern area of Kaluakoi is the island's resort area, with hotels and condominiums, a championship golf course, tennis, windsurfing, snorkeling and beautiful beaches.
Upcountry from the coast is the rural town of Maunaloa, home to the island's largest ranching community and its biggest resort, Molokai Ranch. Here guests find a completely distinct experience: a choice of three separate, fully appointed "camps" and a range of accompanying outdoor activities. Both Kaluakoi and Maunaloa are only minutes away from Ho'olehua Airport and the town of Kaunakakai.
Kaunakakai, on Molokai's southern shore, is the island's main town and largest port-of-call meaning it has one hospital, a few restaurants and no traffic lights. Along this coast you'll find several beautiful beaches and harbors, plus Hawaii's only barrier reef. Most of Kauanakakai's accommodations come in the form of condominiums, rental homes and a handful of bed & breakfasts.
Molokai's verdant east end is home to Halawa Valley and its spectacular waterfalls. On the trip here from Kaunakakai you'll also pass tropical valleys, ancient Hawaiian fishponds (a few of which have been restored to working order), and spectacular beaches with shallow water and coral reefs tailor-made for snorkeling. Extremely rural, this area's lodging choices are limited to only a few vacation rental homes.
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