Molokai is one of Hawaii's small, sparsely developed islands--a quiet destination for health enthusiasts. The island is composed of two volcanoes, Kamakou and Maunaloa, and is nicknamed "The Most Hawaiian Island." Whether you seek outdoor adventure or quiet meditation, Molokai offers more opportunities than you might imagine.
Hike the Halawa Valley
Molokai is a spiritual place, residence of renowned prophets and missionaries and protected on the grounds of its religious significance. Halawa Valley is home to several significant sites and Hawaiian guides are available--and in most cases, required--to tour hikers through the valley pointing out temple remains and other sites. At the valley's Moaula Falls, legend warns swimmers to test the gods before entering the pool fed by the fall. Hiking and swimming in Halawa Valley provide a formidable workout. Enjoy the serenity of the valley by taking a moment to appreciate the clean air and breathing deeply.
Hula Dance
Hula is an exclusively Hawaiian dance, and legend points to Molokai as its birthplace. Watch hula schools perform the dance during Molokai's Ka Hula Piko Hula festival each May or the Ka Molokai Makahiki festival in January. Make sure to canvass the areas as much as possible and check out the authentic Hawaiian arts and crafts. Learn the art of hula for a low-impact cardiovascular workout, which improves flexibility and relieves stress. Molokai's Mitchell Pauole Center offers free hula classes for children and adults.
Locavore Food and Beverage
Molokai's people focus on a sustainable way of life and depend on fishing and agriculture. Farmers provide avocadoes, papayas, mangoes, tangerines, tomatoes, okra and zucchini just to name a few and gather in downtown Kaunakakai for the volunteer-organized farmer's market each Saturday morning. Chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, macadamia nuts and coffee are also grown on the island. Visit Molokai Coffee Plantation to take a tour and sample the island's authentic organic coffee.
Dive the Coral Reef
Molokai's 30 Mile Reef is one of Hawaii's longest fringing reefs and a hidden treasure for divers or snorkelers who often overlook the island in favor of Hawaii's more famous reef spots. Snorkeling and scuba diving are calorie blasters because losing track of time underwater is so easy--before you realize it, you have been swimming for hours. Molokai's dive companies offer training, equipment and tours.
Accommodations
Molokai offers visitors all types of accommodations. Beachfront condominiums and cottages provide convenient access to boogie boarding, snorkeling and other beach activities, tennis courts, swimming pools and wireless internet to power your health-and-fitness website of choice. The landmark Molokai Ranch, a Molokai institution since 1897, once offered extensive accommodations with fitness facilities. Unfortunately, the ranch ceased operations in 2008 and its once-popular tourist accommodations are no longer open.
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