Moloka'i, Hawaii Travel Advetnures

By Sharon Hamblin

Based on our full guide to Maui, Lana'i and Molokai, this focuses primarily on Moloka'i, though there are extensive sections on all three islands - travel preparation, culture, history, and much more. There are endless fascinating things to do here. Watch

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hunter Publishing
• Release date: Jan 30, 2010
• ISBN: 9781588439178

Book preview

Introduction 

ALOHA! 

M aui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain, but number one in the hearts and souls of the people who travel there. Frequently named the best island in the world, it's a little piece of paradise full of adventure, excitement, history and natural beauty. In fact, in 2007 Maui was named the Best Island in the World in the Conde Nast Traveler readers' poll. The island has ranked first in the poll an unprecedented 16 out of the past 17 years, beating out Bali, Bermuda, the Maldives, Vancouver Island and Mykonos in Greece. 

This guide will focus on Moloka'i, the island that, along with Lana'i, is part of Maui county. But first we will cover the basic information you need to know about Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i as a whole -  the culture, climate, history, trip planning, how to get around and much more.

In Hawaiian legend, Maui was the hero of all Pacific islands visited by Polynesians. He was so clever and helpful that people called him Maui-of-a-thousand-tricks.  

Today the island is a reflection of the spirit of Maui - with thousands of magical things to do and see. You will find yourself literally chasing rains, showering under waterfalls and exploring some of the 81 beaches on Maui alone that make up 120 miles of coastline. Watch amazing sunsets from mile-long beaches or listen to local bands playing ukuleles while a hula dancer with a plumeria behind her ear dances to the rhythm. Visit ancient Hawaiian heiaus (temples) or explore Maui's whaling history in Lahaina. Taste macadamia nut-crusted opakapaka, a delicately flavored pink snapper, while sipping on a lilikoi (yellow passion fruit) margarita. 

Maui welcomes 2.5 million visitors annually, making it the second-most visited Hawaiian Island, behind Oahu. .

TIP: Don't forget your slippers (as flip-flops are called). The black sand combined with the intense sun can burn. 

Whether you prefer to sip a mai tai while lounging on a hammock or try your hand at an exciting new sport like kiteboarding, this book will help you navigate your way across and up and down the beautiful Valley Isle. It will point you toward the best deals, share insider tips and show you how to have the best time during your visit. You will meet the wonderful people of Hawaii and learn about their mana (spirit), their history and their customs. You will even pick up a few words of the Hawaiian language. And here's a popular phrase that you'll encounter often during your trip - Maui no ka `oi (Maui is the best!). 

MAUI AT A GLANCE 

Nickname    The Valley Isle 

Area    727 square miles 

Population     140,000 

Highest Point    Haleakala (10,023 feet) 

Language    English, but it helps to know some Hawaiian words, like aloha (hello) and mahalo (thank you) 

Biggest City    Kuhului is the main commercial center; Wailea and Lahaina/Kaanapali are the major resort areas 

Distance from Los Angeles    2,485 miles 

Coastline    120 miles 

Some say the island of Maui resembles a woman's body; others say the island's shape represents the demi-god Maui's head, neck, shoulders and body. However you look at it, you'll see two volcanoes with a small isthmus in the middle created by erosion which now joins the two land masses. The larger volcano is 10,023-foot Haleakala on the eastern side of the island with 5,788-foot Pu`u Kukui on the western side. 

Maui County includes Maui, Lana`i and Moloka`i, with the county seat being the town of Wailuku in Central Maui. The county population including all three islands is about 135,000. 

10 THINGS NOT TO MISS 

Spend a day shopping, browsing and dining alongLahaina's Front Street. Check out all the funky shops and then treat yourself to a mai tai at Cheeseburger in Paradise and watch the strange cast of characters that hang out on this busy thoroughfare.

Stroll down theKa`anapali beach pathand see all the fancy hotels and resorts on one side of the path and beautiful golden Ka`anapali Beach on the other. Watch or jump in and join the snorkelers, surfers and parasailers who take advantage of the calm, clear and warm waters of Maui's west side. Then enjoy apupuor dinner at one of the beachside restaurants liketropica at the Westin or Hula Grill. 

SeeHaleakala Crateron a Pony Express tour. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a horseback ride down to the floor of this enormous crater. 

Jump on a boat for a snorkel excursion toMolokini. Although some say the crescent-shaped cinder cone off the south shore of Maui is overrun with visitors, it still offers some of the clearest waters you'll find in Hawaii. Plus, the boat ride is tons of fun. 

Take an afternoon or overnight trip toUpcountry Mauiand explore the small towns ofKulaandMakawaoand theHaleakala Ranch. For an adventurous alternative to another day at the beach, visitTedeschi Winery, theSurfing Goat DairyorAli`i Kula Lavender Farm. 

VisitMoloka`iand take the mule ride down toKalaupapa peninsula, which is the site of a former leper colony. This experience is a lesson in history, tolerance, hope and fortitude.

Take a ferry ride toLana`iand see the fancy resorts; visit quaint littleLana`i Citywith its whimsical shops and galleries. Get behind the wheel and driveThe Road to Hana. This wild trip will take you through lush rainforests and past gushing waterfalls. Your final destination can be the isolated town of Hana or continue on to`Ohe`o Gulch), where water flows from one pool into another, then another, creating a playground for visitors. 

Visit thebeaches of Makenaon the south shore. Boogie board at beautiful Makena Beach or sunbathe further down the road atBig Beach. Or be brave and bare in all atLittle Beach, Maui's premier nude strand. 

If you're going to splurge at one nice dinner on Maui, make a reservation atLahainaGrill. The food, service and ambiance are impeccable and every meal is one to remember. 

CLIMATE 

Maui is made up of several micro-climates and, although it's sunny most of the time, occasional storms bring wind and rain. The windward side, where the tradewinds hit, is more lush and tends to receive more rain. The leeward, or western, side of the island is drier with more sun. 

The coastal areas are usually warmer, while Upcountry temperatures are a bit chillier. There are basically two seasons - winter (November through April) and summer. The temperature varies only about 15 degrees F between seasons, with the average being 75 to 85 . Summertime temperatures average 78 in the coastal areas, while in winter they drop a couple of degrees to 72 . 

Hawaiian legend states that the demi-god Maui used a magic hook to fish up the islands and then snare the sun with a net atop Haleakala. By slowing the sun, he made the days longer so that his mother would have more time to finish her daily tasks. 

On massive Haleakala, in just 37 miles the elevation goes from sea level to 10,000 feet; at the top of the crater temperatures can be up to 30 degrees cooler. The temperature drops an average of three degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Make sure to dress appropriately with lots of layers and a heavy jacket. I heard an unfortunate story about a girl who passed out from the cold just minutes before sunrise.

AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL 

Kahului     21 inches 

Lahaina    43 inches 

Pu`u Kukui (West Maui Mountains)    400 inches 

Molokini    27 inches 

The water temperature averages a pleasant 74 degrees F and can rise to 80 or higher in the summer. 

CULTURE 

THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE 

In the Hawaiian language they use an okina or glottal stop, as in the word ku`uipo (which means sweetheart). It indicates a break in the breath when pronouncing Hawaiian words. I have indicated these in the text except in cases where a company or business doesn't use it. Hawaii without the accent refers to the state; with an okina, it means the Big Island of Hawai`i. 

The Hawaiian alphabet contains only 12 letters - the five vowels (a,