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Summary:   Molokai, more properly spelled Moloka'i, is one of the last remaining Hawaiian islands where visitors can experience authentic Hawaiian culture and a land unaffected by influences from the outside world.

Located between Oahu and Maui islands, Moloka’i (or Molokai) is one of the last remaining Hawaiian islands where visitors can experience authentic Hawaiian culture and a land unaffected by influences from the outside world. Once known primarily for its infamous leper colony, traffic, tourist crowds and towering hotels are non-existent on the island of Moloka’i. What does exist is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers or those seeking solitude or solo ocean adventures.

The best time to visit the Island of Moloka’i is pretty much anytime of the year. Yearly temperatures average between 75-85 degrees with a dip into the lower 60s during the late evening hours throughout the winter months. There really isn’t a high or low season on the Island of Moloka’i, mainly because it’s not well-known for tourism. This is great for visitors to the island as room rates will be much less than the rates on any of the other Islands. Condo rentals tend to be inexpensive as well. It is not uncommon to find a condo that sleeps 3-4, for under $90 per night!

Mild weather and thin crowds on Moloka’i make it easy to snorkel, scuba dive and hike practically anytime and hassle-free. Moloka’i Fish & Dive, Kaunakakai, Hi, 808-553-5926, offers a wide variety of organized water activities such as kayaking Kamalo or Palauu Reef, and whale watching aboard a 27 foot cabin cruiser. Moloka’i Fish & Dive also offers 3-tank deep diving tours of Hawaii’s largest barrier reef, located on the south side of Moloka’i island.

Visitors to the island will have a variety of hiking tours to choose from ranging from cultural hiking tours and mountain tours to village, valley and sea cliff tours. For information about Moloka’i hiking tours contact the Moloka’i Visitors Center at 800-800-6367 or you can browse through tour packages on their website at http://molokai-hawaii.com.

Because of the lack of tourist traffic and the secluded location, one might think Moloka’i offers only a limited amount of accommodations. While you won’t find as many hotels on Moloka’i as you’ll find on say, Oahu, you will find a wide variety of unique and cozy accommodations. Condos, privately owned vacation homes, small hotels and resorts, bed & breakfasts and even luxury camp sites are available on the island of Moloka’i, and finding the perfect place to stay is fairly easy. If you’re interested in condos or vacation homes, Moloka’i Realty can help. Call 866-309-9001 for listings of comfortable homes, condos, villas and cabins for rent throughout the island.

For those seeking luxury accommodations and ocean views, try Hotel Moloka’i. This oceanfront luxury hotel may be small, but it offers grand views of the ocean and beautiful open air Polynesian-style bungalows. For detailed information visit the Hotel Moloka’i website at www.hotelmolokai.com or call 800-535-0085.

Land lovers will appreciate The Lodge at Moloka’i Ranch, 100 Maunaloa Highway, Moloka’i Hawaii 96770. This cozy luxury hotel is located in the town of Maunaloa (elevation 1200 ft.) and it features 22 rooms with breathtaking views of the countryside and the Pacific ocean. To view the accommodations, check rates or to make reservations, visit the website at www.molokairanch.com or call 888-627-8082.

Secluded and unspoiled, budget-friendly and breathtaking, Moloka’i is Hawaii’s best kept secret and for visitors, exploring this hidden gem is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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