Disconnect With A Trip To Hawaii's Least Visited Island

Kristie Hang|May 18, 2018 1:24 am EST

[[{"fid":"4963863","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"

Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"

Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"1"}}]]When people think of visiting Hawaii, they usually end up on Oahu surfing on the North Shore or shopping in the tourist-filled Waikiki. But take some time to check out Molokai. It's the least visited island in Hawaii. Did you know that less than one percent of the 8.9 plus million visitors to Hawaii in 2016 visited the charming island?

From the moment you step onto Molokai, you arrive to a delightfully slow pace of life. Locals constantly stop and chat with you and welcome you to their island. There's no traffic. When two cars are on the road, Google Maps shows up as a red traffic jam. Visit the site of the tallest sea cliffs in the world, ride up and down cliffs on the back of mules, visit a former leprosy colony that is frozen in time, and swim in beaches where no one is in your way. And say goodbye to big chains. Molokai is all about supporting their local people. There are no big chains on the island. If you're looking for something beyond glitz and glam of the typical postcard photo, then Molokai should be on your next travel list.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

There are a handful of cultural tours to do on Molokai, but you won't find a more authentic one than with Anakala Pilipo Solatorio.Solatorio is Halawa Valley's oldest living Hawaiian descendant and cultural ambassador. Molokai was a thriving community until it was devastated by two tsunamis, which destroyed the valley. Solatorio survived the tsunamis and together with hisson, Gregory, live off the grid and lead tours through their private land where their family has lived for many generations.

The tour is all about doing things the traditional Hawaiian way. It begins with a traditional Honi ceremony (Hawaiian breath exchanging) then the ho'okupu, the giving of a ceremonial gift to the host,and moves to a presentation about what the area once was. Because the valley is Molokai's oldest settlement, the three and a half mile hike passes ancient stonewalls, temples, burial sites, and cultural relics that are more than 1,000 years old.

The hike culminates at the pristine two-tiered Moaula Falls that has a 250-foot drop, where legend states that a giant lizard (mo'o) lives. Before swimming, visitorsdrop a ti leaf into the water to ask for permission to enter. If it floats, it is safe to enter. However if it sinks, the mo'o does not welcome you.

*Halawa Valley is a remote region of the island and does not have landline phone service or cellular signal. Call and leave a voicemail for meeting directions. http://halawavalleymolokai.com, 808-542-1855.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

2. Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kalaupapa is a reminder of Hawaii's tragic past. From1866 to 1969, more than 8,500 people living throughout the Hawaiian Islands with leprosy were exiled to the settlement. The area is nowa very restricted and sacred area that remains as a community for about dozen surviving former patients that have been cured of the disease. Hawaii limits the number of visitors to 100 per day; many of whom have to hike down a steep three and a half-mile trail or ride down 2000 feet in elevation via mule to reach the settlement. Apart from its history, the settlement itself is hauntingly beautiful with its architecture, park, cemeteries, museum and bookstore. It's eye opening to see a town where residents only have a barge once a year that delivers all of the settlement's supplies for the entire year.The town's single pump gas station never changes its price of gas for the whole year! For those wanting to get the perfect Instagram photo, Molokai's north short cliffs are some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world that reach roughly 3,900 feet and provide uninhabited views of the island. (The mule ride option has been temporaily halted due to rent disagreements. Will update when I find out more.)

Kalaupapa National Historical Park, 189 Kaiulani St, Kalaupapa, HI 96742.

https://www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

3. Fresh Bread

One of the most exhilarating experiences on Molokai is that is the journey to find fresh hot bread. The famous hot bread from Kanemitsu's Bakeryalone is worth a trip to Molokai. The80 plus year old bakery is open during the day for regular baked goods, but its star product is their famous hot bread, which is only available in the night until 12 am. The bread is the only nightlife available in a town that is in bed by 8 p.m. Visitors arrive to a nearly pitch black street where every shop on the street is closed. The only illumining 'open' sign leads to a locked door. Follow the aroma around the bakery, down two alleyways until you reach a nondescript window where fresh hot bread is being baked from scratch. One hot bread can easily feed four people. Each order comes straight from the oven, slathered with your choice of cream cheese, blueberry, butter, cinnamon, or sugar filling. Can't decide? "Da Works" is also an option. Expect to meet many locals in line whom want to "talk story" with you. You'll leave with bread and new friends.

Kanemitsu's Bakery, 79 Ala Malama Ave, Kaunakakai, HI 96748; 808-553-5855

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

4. Shop Local

There's no glitz and glam on Molokai. The island is famous for its adversity to commercialization and big tourism.There are no chains on Molokai. In fact, there's only one hotel on the island: Hotel Molokai. There's no building on the island taller than a palm tree and every business is a mom-and-pop shop. Almost every store has some sort of section that gives back to the community or proudly sells gifts and souvenirs made locally by local Molokaians. It gives new meaning to shopping local. There's also a farmers and crafters market every Saturday near mile marker 0 where there's a large selection of island grown fruits, vegetables and flowers, as well as a plethora of locally made arts and crafts.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

5. Mail a Coconut!

Postcards are so modern. On Molokai, it's all about doing things old school. Visitors can mail a full-sized coconutthat they can decorate themselves as a souvenir. At the Hoolehua Post Office, the coconuts are free. Choose from a barrage of fresh coconuts, personalize them with stamps and stickers, and simply pay postage for a truly custom and personalized gift. Costs vary depending on the destination, but for domestic addresses they start around $10.

69-2 Puupeelua Ave, Hoolehua, HI 96729; 800-275-8777.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Picture courtesy of Maui Visitors Bureau.

6. Island Life

Island lifestyle is real on Molokai. Once you enter the island, you are greeted with signs to remember to slow down and enjoy the present. There are no traffic lights or traffic on Molokai. In fact, enter in an address on your GPS and if there's more than one car on the road Google Maps will show up as a red traffic jam. This is all part of Molokai's charm. No one is ever in a rush. Everyone wants to take a moment and get to know you and ask how you are doing. Don't forget to check out the local beaches. Kumimi Beach Park (20 Mile Beach), also known as Murphy Beach, is top-notch for snorkeling or diving with its bright blue, pristine waters. You'll never see water as clear!