Molokai doesn't
offer the variety of excellent hikes that some of the other islands offer,
but the ones that it has are spectacular. The Kalaupapa Trail itself
isn't particularly great, as you pick your way down the mule trail (and
through mule droppings), but the vistas presented as you work your way
down Molokai's magnificent seacliffs are breathtaking. The trail
overlooks Kalaupapa, and is the only way to access the former leper colony
except by plane, and provides incredible views of the neighboring islands.
You must have a reservation with the guide company to tour Kalaupapa,
however.
Magical Halawa Valley is like heaven
on earth. Cascading waterfalls, glorious
beaches,
and lush tropical rain forest cover the mountainous slopes around the
valley, providing incredible scenery for the hike. The trail follows
Halawa Stream to cascading Moaula Falls, where you can take a refreshing
dip if the famous moo, a mythical lizard said to live in the pool, is
in the right mood. This trail is strenous enough to be worthwhile
and thrilling enough to be memorable. In years past, anyone could
walk up into Halawa Valley, however, due to abuse, disrespect, and degredation
of the land, it was closed to the public for two years. It has been
opened again, but entrance is restricted to those who go with Pilipo's
Halawa Valley Hike. For reservations, call (808) 553-4355.
Molokai Forest Reserve, which can be
reached by 10 miles of 4WD roads, has fine hiking as well. At road's
end, you'll find the Sandalwood Measuring Pit. Push on, and you'll
find yourself overlooking Waikolu and Pelekunu valleys, an exhilirating
sight.
The most formidable trail on Molokai
is the one that completely crosses the island from south to north and
leads into Wailau Valley. It starts at lli;ili'opae Heiau about
15 miles east of Kaunakakai, and gets steeper as you go. Once over
Wailau, you have to pick your way down an unmarked, slippery, and treacherous
3,000 foot pali. The reward is the mystique of the valley, seemingly
lost in time, almost heavenly.
All these trails and more are described
in detail on the sites listed in the table below.
t
offer the variety of excellent hikes that some of the other islands offer,
but the ones that it has are spectacular. The Kalaupapa Trail itself
isn't particularly great, as you pick your way down the mule trail (and
through mule droppings), but the vistas presented as you work your way
down Molokai's magnificent seacliffs are breathtaking. The trail
overlooks Kalaupapa, and is the only way to access the former leper colony
except by plane, and provides incredible views of the neighboring islands.
You must have a reservation with the guide company to tour Kalaupapa,
however.
beaches,
and lush tropical rain forest cover the mountainous slopes around the
valley, providing incredible scenery for the hike. The trail follows
Halawa Stream to cascading Moaula Falls, where you can take a refreshing
dip if the famous moo, a mythical lizard said to live in the pool, is
in the right mood. This trail is strenous enough to be worthwhile
and thrilling enough to be memorable. In years past, anyone could
walk up into Halawa Valley, however, due to abuse, disrespect, and degredation
of the land, it was closed to the public for two years. It has been
opened again, but entrance is restricted to those who go with Pilipo's
Halawa Valley Hike. For reservations, call (808) 553-4355.
