The Two Faces of Moloka’i
I admit that it’s been forever since I’ve visited Moloka’i. Too long; a fact that I chalk up to just plain laziness and living happily under a few of my more comforting ruts in life. But it’s been on my mind, that out of the way place that’s only approachable by small charter or ferry. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I read this New York Times article way back in 2005. And I’ve also been thinking about it because one of the more common questions asked about the islands is, “Should I visit Moloka’i?” Here’s my take:
If you’re afraid of slowing down–I mean waaaay down, and leaving your ways and your workaday attitudes back home, then no, don’t go. But if you’re willing, even if only for a day or two, to lose yourself in another time and place, then go. If you love nature, hiking, or just looking at the most stars you might ever see, then go. But if the possibility of power outages or losing your cell phone signal creep you out, steer clear. Do you demand fine dining? Do you need to sit on a white sand beach all day, every day? Moloka’i isn’t for you.
Do you want to meet interesting people, eat fresh fish that someone is selling out of a cooler by the side of the road, and sleep in a canvas bungalow? Come to Moloka’i, where there is admittedly a slightly anti-tourist message; and where locals will adopt you if you’re the slightest bit gracious about following the rules and honoring age-old traditions. Are you generous with your time, and your patience, and you don’t sweat it that you may not be able to buy a bottle of wine on a whim? Then go to Moloka’i. Do you want to see an astonishing piece of history that not many others you meet will have seen? You can get that at Moloka’i (but you have to make a reservation first.)
It’s probably not the first island you’ll want to visit, but if you’re up for experimentation, adventure, and quiet (except for the roosters), Moloka’i is there. Bring your best face, and Moloka’i will deliver the goods.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons by *amelia*
4 Comments
Oh my word- this looks gorgeous and daunting and sounds relaxing if not a tad bit scary being that cut off. I would love it, I think. When can we go?
All the best,
Shawn Marie
I think the canvas bungalows you write of are within the Molokai Ranch property, yes? I thought they shut down guest operations. If there are other bungalows that you know of, do share!
Heather, you are correct; now that the Ranch has closed, the only canvas structures I know of are private. Pity, that. Of course, maybe, if one is adventurous, resourceful, and handy, it’s easy to make one. Hmmm?
[...] the west side of Maui are three visible islands (and the crater ). One is Moloka’i, one of Hawaii’s lesser-visited, more sparsely-populated islands–also called the [...]