 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Molokai: The Friendly Island The Kaeru Kid continues his tour of some of Hawaii’s lesser-known vacation spots.
MOLOKAI.–How friendly? I was playing a table game at a casino in Vegas and I asked members at the table if they knew anyone in Molokai. The fellow across from me said he was from Molokai. He said his name was Harold Borges and to look him up when I visited. I said I heard there was a good bakery there and he said that the fellow that just left was the owner and if I had asked a few minutes earlier, he would have introduced me. How many strangers would volunteer their name and to offer to see you if you visited their hometown? I was on Maui and planned to go to Molokai on the ferry. There was a Later, I found out that if I had made airline Internet reservations, I could have gotten airfare for $29 each way and then could have avoided the drop off charge. I also would have avoided the taxi fare back from Lahaina to the airport when I left Hawaii. The special Internet airfare is much cheaper than the ferry and one can avoid the possible rough two-hour water crossing. When we got to the ferry area, we had our bags and the ferry would not leave for several hours. We found Valet Vacation at the rear of the Lahaina Cinema on Front Street. They stored our luggage for a dollar and then offered to transport us to the airport later for less than half the taxi cost. This company will rent any vacation equipment you may want and their prices are super low. Whatever question you have, contact them. The level of service they provided was the best of any company and I hope they succeed. They may move their present location so check their website (www.valetvacation.com) on how to contact them if you visit Maui. Visiting Molokai is like going back in time to old Hawaii. Signs say, “If you are in a hurry, you are on the wrong island.” There are only 8,000 residents and no signal stop signs. Little has changed since my visit in the ’70s. The Lodge at Molokai Ranch (formerly the Sheraton) built a luxury resort and there were a few condo developments on the west side of the island where we stayed. We visited a nearby beach and we were the only ones there. We made reservations online at www.molokaicondos.com. Rates for studio condos start at $75 per day, plus cleaning fee. Our unit owners did not provide free Internet but the organic food market in town will allow you to connect to their free wi-fi. Buy something as a way of saying thank you or you can contribute a dollar or two in a jar at the check out counter. When we ate breakfast on the condo lanai, wild turkeys would run up for a handout. A beautiful red-headed jay joined us and then numerous mynah birds flocked in for their share. Mrs. KK always wanted to visit the Leper Colony, now called Kalaupapa There are only about 29 residents of the colony still living and they range from 66 to 89 years old and when the last one dies, the area will be turned into a state park museum. Leprosy, officially called Hansen’s Disease, can be cured with modern medicines and no one here has active leprosy but they have evidence of exposure such as nerve damaged hands and some skin changes so they feel uncomfortable mingling with the public. The state of Hawaii provides food, shelter and some money so the residents can live out their lives in peace. The sure-footed mules took us down a 3-1/2-mile trail, descending 1,700 feet with 26 switchbacks. The views were spectacular from this vantage point. We were very lucky to see a wild pig, deer, a mongoose and wild goats. At the bottom, we boarded a bus and toured the complex including a visit to the Catholic Church where Father Damien ministered to the inhabitants. He was the only outsider that contracted the disease because he refused to listen to precautions. He shared smoking pipes, food and utensils with the inhabitants. After a box lunch, we rode back up the trail. Another activity that requires advance reservations is the Nature Conservancy hike. Call (808) 553-5236 for more information. We took the one to Kamakou preserve that included going through a rain forest and pine forests over a narrow walkway. There are a limited number of participants for the Nature Conservancy hikes so if you miss it, a good choice is to contact Lawrence Aki through the Molokai Visitors Bureau. I met someone who said Lawrence took him to several places that are off limits to the public. If you are looking for a swinging nightlife, this is the wrong island. There were free fun events like the local aunties performing old time Hawaiian There are not too many restaurants on the island. The Lodge does serve good food in a fancy setting with prices to match. I would try it for lunch to experience it at a lower price. The best food at a modest cost was at Kualapu’u Cookhouse. It is not located in the main town, but is so well-known that anyone can give you directions on how to get there. Do not expect anything fancy. You can eat outdoors on picnic-like tables and share the table. We had fun conversations with people we met there. No liquor is served, but you are welcomed to bring your own. There is a market across the street where you can buy beer but only by the 6-pack. The market closes at 6 p.m. The food was so good we ate there several times. We also ate at the Hotel Molokai. The restaurant is open-air, right on the beach. I was disappointed the food did not compare to the lovely ambiance. A poor choice was the drive-in restaurant. The Paddler Inn was average. Kanemitsu’s Bakery had tasty pastries and coffee. Kamo’i Snack and Go served Dave’s Ice Cream that was voted the best in Hawaii. Some unusual flavors included Hawaiian Delight, purple sweet potato, and Ube.They also sold Molokai Sweet Potato Chips. What about Harold from Vegas? Well, I did call Harold but only when Las Vegas tidbit: Another similar service is called tickets2night and their website is http:// |
