The Hawaiian island of Moloka'i isn't large, but the diversity of its terrain, its wildlife and its plant species exceeds regions several times its size. Moloka'i is, in many aspects, a world unto itself, even when compared to the other Hawaiian islands. Many of the animal and plant species on Moloka'i thrive on this island only. Moloka'i signifies what is magical about the Hawaiian islands: Each one is unique in its geography, wildlife and plant species, as well as its history. Moloka'i has been dubbed "the most Hawaiian" of the islands, and with good reason. More than 60 percent of its population is native Hawaiian. Any visitor wanting to experience the deep-rooted traditions of Hawaii is most likely to view those practices on Moloka'i, and not just for the benefit of tourism. At 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, Moloka'i is the fifth-largest of the Hawaiian islands. Maui is a mere 10 miles (approximately) away to the southeast, and Oahu is about 25 miles to the west. This island's fascinating landscape is strikingly complex despite its small land area. On Moloka'i, you'll find rain forests, fern forests and lowland forests, as well as desert land, waterfalls, black-sand and white-sand beaches and majestic cliffs. Temperatures on Moloka'i remain pleasant year-round. Daytime temperatures reach an average high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in the summertime and fall to an average low of 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months. You'll rarely encounter weather on Moloka'i below the upper 60s; such temperatures only tend to occur at night during the winter, making this island a near-perfect place to visit regardless of the time of year. Rainfall most often occurs on the eastern and northern sides of the island. Some areas, like the south and west sides of the island, receive almost no rainfall whatsoever. Tourism remains fairly steady year-round on Moloka'i, and those who come here once usually return for the peaceful atmosphere and comparatively lower prices. Anyone who craves hustle, bustle and nightlife should select another island, but if it's simple relaxation you're seeking, Moloka'i is an excellent choice. In addition to tourism, Moloka'i's local economy is supported largely by fishing, farming (the island boasts some of the best produce you'll ever eat) and retail. From a tourist's perspective, part of the attraction to Moloka'i is its status as relatively unchartered territory. Far less commercial than Honolulu or Maui, Moloka'i holds the reputation of being a comparatively quiet, natural wonderland where visitors come either for complete rest and relaxation or to immerse themselves in the landscape while hiking, snorkeling, boating or surfing, among other popular outdoor pasttimes. And, of course, visitors are attracted to the fact that on Moloka'i, many of the old Hawaiian traditions live on, undisturbed by the commercialism that has affected more traveled destinations in the Hawaiian island chain. It's as if time stood still on this island, and those who come here wonder how nature could create such a perfect place. For anyone who enjoys communing with nature, Moloka'i is paradise defined. In addition to the obvious surfing, you can go kayaking, mule-riding down seaside cliffs, whale-watching, fishing and wildlife-watching. Even snorkeling is a unique experience here. Off the shores of Moloka'i, you're just as likely to catch a glimpse of sea turtles as you are tropical fish. Hiking also is a unique experience here; guided tours of the island's rain forests teach visitors about the region's extensive plant life. For the truly adventurous, scuba diving doesn't get any better than it is here, and the best spot to try it is along Moloka'i's 28-mile-long barrier reef, the only barrier reef in the Hawaiian island chain. Unlike Maui, Honolulu and other comparatively developed areas of the Hawaiian islands, Moloka'i hasn't yet taken off as a popular choice for retirees or those lucky professionals who elect to abandon their hectic lives for a simpler existence. Certainly, however, some tourists become residents. Anyone considering a move to Moloka'i enjoys a somewhat rural, low-key lifestyle. And anyone wishing to purchase a single-family home on the island probably has money to burn because home prices are generally steep here. Sticker shock is one Hawaiian tradition that's likely to stick around for many years. Even homes that look rather modest are commanding prices of $300,000 and up. On Moloka'i, however, you'll be almost guaranteed a wonderful view from your home (some homes offer views of whales frolicking in the nearby ocean), and chances are good that you won't be spending much time indoors. With that considered, perhaps home prices are easier to swallow. Don't despair if these prices are too high for your budget, however; the island does have quite a few two- and three-bedroom homes for sale that are priced in the mid- to upper $100,000s. Condominiums, too, are quite popular on Moloka'i. Many condos are priced well under $100,000. Larger units with more luxury amenities can run up into the lower $200,000. And for tourists who plan to visit often but for whom a permanent move is out of the question, you'll find plenty of vacation rentals available on Moloka'i to accommodate you. Choose from quaint cottages or sprawling homes located a stone's throw from the beach and priced anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 per month; or from smaller condominiums, which can still command $2,000 or more per month. A fair warning to anyone who visits Moloka'i: You're likely to become so relaxed that you'll never want to revisit reality. This island paradise is the peaceful destination of your dreams, and while permanent resident status may be out of your financial reach, regular visits here may be just what the doctor ordered.

Published: May 22, 2000

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