Outdoor fun isn't far away from your Molokai vacation rental as you venture forth to explore the least-developed of all of Hawaii's islands. All of this unspoiled countryside provides great opportunities for biking and hiking, activities that seem ironically appropriate considering Molokai is shoe-shaped.
Molokai Ranch
The western section of the island is home to an enormous, 56,000-acre ranch that was owned for over 100 years by the Cookes. Now that a New Zealand corporation has purchased it, this once private domain has been partially opened to the paying public. Visitors can enjoy a wide assortment of activities from camping to kayaking, and the addition of a fun but challenging mountain-biking park has given cyclists a way to peddle into adventure. Biking experts are on hand to give valuable tips to beginners and more advanced enthusiasts alike. A tour on the trails isn't free, though, so be sure to plan for this ahead of time. Hiking excursions in the ranch are also available for a fee.
Kalaupapa Trail
Thrifty visitors may prefer to set out from their Molokai vacation home to discover a trail where the cost is more in sweat than cash. Although not for the faint of heart, the Kalaupapa Trail in Kalaupapa National Historic Park is worth the effort it takes to master it. The 2.8-mile long trail takes over an hour to hike as you descend more than 1,000 feet in a serpentine fashion through 26 switchbacks. While the views are fantastic, you have to be in pretty good physical condition to tackle this trek. Additionally, you must be at least 16 years old and make arrangement with Damien Tours before you will be allowed on the trail. At the end of the hike you will arrive at the Kalaupapa settlement. The former leper colony once was a prison in paradise for around 1,000 people afflicted with Hansen's disease, a condition that can now be controlled with modern drugs. Today, residents give paid tours of this historic area.
Moa'ula Falls
A less arduous but no less beautiful hike is the one in the Halawa Valley that leads to the spectacular Moa'ula Falls. The trail to the falls passes partially through private land, but through an agreement between the land owners and the state park service hikers are allowed to cross unhindered. The hike takes around 90 minutes, depending on the weather and the wetness of the trail. It is possible to take a swim in the pool at the base of the 250-foot falls, but use caution as the water can sometimes be dangerous due to weather changes.
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