Volunteer with the Moloka‘i Land Trust Open the door to an incredible cultural and historical hands-on learning opportunity when you volunteer with the Moloka‘i Land Trust. They’ll take you on an off-roading tour through storied landscapes, where you can be part of Moloka‘i’s living history as you contribute to local ecological restoration efforts. Book a Guided Tour with a Locally-Owned Outfitter The best way to experience Moloka‘i is accompanied by a local resident who can share the history, culture and Moloka‘i’s unique way of life with you. Whether your interest is piqued by fly fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, hiking, cultural experiences or opportunities to mālama, there is a locally-owned tour company that can provide an authentic and regenerative experience in this culturally-sensitive place. Kaluako‘i Ke ala pūpū i Moloka‘i. (The path of seashells of Moloka‘i.) One of the notable works of Kihaapi‘ilani, ruler of Maui, was a road at Kaluako‘i, Moloka‘i, paved and lined with seashells. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau #1676 Pāpōhaku Beach Park Want more space for your beach towel? Moloka‘i’s Pāpōhaku Beach is one of Hawai‘i’s largest white sand beaches, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sun, sand and waves. There are no lifeguards at this beach, so exercise caution when swimming and be sure to follow ocean safety guidelines. Be sure to bring your mineral-only sunscreen to protect the reef from harmful chemicals — and protect yourself by always swimming with a buddy and checking for ocean hazards such as rip currents, rocks and shore breaks before you go out. There’s also a grassy park for picnicking and camping. Maunaloa Located on the gentle slopes of West Moloka‘i, Maunaloa is a welcoming community with wide-open landscapes, cool breezes and sweeping views of the Pacific. Once a thriving plantation town, it’s now a great stop to experience local life and support island businesses. Visitors can browse shops for handcrafted goods, explore nearby art galleries and sample island-made treats. The surrounding countryside offers open vistas, and the town itself reflects a strong sense of community pride. With its friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting, Maunaloa is a memorable stop on any West Moloka‘i itinerary. Kona Moloka‘i ko‘o lā‘au. (Moloka‘i of the canoe-poler.) Along Moloka‘i’s southern shore, the reef extends up to half a mile out, and at low tide the shallow water allowed people to propel canoes with long poles instead of paddles. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau #2192 Kaunakakai Kaunakakai’s long wharf forms the island’s main harbor, where you’ll find charter boats for fishing, snorkeling and seasonal whale watching. The town, while unassuming, does have a little bit of everything, including groceries, hardware, a pharmacy, a gourmet wine and spirits shop, an art gallery and a gift shop. True to its island heritage, Kaunakakai has an “old-style Hawai‘i” feel, so don’t expect to see any brand-name stores. But you can schedule a visit to local nonprofit Ka Honua Momona to get your hands deep in the mud and deepen your awareness of Native Hawaiian culture as you help restore the two loko i‘a (fish ponds) they mālama. Moloka‘i EXPLORE HĀLAWA VALLEY SUNRISE 44 Experience Maui • Moloka‘i • Lāna‘i
