Vacant postcard beaches–Check. Rich Hawaiian culture–Check. Sea cliffs the size of skyscrapers and mules to navigate them with–Check and Check.
Molokai was everything Beth and I had hoped it would be and more. I had an idea what to expect. But it wasn’t until we actually stepped out onto the asphalt from the Cessna and into the island’s atmosphere that things began to click.
Related: Molokai: The Most Hawaiian Place?
It’s hard to imagine that Molokai is part of the same archipelago as Oahu, the Big Island and, even, Maui. I can say with brutal honesty that is one of the most unique places in the world, and a lot of that has to do with the spirit that’s transferred between the island and its people.
We were fortunate to have four days on Molokai. We drove to the farthest ends of Hawaii’s fifth largest island and met a lot of special people in between. So, when it was time for our flight out, Beth and I both felt we were leaving a little piece of us behind.
We’ve got a lot of fantastic stories and photographs that we’re going to be sharing in the coming weeks and months from our trip to Molokai, but I thought I’d lead with a collection of our favorite Instagram photos from our trip.Β So if a picture is truly worth a 1,000 words, then here are 11,000 about an American paradise found.
Which snapshot is your favorite?
Disclosure: Our stay on the island was hosted by the DestinationΒ Molokai Visitors Bureau; however, our thoughts and opinions are entirely our own. And, as always, we maintain complete editorial control over our content.
23 comments
I’m so excited you felt the magic of Molokai. I agree it’s one of the most special places on earth. I love all the photographs but probably the views from riding a mule down the steepest cliffs to Kalaupapa are the most stunning.
Yeah, the connection was immediate. And then on the flight home we discussed all the different ways that we could move to the island. I haven’t given up hope yet.
Buzzy and mule ride down into Kalaupapa was an amazing journey. I’m really thankful that we got to do the tour of the town with him before the National Park takes over in the future.
Love love love these pictures!!
Thanks for the kind words! I love that you love the photos. π
I love the one of the lei makers! Wearing a plumaria in my hair is one of the things I miss most while I am away. When I do stumble upon them in places like Bali, Malawi, and Panama I somehow feel instantly at home in the place. The power of smell.
Once again I am so sad to have just missed you again in Hawaii… Come frolic again π
Oh yeah, the power of smell is an amazing thing. I absolutely love those flowers; they immediately put me into a relaxing state. Our paths will definitely cross one of these days in the islands.
Molokai is high on my list of places to visit, but these photos are providing even more inspiration!
Love them!
Thank you so much Beth! It’s so easy to photograph beautiful places. π
That shot of Kalaupapa is gorgeous!
Thank you so much Christoffer – it was such a beautiful place.
Love the photo of Halawa Valley!
What a great post and fantastic photos! Thanks for sharing, although it makes me…whatever the opposite of homesick is – I don’t want to be home, I want to be on Molokai. Looking forward to more photos and you talking story.
I loved my time in Hawaii Big Island and it seems that Molokai is similar in vibe. Can’t wait to visit. Wonderful photos! My favorite is Solatario
Thanks for commenting Charu! We really loved Molokai and I think my favorite activity was meeting Anakala – such a passionate man! π
ALOHA from Molokai aka MKK
your photos are great, all of them, but my love for Anakala and his O’hana in beautiful Halawa Valley goes on and on…mahalo for sharing and a hui hoe!
Hi Betts!
I agree, I think of him so often and just how special it was to meet him. Really it was one of the best things we have ever experienced. Such a beautiful person. π
BEAUTIFUL!!!! We will be going to Molokai with our son, daughter in law and 15 mo old grandson in Feb for 2 weeks on the west side, we are so excited to feel this atmosphere you are talking about!!! ALOHA!!!
Oh you will love it! Although, it’s not for everyone – it doesn’t have any big lights or fancy places to eat but it does have peace, quiet and an abundance of beautiful people and amazing places. We LOVED it. If you need recommendations for places to stay – let me know. There are not many hotels (I think only 1) and I don’t really recommend it, however there are some great cottages that are perfect for a vacation. π
OH, also if you need any tips let me know. I HIGHLY recommend going to see Anakala Pilipo Solatorio. Hands down it was one of the best experiences we have had anywhere. We think about him often – such a beautiful person. You won’t find him in any guidebooks and we will be writing about him soon but if you need the info now just contact us and we can get you his contact info. A truly amazing experience being with him and will set the tone for your entire visit to the island.
These are amazing, would love to have a similar eye for beautiful pictures.
Your images are always freakin’ AWESOME. My absolute favorite is the one of “Uncle Buzzy.” What a handsome stud! Thanks for all your incredible posts. We truly appreciate all you do for us.
Oh hello Keli’i!! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! I love that one of Buzzy too – so many great personalities on Molokai. π
We can’t wait to get up our other posts and let people know even more about how beautiful it is there. π
Still loving these photos! I wish I hadn’t been so scared on the mules! I have no pictures from that ride instead only memories of my dirty mouth and the fear of death π
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