FAQ – Frequently Answered Questions

Molokai is safer than almost anywhere else in the US.

Single women from all over the world have visited and I’ve never heard of any disasters befalling them. The only caveat would be to employ the same safety measures you would at other visitor destinations.

Mosquitos? Ticks? Just wondering if I should pack bug spray.

In some of the very tropical areas, like Halawa Valley or in the rain forest, you will encounter mosquitoes, so insect repellent is strongly suggested. There are ticks, but they don’t seem to attack humans as much as they do the other mammals on the island. Our dog seems to attract ticks, but his monthly dose of Frontline keeps them to a minimum.

A little note for those who don’t yet know about Maui County’s plastic bag ban. As of 01/11/11 merchants are not allowed to use plastic bags to package your purchases.

So if you’ll be shopping while you’re here, have bags with you. Of course most merchants have cloth shopping bags available for sale at the checkout area.

Some of the condo owners may provide shopping bags, but I suggest you bring some from home. Even plastic bags are acceptable, they make excellent containers in your suitcase for damp or sandy clothing.

If your objective is to “DO” as many islands as possible in a short period of time, Molokai is probably not for you. Life’s pace is slow here. We like it that way. Plan to spend 3 days to a month so you can truly unwind and enjoy your visit.

I have heard recently from some of my friends on Oahu that the mood on Molokai is depressed due to the recent closing of the Molokai ranch. That is totally understandable, but I was told that the mood has affected vacationers/tourists and that it is not a good place to vacation. For example, I have heard that the restaurants are prejudiced against tourists and that tourists do not get waited on readily. Do you think it is a good idea to come to Molokai or wait for a better time?

The mood on Molokai is not at all depressed and the aloha spirit is as bright as ever.

Our beautiful island is a wonderful place to vacation unless you need glitz and glamor. If you do, I suggest you visit Maui or Waikiki on Oahu.

If you’re wanting Old Hawaii, peace and quiet, beautiful people and rural atmosphere, Molokai should be perfect for you. Most visitors are amazed at the aloha displayed by local folks. They don’t call it the friendly island for nothing.

When we travel we usually pay for purchases with a credit card. Is that hard to do on Molokai? We don’t usually like to carry a lot of cash with us for safety reasons.

Many places accept credit cards; the grocery stores, retail shops, the lodging facilities, activity providers, etc. However other places do not – many eating establishments (Hotel Molokai & Paddlers excepted), street vendors and so forth. It is wise to have some cash with you on Molokai. Traveler’s checks are treated as cash.

Hope this helps.

I have two boys, ages 6 and 8 and want to plan a trip to Molokai because I hear everything is slower paced! Can you mail some info?

It’s possible the Molokai Visitors Association may still be sending out paper info.
Check http://molokai-hawaii.com

However, your best information source is The Visitor Center
You’ll find everything you need to know about Molokai there.

Hope this helps.

Over the past few years we seem to get that question more and more. The best source for information about former patients at the settlement is http://kalaupapaohana.org

They are a nonprofit organization formed in 2003 that is dedicated to promoting the value and dignity of every individual who was ever exiled to Kalaupapa beginning in 1866.

Use the the contact page – kalaupapaohana.org/contact-us.html to email them your ancestor information request. They can provide information that should get you on the path to finding any ancestors you might have had at Kalaupapa.

I would like to know what the people who live on Molokai do for a living.
What opportunities are there for jobs?

Unlike the other islands in Hawaii, job opportunities on Molokai are scarce.
One of the island’s largest employers, Molokai Ranch, recently ceased operations and laid off 120 employees. That’s about 15% of the island work force.

In addition to the state and Maui County government offices and schools, other “large” employers include Coffees of Hawaii and the Monsanto corn seed company. additional employed folks work for the local small businesses like the two grocery stores, restaurants or retail stores. The remainder of the work force consists of people who are able to earn a living on small farms or working from home as artists, photographers, etc. Many supplement their income through sales of art, crafts or produce at the Saturday market.

In short, anyone who is thinking of moving to Molokai should bring their employment or lots of money with them or plan on working at two or more jobs, like many here do, to make ends meet.

The ocean temperature in Hawaii only varies 10 degrees throughout the year. At 80 degrees, the water is warmest in September and the ocean is coldest in March at 70 degrees.

It’s been called that. Here’s Why.

In the mid 1800s leprosy (today called Hansen’s Disease) was brought to Hawaii by Chinese who came to labor in the sugar cane fields. Many Hawaiians were stricken with Ma’i Pake (the Chinese sickness). Since there was then no cure for the disease, strict isolation was the only means available to keep the disease from spreading.

In 1866 the first sufferers were abandoned on Kalaupapa, a small peninsula on the north side of Molokai. Surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and with sea cliffs 2000 feet high on the fourth, Kalaupapa was a prison from which escape was impossible.

Father Damien, a Belgian priest, came to Molokai in 1873 to minister to the needs of the dying. Through his ministry and labors, order was created where there had been only suffering and chaos. He succumbed to the disease in 1889.

Sulfone drugs developed in the early 1940s, put the disease in remission and the carriers were no longer contagious. Today less than 20 residents call Kalaupapa home. The peninsula is now a National Historic Site administered by the US Park Service.

Yes. Unless you plan to employee one of the few tour services or hire a taxi, we recommend a rental car so you can visit as much of the island as possible.

If your objective is to Do as many islands as possible in a short period of time, Molokai is probably not for you. Life’s pace is slow here. We like it that way. Plan to spend 3 days to a month so you can truly unwind and enjoy your visit.

When can you get away? Actually, anytime is a great time to visit. The weather is usually good year round with temperatures averaging about 75°F and rarely going 6 or 7 degrees above or below.

In winter (Dec. thru Mar.), the nights may drop to the lower 60s and you’re more likely to experience a rainy day. No Rain – No Rainbows! Spring, summer and fall are all very similar with warm days (up to 85°F) cooled by the trade winds and pleasant evenings in the mid to lower 70s. You can find more details on the climate page.

Molokai isn’t called “The Friendly Island” for nothing. The aloha spirit is alive and well here. It’s a way of life. Many visitors are overwhelmed by this open, friendly, caring attitude. It’s something you have to experience to believe or understand.

By the way, “Native” is a term looked upon with great disfavor by the residents of Hawaii. Say “Local” or “Kama’aina”. You wouldn’t want to offend would you?

About 8,000 residents on Molokai. We are part of Maui county, which consists of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. Total county population is about 128,000. Kalaupapa is in a separate county, Kalawao County, population about 150.

Other population counts include
Hawaii County (The Big Island) – 149,000
Honolulu County (Oahu) – 876,000
Kauai County – 59,000

That’s a short question. Too bad there isn’t a short answer.

Anything not produced on Molokai (that means almost everything) is expensive by mainland U.S. standards. Most of the items in the stores have to be shipped from their point of manufacture to Honolulu, unloaded, reloaded on a barge and shipped to Molokai. This ups the retail price by 20 to 100%.

On the other hand, room rates are, in most cases, lower than like accommodations on the other islands. You can have a nice condo that sleeps 4 comfortably for around $125 a night. Less per night for stays of a week or more. Likewise, dining out is no more expensive than at other Hawai’i visitor destinations.

According to the Hawaiian Gazette, Dec. 17, 1867 – “Deer. – Some fine, healthy deer arrived in good order last week per Loch-Na-Garr, consigneed to Dr. Hillebrand by Mr. Magniac, a member of the well-known house of Jardine, Mathison & Co., of Hong Kong. They are Speckled Indian deer, a variety well adapted to domestication on our islands. A gentleman residing on the upper Ganges, where these deer abound, offered to supply them for transportation here, when Dr. Hillebrand was in Calcutta, and at his suggestion that His Majesty was desirous to obtain them, this consignment was made to Hong Kong.” “Three bucks and four hinds have arrived safely.” “They have been delivered to the king and will be sent to Molokai.”

They were and they flourished. Today there are deer on all parts of the island and it is not unusual to see them, especially in the early mornings or evenings.

Unfortunately No . The 100 foot yacht Molokai Princess no longer provides service between Lahaina, Maui and Kaunakakai, Molokai.

Yes. There are 2 county beach parks which offer overnight tent camping. Papohaku Beach Park on the west end and One Ali’i Beach Park on the south side both have rest rooms and shower facilities. You’ll need to acquire camping permits from the parks and recreation department which run $3.00 per night. It’s a good idea to call in advance. 808.553.3204

There is also Pala’au State Park in Kalae for tent camping. It has restrooms, but no showers. Check the camping page for all the Molokai camping details.

Yes! Ironwood Hills is a nine hole municipal course located in beautiful, cool Kalae. It’s a fun course and the rates are dirt cheap.

While it can sometimes be a challenge to get here, it’s worth it. You’ll need to book a flight to Maui or Honolulu, where you’ll catch your inter-island connecting flight into Molokai.

Consult the transportation page for information on getting here and getting around our island.

You’ll probably find the answers by using the Search Box. If the answer is not there, use the form on the Contact Us page to send us your questions. We will do our best to email an accurate response.

If you have suggestions to improve these pages or if there are topics you would like to see addressed, tell us. We truly welcome your feedback, both positive and negative. This way you participate in the design, growth and focus of this site.