Molokai at a Glance
Molokai is the fifth largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago, located between
Oahu,
Maui and Lanai.
Spanning 38 mi (61 km) in length and 10 mi (16 km) in width, Molokai boasts a
variety of terrains, from the rainforests of Kamakou
Preserve to the sandy shores of Papohaku
and Murphy's
beaches to rocky hillsides at Pala'au
State Park. Beneath its beautiful exterior lies a tragic past, as the island
once held native Hawaiians who were exiled in the 1800s. From 1895 to 1969, the
island harbored a leper colony, and today visitors can learn about this history
at Kalaupapa
National Historical Park. Molokai's pristine and undeveloped natural environment
makes it popular with eco-tourists. Local companies add to Molokai's enjoyment,
such as Molokai
Outdoor Adventures, Gypsy
Sailing Adventures and Molokai
Mule Ride. As birthplace of hula, Molokai hosts the Ka
Hula Piko festival each May to celebrate the Hawaiian dance.
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