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| Click on the red dots to explore Moloka'i |
Molokai is some, 38 miles long and 10 miles wide covering an area of 260 square miles. It is the fifth largest and the most rural of the Hawaiian Islands and is only 20 minutes by air from the islands, of Oahu and Maui. Molokai's population, is around 7,000 persons, nearly 50% of whom are of Hawaiian ancestry. The majority of the island's residents live in or near its principal town of Kaunakakai. It is believed that the first Hawaiians came to live on Molokai about 650 A.D. In 1778, Captain James Cook first sighted Molokai but it was Captain George Dixon, when anchored off Molokai's in 1786, who became the first European to visit the island. Captain George Vancouver the British navigator carried out the first detailed survey in 1792. Molokai is a quiet tranquil island, no traffic lights, just a few roads and no nightlife. It is an island to relax in and explore, there are some excellent white sand beaches such as Papohaku. On the islands north shore is the Kalaupapa Peninsular, which is a rugged wilderness area of mountains, and deep valleys. From the shoreline you have a stunning view of the world's highest sea cliffs and waterfalls that plunge thousands of feet into the ocean. Much of the island's eastern end is dense wilderness, wooded mountains and deep green valleys. The western side is a rolling fertile plain, which is mainly agricultural. Winding country trails beckon visitors for off road tours. The ruins of nearly 60 ancient Hawaiian fish ponds can still be seen, plus several old missionary churches and ancient Hawaiian stone sacrificial temples. With a location 2,500 miles away from the nearest land mass and no town lights to interfere it is frequently possible to see the stars at night with a clarity that is unique, visitors have said that "it was as if the whole sky had been brushed with diamond dust" It is not an exaggeration, I have seen it myself. Activities include Hiking in the Nature Conservancy's pristine Kamakou Preserve with its unique rain forest trails, and rare Hawaiian plants and birds. Also Kayaking, Cycling and Horseback riding are popular. Molokai Mule Ride is the most popular way to visit the Kalaupapa Peninsular a 1,600-foot decent down a steep trail. Established by the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1866, the settlement of Kalaupapa was for sufferers of Hansen's Disease (commonly known as leprosy) before the advent of modern medicines. Father Damien de Veuster, a Belgian priest, came to Kalaupapa in 1873, intending to stay only a few weeks. Instead, he spent the rest of his life, nursing the sick, building homes, establishing order, and ministering. He himself became a victim of Hansen's disease and died in 1889. Damien's church, St. Philomena's, stands near the settlement's old cemetery where there is a monument to Fr Damien who was beatified by Pope John Paul II. The only way to visit the Kalaupapa Peninsular is by officially approved organised tours.
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