BOKTRAVEL TIP: #2

MOLOKA’I

Moloka’i secrets!  The home of the most famous leprosy colony in history.   The island, tucked between Oahu and Maui, has 260 square miles and basically only one really developed town.    

It is rarely visited, has one hotel and not one stoplight at all.  

When you’re in West Maui look out at the gorgeous sloping islands, Lanai (L is on the left.) and Moloka’i on the right.  

Heads up, literally: the only way to get there: Mukelele  Airlines and its prop planes only —and only the Honolulu flights have twin props.  I hadn’t known this til the night before my good friend and broadcast TV legend Ginny Vicario (who lives near Hilo on the Big “H”.  …We joined up in Maui and flew to Molokai’i )

Swim and see:

Drive the south east shore all the way til when the road ends at a state park with great hikes including one to an amazing waterfall.   You’re in the stunning Halal’s Valley.  

Swim anywhere.  I literally stopped the car , got out and jumped in and rode some incredibly deep waves! Incredible locales. 

Firm sturdy swim shoes are a must anywhere in Hawaii, in my book.  Sand, rocks, drop offs are a lot to look out for — so protect your bare feet.   Aquarun is a good brand.   Not expensive either.  

Bread addict alert!

Kanemitsu Bakery in Kaunakakai, basically the only town per se.  

The famous Warm bread alley drive-up window-at night only.  It’s a window -yes-in an alley behind the bakery where you can pick up their world famous bread warm and fresh from the ovens…. Strawberry, Cinnamon and Pull apart monkey bread, too.   Cash only at night -not during day.  Closed Tuesdays.  Pretty awesome chocolate chip cookies , too!

Secretly the best coffee in town is a regular little mini-mart that has a lady and an espresso machine in a back corner.   It’s the Moloka’i Minimart on Mohala Street.  Let’s be honest: coffee taken plain black is rarely delicious.   But this Java rocks!

The place – this amazing little island – is a joy to behold.  No tourists.  Bliss.