7 Best Sights in Central Molokai, Molokai

One of the island's few formal recreation areas, this 233-acre retreat sits at a 1,000-foot elevation. A short path through an ironwood forest leads to Kalaupapa Lookout, a magnificent overlook with views of the town of Kalaupapa, a national historical park, and the 1,664-foot-high sea cliffs protecting it. Informative plaques have facts about leprosy, Saint Damien, and the colony. The park is also the site of Kaule O Nanahoa (Phallus of Nanahoa), where women in old Hawaii would come to the rock to enhance their fertility; it is said some still do. Because the rock is a sacred site, be respectful and don't deface the boulders. The park is well maintained, with trails, camping facilities, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Standing together along the highway are seven houses of worship with primarily Native Hawaiian congregations. Notice the unadorned, boxlike architecture so similar to missionary homes.

From far away, this spot looks like a sea of coconut trees. Closer up, you can see that the tall stately palms are planted in long rows leading down to the sea. This is a remnant of one of the last surviving royal groves planted for Prince Lot, who ruled Hawaii as King Kamehameha V from 1863 until his death in 1872. The grove is planted on private property, so stay outside of the perimeter fence.

Central Molokai's main town looks like a classic 1940s movie set. Along the its main drag is a cultural grab bag of restaurants and shops, and its friendly residents will supply directions or maybe even "talk story." Preferred dress is shorts and a tank top, and no one typically wears anything fancier than a cotton skirt or aloha shirt.

Once bustling with barges exporting pineapples, these docks now host visiting boats and the regular barge from Oahu. Fishing, sailing, snorkeling, whale-watching, and scuba-diving excursions depart from its wharf, which is the longest in the state and is also a wonderful place to catch sunsets. To get here, take Kaunakakai Place, which dead-ends at the wharf.

Clear, close views of Maui and Lanai across the Pailolo Channel dominate One Alii Beach Park ("one" is pronounced "o-nay," not "won"), the only well-maintained beach park on the island's south-central shore. Molokai folks gather here for family reunions and community celebrations; the park's tightly trimmed expanse of lawn could almost accommodate the entire island's population. Swimming within the reef is perfectly safe, but don't expect to catch any waves. It is appropriate only for Native Hawaiians to fish in the nearby One Alii pond. Amenities: playground, showers; toilets. Best for: parties; swimming.

Molokai's only working macadamia nut farm is open for educational tours hosted by the knowledgeable and entertaining owners. The family-owned farm takes up 1½ acres with a flourishing grove of 50 original trees that are more than 90 years old, as well as several hundred younger trees. The nuts taste delicious right out of the shell, home roasted, or dipped in macadamia-blossom honey. Look for Purdy's sign behind Molokai High School.