11 Best Sights in Molokai, Hawaii

With its narrow rock walls arching out from the shoreline, Alii is typical of the numerous fishponds that define southern Molokai. Many were built around the 13th century under the direction of powerful alii (chiefs), who were typically the only ones allowed to eat the harvest from the ponds. This early type of aquaculture, particular to Hawaii, exemplifies the ingenuity of Native Hawaiians. One or more openings were left in the wall, where gates called makaha were installed. These gates allowed seawater and tiny fish to enter the enclosed pond but kept larger predators out. The tiny fish would then grow too big to get out. At one time there were 62 fishponds around Molokai's coast. Visits are available only via guided tours with Ka Honua Momona International with a recommended donation of $25 per person; make online reservations. Each third Saturday of the month is a community work day, where volunteers can assist in restoration efforts.

The Solatorio ohana (family) leads hikes through the valley, the oldest recorded habitation on Molokai. It is home to two sacrificial temples and many historic sites. Inhabitants grew taro and fished from 650 until the 1960s when an enormous flood wiped out the taro patches and forced old-timers to abandon their traditional lifestyle. Now, a new generation of Hawaiians has begun the challenging task of restoring the taro fields. Much of this work involves rerouting streams to flow through carefully engineered level ponds called loi. Taro plants, with their big, dancing leaves, grow in the submerged mud of the loi, where the water is always cool and flowing. Hawaiians believe that the taro plant is their ancestor and revere it both as sustenance and as a spiritual necessity. The 3.4-mile round-trip valley hike, which goes to Moaula Falls, a 250-foot cascade, is rated intermediate to advanced and includes two moderate river crossings (so your feet will get wet). A $75 fee per adult supports restoration efforts.

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.

Built in 1877, this fully restored, three-room sugar mill is a testament to Molokai's agricultural history that's next to the Molokai Museum and is usually included in museum tours. Several interesting machines from the past are on display, including a mule-driven cane crusher and a steam engine. The museum contains changing exhibits on Molokai's early history. A current highlight is an incredible photography exhibit that showcases the people of and life in Kalaupapa; viewing the exhibit and speaking with docents is a great way to learn more about the community if the Kalaupapa National HIstorical Park is closed during your visit. In addition, the museum gift shop sells unique, locally made items.

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.

Established in 1923, this quiet community at the western end of the highway once housed workers for the island's pineapple plantation. There's not much in Maunaloa anymore, but it's the last place you can stock up on supplies before exploring nearby beaches. You can also stop at Maunaloa's Big Wind Kite Factory to talk with Uncle Jonathan, who has been making and flying kites here for more than three decades.

The sweet smell of plumeria surrounds you at this 10-acre grove containing thousands of these fragrant trees. Purchase a lei to go, or for $40 you'll get a tour of the farm, then staffers will give you a basket, set you free to pick your own blossoms, and teach you how to string your own lei. Whether purchasing a lei or making your own, call for an appointment or book or order online in advance.

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.

At this small, rural post office you can mail a coconut anywhere in the world. You'll need to bring your own, and it needs to be dried, with no holes from bugs and no sprouts. You can then decorate (colored markers are provided) and address your coconut, and post office staff will affix eye-catching stamps to it from their extensive collection. Costs vary according to destination and weight; the only countries that won't receive the charming postcards are Australia and New Zealand.

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.