Molokai
Still popularly referenced as the 'Friendly Isle,' Molokai is more aptly considered the 'Most Hawaiian' island due to the high concentration of Native Hawaiians in residence. The old-style ways are still very much alive in Molokai. With only an estimated 8,000 residents, almost half living in proximity to the main town Kaunakakai, this is an island where you can find solace from the hubbub and congestion of neighbor islands. The multitude of churches established on Molokai attest to the island's historical and present day attraction as a spiritual retreat. Visitors are encouraged to explore Molokai with deep respect, reverence and cultural awareness.
Molokai is rich in unspoiled beauty and unique, lush plant species. Home to the world's tallest sea cliffs, amazing waterfalls, dense tropical rainforests and Hawaii's longest beaches, Molokai is a natural destination for eco-tourism and spectacular helicopter tours, and a jeep tour is always fun!
There is a lot to do in Molokai. Coffee plantations, mango groves, macadamia nut farms, gardens and orchards of all kinds make up its self-sufficient economy. It's great shopping for a one-of-a-kind treasure or art piece. There is the Championship Kaluako Golf Course or Ironwood Hills Golf Club and of course, the world-famous mule ride down steep slopes to Kalaupapa National Historical Park where Father Damien d'Veuster cared for quarantined Hawaiians suffering from Hansen's Disease (leprosy). Visit Palaau State Park to see the legendary 'Phallic Rock' where women worshipped in hopes of becoming pregnant, or if you visit in May, partake in the festival dedicated to the birth of Hula.
Molokai is only 8 miles (13km) across the Pailolo channel from Maui. Daily passenger ferry service is available from Lahaina, Maui or you can fly inter island to Hoolehua Airport (MKK) on Molokai.
Lanai
This is the island Bill Gates essentially 'reserved' for his wedding. Owned predominately by one man, David Murduck of the Lanai Company, the island features two Four Seasons Resorts, a tiny town and several luxury condominiums and private homes. Dole Pineapple was the principle crop grown on Lanai but its cultivation was short lived. Remaining is the 1920's establishment of Lanai City, a collection of cottages, shops and the desendents of the immigrant pineapple workers. Now with a population of approximately 3,000 the island depends heavily on tourism.
Some of the sights to see on Lanai include the 'Garden of the Gods,' a vast crimson landscape strewn with rocks and boulders; the Munro Trail, a rough dirt road perfect for four-wheeling or hikes to magnificent vistas; and the Kanepuu Perserve, a dry land forest chock full of native species. Down at Manele Bay, glimpses of spinner dolphins are common and during the winter months is a good spot for humpback whale watching. Protected marine perserves make Lanai ideal for snorkeling and diving excurisions.
Two world class golf courses in conjunction with the resorts make this a popular golf destination. The Experience at Koele is an 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman and Ted Robinson. Not to be outdone, Jack Nicklaus designed The Challenge at Manele set on the ocean cliffs. Shuttle service runs between the two courses/resorts from beachside to mountaintop. If you want to do some independent exploring, it's a good ideas to reserve a rental car in advance, as available vehicles are limited. Getting to Lanai is most convenient by daily ferry from Lahaina, Maui or an intra-island flight (LNY).
