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JGCities t1_j77bvrf wrote

Been to Molokai, but didn't get to see the cliffs. Was disappointing.

For some reason when you fly from Maui to Molokai on the little plane they don't fly past the cliffs.

BTW Molokai is a great place to visit if you want a couple days of doing nothing but relaxing. No chain restaurants or stores all local places. Was a nice 2 days.

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Chipotle42 OP t1_j77djwf wrote

I saw it from a doorless helicopter from Maui. A helicopter might be the only way

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JGCities t1_j77kykd wrote

Am sure you can get boat rides too.

Cruise ships sail by the Nāpali Coast on Kauaʻi, but none I know of sail by the Molokai cliffs, guess they too far out of the way.

I did see the leper colony from the top of the cliffs. Amazing view from up top looking down.

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PocketSandThroatKick t1_j79kyoh wrote

Do what now with the leper colony?

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JGCities t1_j79q98r wrote

It was still being used by the last two survivors (I believe it was two)

It was basically set up so they could use it for their entire lives and the last two people have yet to die off. Who knows what will happen at that point.

It's in an amazing location, so maybe retirement home for rich people or natives or something. Who knows. No one asked me.

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duke_awapuhi t1_j79z0en wrote

It’s about a dozen, but you got to meet two on the trip there. Unfortunately one of them, Boogie, passed away a couple years ago. He was an extremely kind person

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JGCities t1_j7bz2nc wrote

We didn't meet any, was going off what our tour guide said. Could be wrong on the number as I wasn't paying that much attention, was too busy taking pics.

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plusharmadillo t1_j7h8acn wrote

There is a fictional but well-researched book called Moloka’i by Alan Brennert that delves into the history of the colony on the island. I had no idea this was a thing until I read it and found it fascinating and thought-provoking.

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Free_DKT t1_j78r9an wrote

Is TC still flying the choppers or did Magnum find some other pilots?

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harlanwade90 t1_j7ctzhu wrote

Every so often, dive boats from Oahu will make an overnight run from Hawaii Kai to most of the way down the backside of Molokai. You squeeze in as many dives as you can, three tanks at least, but there's also some truly breathtaking beaches and arches you can swim to. I've never seen as many lobsters, octopus, and monk seals as I did on that trip. It's very much worth it if you ever get the chance.

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Spiritfire737 t1_j79aibm wrote

My wife and I spent a week in Molokai and the locals just laughed at us. We did the tour down the cliffs to the colony, but opted to hike on foot rather than ride the donkeys. It was absolutely stunning, but the hike back up sapped us of everything we had.

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duke_awapuhi t1_j79z4ju wrote

My aunt: “going up was fine but going down was awful”. I still have no idea what she’s smoking. Going down was a piece of cake. Going back up was brutal

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tan_blue t1_j7iy1l7 wrote

You use different muscles going downhill, ones that aren't used regularly, so going down a long, steep, slope can cause aches you're not used to.

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PA2SK t1_j77mj8a wrote

I flew there from Maui on a little 8 seater or something, they went right past the cliffs and the leper colony

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JGCities t1_j77on1w wrote

Whatever.... not jealous..... I guess weather was bad both times we flew there & back.

Still if anyone goes to Maui and has a day to spare the ride to and from Molokai is CHEAPER than a helicopter ride and almost as amazing. Could fly over in the morning, rent a car and drive around the island and fly back that night and still be cheaper than a helicopter ride.

We did do a copter ride in Maui, started in Hana and went around the east and south ends of the island across the middle back to the main airport. That was amazing too. The east side of Maui is amazing and so few people see it because it is nearly impossible to get too.

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entipy t1_j797s80 wrote

400k people a year drive the road to Hana... I wouldn't call that "so few people" or "nearly impossible."

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mmmountaingoat t1_j79n7et wrote

Like 90% of people turn around or stop in Hana. It’s what comes after that’s truly incredible

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JGCities t1_j79fhc2 wrote

That isn't the 'east side' I am talking about. I am talking about after Hana and around the whole south east side of the island.

Years ago you weren't even supposed to drive along the far side of the island, they had signs saying your car insurance would not cover you past certain points on the road. Not sure if still the same.

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schaudhery t1_j79ni2z wrote

When I went to Maui in 2019 they had signs at the rental car places that showed places you weren’t allowed to drive on the island.

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JGCities t1_j79qhnf wrote

Yea, the whole 'east' side of the island and I believe the far north west corner as well.

You can see the roads on google earth and the road on the east side becomes one lane for much of it and looks like it hasn't been repaved since it was created.

There is just nothing on that side of the island so few people go there. But am sure it would make an amazing drive. It's on my list of things to do when I win the lotto and won't worry about destroying a rental car gif

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seaofgrass t1_j79za9f wrote

We drove around the NW side on pur honeymoon. Can confirm, it was basically a single lane goat trail at parts. Lots and lots of chickens and pigs running around. Very steep on both sides of the road.

The views were incredible. I don't know if I'd do it again, but it was worth the drive..

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taku240se t1_j7babci wrote

The winds are super high,and they don't need to fly you around molokai on the scenic tour to take you to the airport... but I did see these cliffs on a heli tour and it was mind blowing!

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