"Even as a Maui local, I was surprised by how familiar, yet new, Molokai felt. The island's slow pace and tight-knit community reshaped how I think about travel in Hawaii. Molokai's history, environmental realities, and quiet landscapes left a lasting impression. Growing up on the west side of Maui, I could always see Molokai, but I never made the trek across the channel. For years, it was easy to visit,"
"with a ferry running between my hometown of Lahaina and Molokai's main town, Kaunakakai. When the ferry was discontinued in 2016, a short commuter flight on Mokulele Airlines became the primary way to access Molokai - one reason it's considered the least touristy Hawaiian island. After 30 years, I finally visited Molokai. Here are the nine things that surprised me most about my trip to the so-called Friendly Isle."
Molokai sits close to west Maui and remained visible but seldom visited by nearby residents for decades. Ferry service between Lahaina and Kaunakakai made travel easy until the ferry stopped in 2016. Since then, short commuter flights have become the primary access, helping preserve Molokai's status as the least touristy Hawaiian island. The island features a slow pace, tight-knit communities, significant history, environmental challenges, and quiet landscapes that shape visitor experience. Limited development and strong local ties contribute to a distinctive, quieter Hawaiian experience that contrasts with more tourist-centered islands.
Read at Business Insider
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