Hotels in Molokai

Forget high-rises and luaus – this is Hawaii stripped to its essence. The Molokaʻi Museum reveals island history through the restored RW Meyer Sugar Mill, where time seems permanently paused in 1885. Papohaku Beach stretches for three miles with hardly another soul in sight. Winter brings humpbacks so close to shore you can almost count their eyelashes. The mule ride down 1,700-foot sea cliffs to Kalaupapa National Historical Park offers both spectacular views and sobering history. Locals might direct you to Halawa Valley, where waterfalls cascade through ancient taro fields. Bring cash – credit cards remain optional in many spots, and the ATMs are few and far between.