Moloka‘i
Moloka‘i, Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, is only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point. Moloka‘i (260 sq. miles) also includes Kalawao County, a state-administered hospital settlement. Moloka‘i's attractions include mule rides to Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Visitor arrivals (2005): 73,506
Nickname: The Friendly Isle
Island Color: Green
Capital City: Kaunakakai
Population: 8,100
Island Flower: White Kukui Blossom (Pua Kukui, or Candlenut Tree)
Average Temperature: 70˚-85˚ F. Moloka‘i's east end is a tropical rain forest and part of the island receives 240 inches of rainfall a year.
Various activities offered on the Friendly Isle are: fishing, diving, snorkeling, biking, kayaking, hikes, and horseback riding (trails and round-ups).
Fun Facts about Moloka‘i
1. Moloka‘i’s snorkeling spots are protected by the island’s 32 miles of barrier reef—including one of the state’s longest white sand beaches, Papohaku.
2. The island’s southeast coast has Hawaii’s largest concentration of ancient fishponds. A fringe of ancient fishponds are scattered along its coastline.
3. The largest sea cliffs in the world can be found on Moloka‘i’s north side.
4. The island is the legendary birthplace of hula. The annual Moloka‘i Ka Hula Piko draws the state’s premier hula troupes. The highest mountain is Mauna Kamakou at 4,970 feet
5. Moloka‘i Ranch Wildlife Park is home to rare African and Indian animals.
6. Kalaaupapa was once a leper colony administered by Father Damien.
7. The island contains the world's highest sea cliffs, Hawai‘i's longest waterfall, and the largest white sand beach in the state.
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