DawnCt

We are considering the Molokai Ranch for a three or four day visit. The life of a paniolo sounds appealing at least on a short term basis. The desired plan is to spend 3 or 4 nights on Oahu, go to Molokai and then spend the last 7 nights at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Flights seem very limited however and leave Oahu very early. Has anyone included Molokai on their itinerary and had it run smoothly? We could take the ferry back from Molokai to Lahaina. Is there a car rental ageny in Lahaina that would permit cars to be returned to the airport when we ultimately have to go home?

cnmiranda

Had a very nice time in Molokai, stayed at Molokai Ranch also. The beach is beautiful (takes about 10-15 mins drive to get there) and you may be lucky enough to catch some monk seals along the shore line. Meals at the resort can be very $$$ unless you get some type of package. Just be prepared the flights can be turbulent and a little spooky when landing. But it is a very beautiful unspoiled island. Have fun!

Nancy03

I've got this in my plans too, just Maui then Molokai then Oahu. So I will be interested to see more posts here. I want to experience Hawaii without a building in site.

Wildflower

Cnmiranda, our flight to Molokai was very smooth, a perfect landing perfect and a flight attendent was really attending. We were on Molokai last December.

Nancy, I would do Oahu first, then Maui and Molokai in the end. After Molokai everything seems too big, too loud and and too noisy. At least for a while.

We did not stay at the Ranched but checked their prices and accommodations.

Wildflower

Sorry, for not reviewing my reply and correcting spelling, grammar, etc., before posting.

Nancy03

Wildflower - thanks for your thoughtfulness. We are actually starting in Kauai (7 nts), then BI (4 nts), then Maui (5nts), then Molokai (4 nts)and then Oahu but only getting there early in the morning to see Pearl Harbour, have a nice dinner that evening and spend one night before heading home. So Molokai last won't work very well.

gyppielou

Have not been to Molokai yet but similar in many ways would be Lanai which we so enjoyed. There is really something magical visiting a place of such seclusion. We left Lanai with the feeling that we were truly given a gift to see such a wonderful place and meet such wonderful people, a type of imtimacy unlike the main islands. So yes!!! Visit something while it remains intimate and true to itself, before it becomes a tourist thing. Of my memories, yes the Hula Grille in Maui is a regular stop, but.....hanging out with the greenmen at the golf course at the Lodge at Koele, and sharing a few moments with the chambermaid talking about the changes in her life since Dole stopped growing pineapples.....priceless memories! Go for it. I too hope to visit soon!

cnmiranda

Glad you had a good flight Wallflower. I was whitenuckling our flight in December. I've read several places the flights can be turbulent and found out first hand but it wouldn't stop me from going back.

lost

I did 3 nights on Oahu and then 7 on Molokai at the Molokai Ranch. This was in Sept 2001, prior to Sheraton buying them out. So I'm not really sure how much things have changed since then.

As far as the flight I can say that we had no problems and I don't even remember them being all that turbulent. We even got to the airport really early (keep in mind this was post Sept 11th 2001) just in case for our flight to Molokai, and they put us on an earlier one so we wouldnt have to wait in the airport.

At the Molokai Ranch we were on a package deal for $398/night which included a lodge room, all meals, and an activity/day. Looks like we got a great rate as that same lodge room is now $360/night without the extras.

Our lodge room was nice, but rather dark inside- that was okay because we spent a great deal of our time just being lazy around the pool. We met another couple staying in one of the deluxe lodge rooms (see room map on www.molokairanch.com) with the round balcony on the second floor. Their room had plenty of sunshine and an unobstructed view. Food at the lodge was great (with the exception of the king crab legs buffet night)- but I would agree on the expensive side if not on a package.

From an activities point of view, we did archery, horseback riding, kayaking and I got a message (that actually counted as an activity!). The archery instructor was great- for 2 first time archers I must say we were pretty good by the time we left. The horseback riding trip was nice also. My husband had never been on a horse before so they kept a closer eye on him. What I liked was that these were not trail horses. They are working horses- so they have a bit more spirit then what you often find.

The Kaupoa Beach area was very nice. Good sand and scenic. There was a monk seal while we were there- so that was pretty cool. The only thing about the beach is that it wasn't very swimmable----unless you are a very good swimmer. I was wading in it (about shin deep) and the surf came crashing in and almost pulled me back out. That's why most of our time was spent at the pool. The tentlow accomodations down at the beach are nice if you don't mind things a bit rustic.

The last thing that I would comment on is the people. The staff was great. Half way through the week one of the waitress gave us a hard time for not ordering an appetizer. When I told her that I generally wasn't hungry enough to eat an appetizer plus my dinner she said "who cares, it's included in your package price". The food and beverage manager was also very nice to us. We were there for my B-day, so he and the bartender mixed up a special drink for me that evening- what they called a "chocolate cake". Also before we took off to head to the airport he brought us a little gift pack from the ranches shop. Little touches like that make a lasting impression.

DawnCt

Thanks for the detailed trip report. We would be interested in staying in the tentalos on the beach for three or four days. There is a package for those of $169 per night per person and $75 for the 3rd, 4th and 5th guests. I emailed them last year and they said that they could accomodate five in the tentalos. I guess if there is a fire you can crash through the wall. Anyway, this includes three meals and a $25 activity credit. Another thought I had would be renting a car and staying at somewhere cheaper. Does anyone know if you can participate in the horseback riding activities if you are not a guest of the ranch?

Wildflower

Nancy, your itinerary looks great.
Cnmiranda, I feel the same way. That wouldn't stop us from going back.

lost

Dawn- I belive that you can---there was an "outfitters" building right at the entrance to the ranch---so it appeared that you could just drive up there and make arrangements---however, I would double check with them to make sure.

Nancy03

I have lots of info that the Ranch sent me. Yes, you can do all of the activities without stay at the ranch - however, if you are staying at the ranch you get a discount. If you look at their webpage under activities, I believe it has the price as a guest or non-guest.

DawnCt

Nancy, Thank you for the suggestion. I did look. There is a $25 difference between guests and non guest. Also, with some of the room rates/packages, each guest receives a $25 credit so the bottom line would be a $50 price difference.

travelinwifey

Don't forget the tentalos do not have tv's. I had a great stay there. Because if it's reliance on neighboring islands not all menu items for restaurants may be availible each day. E.g. running out of bananas, muffins and such. We had a package that included meals and dinner was always good.