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Has anyone done this? I have it booked for March, but I saw some photos today that are making me think twice. Auwe, that is a steep cliff! lol Maybe I can just close my eyes the whole way?
We'll be on Moloka`i for two nights, taking the ferry in the day before we do the Damien Tour, then speding the night an taking the afternoon ferry back. Anyone have any Moloka`i recommendations--restaurants, beaches, etc? Not interested in the coffee tour. 
Kalaupapa Mule Ride?
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MULE RIDE:I did the mule ride a few years ago-- the first couple of switchbacks were scary, I kepy trying to rein in my mule-- but he resisted as he walks the trail frequently, so I just enjoyed the great views and let him do his job. Be prepared for a sore bottom afterwards. The tour was great, both historically and scenery. I'd do it again.
HOTEL/RESTAURANTS-We stayed at Hotel Molokai-- the rooms were not great, older, no a/c, just a fan, and they provided bug repellant which fortunately we did not need. On the water but no real beach. The restaurant was good and we were there on a weekend so there was a band each night. Molokai restaurant scene was pretty limited when we were there, the main town has a few restaurants (We ate at a pizza place, was good), I also recall the main hotel on the west side has a restaurant (It was a sheraton, not sure if it has changed hands).
BEACHES/ETC: I preferred the east side of the island, took a scenic drive and stopped at a beach about a 1/3 way from the end that was nice. The west side of the island has a large beach(Papohako? spelling?), but was quite windy the day we visited so we did not stay long. Pretty much everywhere we went was quiet, especially compared to the other islands.
Hope you enjoy Molokai! It's a different experience from the other main islands.
Like the previous poster, did the mule ride with my DH a few yrs ago, flying in from Maui on a tour. We're in our 60's and don't "ride".
The switchbacks were scary at first, much more so than the Grand Canyon, but one sort of gets used to it. The "trail" is composed of man made stone steps. Couldn't believe that my mule was going to go down stairs the whole way but he/she handled it fine and knew exactly where to go. Yes, my butt and knees were sore but I'd do it again. However, if you are really, really afraid of heights, this may not be a good choice for you. Going up was much less scary but equally jostling. The tour of the village was fascinating and the views were spectacular. We are hoping to go back in 08 for our 40th anniversary. Oh, my!
Sorry, can't help with Molokai accommodations.
I'm surprised to read the previous two posts, since my recollection of this ride is completely the opposite. As someone who is not fond of riding, and is extremely fearful of heights, I was very leery of going on this ride but wanted very much to tour the leper colony. My recollection is that we were at least knee deep in vegetation for the entire ride down the cliffs and there was not one moment when I even felt anxious about the height. About half the way down, you come out into the open and start to hear the surf pounding below. Combined with the sun hitting the gorgeous deep green cliffs and blue water, it was one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had. At the leper colony, the site of the church is one of the other most beautiful places I've been. During the rainy season, there are also supposed to be waterfalls on the cliffs. This really is an awesome experience, and one I would recommend for everyone. It remains one of my all time favorite travel memories.
The mule ride was the BEST thing we have ever done during our four trips to Hawaii. I wish we could have stayed longer on the pennisula. Some suggestions before you go. Read The Colony, A Holy Man, the Separating Sickness so you will really have a sense of what exile meant.
I have to agree with the "wow, it's steep" crowd -- it has been many years since I did this (on my honeymoon) but yes, I kept my eyes closed at several different places, and my husband and I still joke about the 'homicidal mule' I rode (apparently she had a little personality conflict with one of the other mules and did not want to be BEHIND that mule). But it was a wonderful excursion and I recommend it. Sorry, it has been too long since our honeymoon to be of any help with other recommendations.
Sorry. Must disagree with Gabriele. No knee deep vegetation, actually no vegetation at all directly on the narrow trail unless it has grown up from the rocks since 2003. However, still recommend it as a marvelous adventure unless one is very afraid of heights. Mules do like to walk in the lose dirt closer to the edge as opposed to the rockier inner.
Sorry Irish, I must disagree with you. There are numerous places along the trail where the trail is actually dug into the cliff. See: http://www.muleride.com/hanahoumag/index.html go down the page and look at the photo on the bottom of the left hand side to see what I mean. Buzzy Sproat is now the 3rd owner of this company, which has existed for YEARS. I went once in the 80's, and remember quite clearly that no rider OR mule had ever been injured on this tour. I have a lot more respect for mules than I ever did before the trip, they are incredibly sure footed, and they really know the path.
Don't worry, here_today...it was one of the most rewarding tours I've ever done. And don't forget to ask about the square holes in the floor of Father Damien's church.