Lorraine

On a previous trip to Hawaii my husband and I visited Maui (based in Makena but traveled everywhere, including Haleakala sunrise and road to Hana with one night there), the Big Island and Kauai. We are returning this summer for a week-long conference on Oahu (with plenty of sightseeing time), but before then we have 9 days to spend elsewhere and definitely want to see Molokai. We prefer to spend this "before" time in quiet natural surroundings, as the time on Oahu (HHV) will be faster-paced.

Have already booked flight into Maui and out of Honolulu. The tentative plan has 3 nights in Hana, 3 nights in Kaanapali and 3 nights on Molokai:

Day 1: Arrive at 3:30 pm, rent car and drive to lodging in Hana (making only a couple scenic stops so as to arrive before dark).
Days 2-3: Explore/hike based on Maui Revealed.
Day 4: In afternoon drive to Kaanapali hotel.
Days 5-6: snorkel/beach walk in Black Rock area.
Day 7: Take the early ferry from Lahaina to Molokai, drive around island, check into lodging in late afternoon.
Days 8-9: Explore Molokai/Kalaupapa.
Day 10: Early flight to Oahu.

My concerns: Is that first day realistic? Should I try to fit in another visit to Haleakala, this time to walk in crater? Should I remove a beach day from Kaanapali since I'll be on Waikiki for a week? Should I add a night to Molokai since I haven't been there?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

lyb

Are you planning on going to Father Damien's leper colony in Molokai? Because if you're not, one day of exploring Molokai is all you need. I was in Oahu recently, flew to Molokai, arrived around 11am, drove around just about every area of Molokai and then flew out at 7pm. However, if you are going to Father Damien's, you'll need a full day for that as well.

DawnCt

My husband and I are planning on flying over to Molokai for a day. My initial plan is to do the mule ride down to Father Damien's due to its historical significance and I also think it would afford me enough sightseeing there and en route. Would we be better off just renting a car and exploring on our own or would you say that Kaulapapa is the highlight of the island?

crazy4Hawaii

Lorraine, I suspect you have allotted enough time for Molokai. That visit plus your time in Hana should provide plenty of relaxation after the more vigorous time in Oahu. I would leave your Kaanapali time to at least three days. Personally, I cannot go to Maui without driving upcountry and visiting Haleakala and the Iao Valley. But then, I'm not too much of a beach-lounger...

Lorraine

Thanks for your input. We will be going to Father Damien's leper colony, but can't take the mule trip (and may not be able to walk down) due to husband's fear of heights/drop-offs.

As for Haleakala, I think we'll play it by ear based on the weather. The one time we were there the wind and cold were punishing--but that was in winter and this time it will be summer. I am intrigued by pictures of people walking into the crater--does anyone know how long it takes to walk from the parking area to the crater floor?

Nancy03

Lorraine, we are going to Molokai from Maui and then onto Oahu. But we are taking a plane because I don't know how to work the rental car drop-off with the ferry ride. How are you planning on handling this? When/where will you drop off you rental on Maui? And then how will you get to the ferry early in the morning?

Lorraine

Nancy, I was going to look for a rental company that would accept the return of the car in Lahaina (then use taxis). But now I'm thinking of reversing our Maui plan and spend the last few nights in Hana--then fly to Molokai.

Nancy03

Lorraine - That may be a great idea. Would you fly from Molokai out of Hana? What airline?

Lorraine

Nancy, Pacific Wings used to fly from Hana to Molokai but has ended that service, so we are driving back to Kahului and taking a 5:30 pm Island Air flight to Molokai, which will give us an entire day to either explore the south portion of Maui or hike into Haleakala's crater. So the vacation is shaping up to be 2 nights in Kaanapali, 3 nights in Hana, 4 nights on Molokai and the rest of the trip on Oahu.

z

Lorraine, where are you going to stay on Molokai?

Lorraine

Aah, an excellent question. I have a reservation for a Kaupoa Beach Village tentalow (the Sheraton property that's about to change hands), but despite the fun of luxuriously roughing it by the ocean, I am inclined to cancel it because it's a long drive to get to anywhere (and it's expensive). I've sent inquiry e-mails to a condo and a B&B but haven't heard back. Is there anyone out there who can comment on staying in the Beach Village?