My husband and I are vacationing on Molokai until Friday. We're a bit disappointed by the fact that all of the hikes require taking a guided tour due to the fact that they're all on private land. Either that, or they require a 4WD vehicle to access the trailhead. Anyone know of a "free" hike that doesn't require a 4WD to access the trailhead?

Is there a fee to hike down to Kalaupapa? We drove to the parking area and walked to the overlook, but could not hike down because we had a child under 16 with us.

contact DLNR for a map. department of land and natural resources. wear international orange or bright colors whether it's hunting season or not. just a tip. good luck.

sorry, i omitted mo'omomi beach after i reread your post re 4wd.

Try these:

http://www.visitmolokai.com/

http://www.molokai-hawaii.com/

http://www.johann-sandra.com/hawaii/molokai/hiking.htm

http://www.hawaiitrails.org/trail.as...island=Molokai

Can't help you with that but would suggest you check out what night this week The Cookhouse has evening entertainment......fun!!!!!

I'd also say, if you want to hike, suck it up and take in the beauty of the east side. We stayed there and loved the area.

Mele Kalikimaka

It's $50 to hike in/out of Kalaupapa. To fly in/out, it's $149. The mule ride is $165. I don't think I am physically capable of the hike in/out, and the other two options are too $$$. So we won't be doing it

dusty56348: All those links are for guided hikes/hikes that are accessed via 4WD.

We'll try the DLNR. Thanks for the suggestion.

So sorry you weren't able to make a visit to the colony. It is emotional, bittersweet and one of the most beautiful areas I have been privledged to see. I read up on the history so found it of exceptional interest.

Hope you found some other areas to hike! Did you make it to phalic rock at least?!

Yep, we made it to the rock, and we went to the lookout point nearby. Today we did a snorkel tour with Molokai Fish and Dive that was amazing! Tons of sea turtles. That helps make up for not being able to see Kalaupapa We'll have to do that next time.

How about that east coast drive?! Parts of it are like driving on the ocean.

Looking forward to a trip report from you and LVAMY and you thoughts on the hellhole - Kauai - oh those roosters!!!!!

Enjoy another day in paradise tomorrow!!!!

Oh and don't forget to look at the stars, you are in one of the most remote places on mother earth right now!!!!!

Stretching my memory (it was 4 years ago that we were there), but I thought there was a hike in a nature preserve, sort of the northeast area? Maybe one of the 4WD ones, though. I think Molokai Ranch was offering it as an activity.

My SIL talks about a nice one from the south side, starting up a private road (with permission). Unfortunately she is on a trip now so I can't ask her for details.

I would love to return and hike to Kalaupapa.

enzian,

Have you not been to Kalaupapa? It is truly remarkable. Although I considered hiking or flying in as mrlani was not that much up for another horseback/muleride....

Well he loved loved loved it. Nothing could compare. On the way up the pali, I must say, I would not have been enjoying hiking thru all that donkey dung!!!!

Hope we are blessed to return.

Yes, the Nature Conservancy has a wonderful hike on Molokai that I was looking forward to. But, I didn't know it was only accessible via 4WD. I called them to check on the condition of the road to see if its do-able w/out 4WD, and they did not recommend it. It's 10 miles long, so walking isn't possible. I really messed up and should have rented a 4WD!

britomart, I'm glad to know I wasn't out of my mind, imagining things!

kealalani, we planned to hike to Kalaupapa, especially after watching the movie "Father Damien". But we had our two daughters with us, and one was too young to enter the colony (they still restrict children 15 and under). But it looks like such a beautiful hike, I would like to return for that.

I think we could stand the mule dung---we've hiked down in to the Grand Canyon (and back) a couple of times. Lots of mule droppings there too. I wouldn't do it in sandals, though!

isn't it mouflon season now? i thought their poopoo was a large yummy milk dud.