I'm wondering if I made a mistake in showing my wife the photo journal of Molokai in the current issue of Islands. She's now fantasizing/romanticizing about a couple weeks in a small house on a remote beach there, living amongst the locals. The idea has a certain appeal to me too, especially if there's good snorkeling and kayaking off that beach. Even more so if there's a place for a mai tai conveniently nearby. Does such a place exist on Molokai, or should we be looking to Kauai or some other island? Or, do you know of a condo somewhere that might be a good compromise?

If it makes a difference, trip dates would be September - October. Thanks for any advice!

I've had these places bookmarked for years. All my other Molokai bookhmarks have vaporized. Since Molokai is part of Maui County only licensed rentals are allowed to operate legally and that may have something to with it.

http://www.molokai-beachfront-cottages.com/index.php

Molokai was a disappointment to me. Very rural and reminded me of an old west place. Wouldn't go back again. It wasn't very attractive IMHO but that was at least 8 years ago so maybe things have changed I much prefer Kauai for for its beauty and old Hawaii feel with modern amenities.......

Hawaii (Big Island) & Kauai are my favorite. I used to live on the Big Island so it should be noted I am a bit prejudice. Enjoy!

I'm no expert, but I don't think you have to limit yourself only to Molokai to find what you describe... as far as renting a house, living like a local. And the other islands definitely would have more options if you want to go out for a mai tai or a meal now and then.

Thanks everyone. Those cottages are probably exactly what my wife has in mind. But, given your less than enthusiastic recommendations, I'm wondering if we might find similar accommodations on Kauai; say... Anini Beach? Or, where on Hawaii would you recommend we look?

We stayed on Molokai back in the '90s and enjoyed it a lot. We stayed at the Kaluakoi Resort. There were fabulous beaches on the west end of the island and a great golf course. However, I believe most everything has closed since then.

http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/mol...ing/hotels.htm

The closest we have found to what you are looking for is on either the North Shore of Kauai or in the Puna District of the Big Island. We stayed at this place a few years ago and loved it:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p252825

It's in an unbelievable setting and there's a great beach next door although the surf can be pretty rough most of the time. The one downside is there are no mai tai bars nearby. We made our own.

I wonder if they have "vog" on Molokai????

I stayed at the kaluakoi villas like Otis, it has closed and reopened a few times since. It is open again under Castle

http://www.castleresorts.com/Home/ac...aluakoi-villas

Really a neat place, beach, golf, wildlife, reef for snorkeling, pool, but mostly peace and quiet.

Depending on the weather pattern there could be vog in Kauai. Three years ago the vog was so bad on Oahu you couldn't see the mountains. It reminded me of LA in the mid 60's.

I think the best of both worlds would be to visit both worlds. We have stayed at many rentals on the northshore of Kauai. We have only stayed on Molokai once for 4 nights here. . .

http://www.puuohoku.com/cottage.html

The nearest mai tai for purchase was an hour and a half away! We adored our stay and the highlight was talking story with our host and doing the mule ride down to Kapalua which is some of the most breathtaking land in all of the islands.

We loved our secluded visit, but think other areas would be better. There are a couple of regulars on trip advisor that can be of great help. They either live there or visit often.

Me, I'd spend a few days on Molokai and then head to ns kauai

"....and a great golf course."

Golf is frustrating enough when I play here at home, so why spoil a vacation with it?

"Vog"

Yeah, I've thought about that too.

Thanks again, everyone, for the helpful suggestions and advice. I'm leaning towards Kauai, the lingering concern being, the last time we were there it rained for most of 4 of the 7 days. But that wouldn't bother me if we're at/near a place where the snorkeling is anywhere close to what we've experienced in the lagoons of Moorea and Bora Bora. Any hope of finding such a place?

I've not been to FP, but I wouldn't set the bar for Kaua'i that high.

Depending on the surf/currents, the snorkeling at Makua Beach (Tunnels) could be very nice. Have never been in September/October. We are there ususally in July/August and the winds kick up in the afternoon pretty good. Mornings are best, and it is my favorite spot to snorkel. You don't get all the reef walkers and potential crowds like you do at Ke'e due to lack of parking and people's general misunderstanding of where Tunnels actually is. If you want to stay someplace close to this beach or in ths area you would be looking at places in Haena, which is about a 15 minute drive to most restaurants/bars (Hanalei) or another 10 minutes to Princeville, except the Mediterrean Gourmet and the little deli by the side of the road. (are they still there?).

The best shore snorkeling I've experienced in Hawaii has been off the beaches in the Wailea/Makena area of Maui. Large schools of fish, lots of sea turtles and a generally healthy looking landscape.

The most remarkable snorkeling period was when we went on a trip to the islands just off of Niihau as a day trip from Kauai. We snorkeled in the open ocean along sheer cliff walls and drop offs. Really lovely.

Thanks, iamq. Your post probably seals the deal for Kauai. I know I shouldn't expect it to compare to FP, but aside from weather the cultural aspects, snorkeling is a big reason I enjoy tropical island vacations.

And I also realize, Kealalani, that to get the best of both worlds, I should visit both worlds. But I just hate the thought of wasting 1/2 day or more in all that goes with getting from one island to another.

I get it,

It has been my experience that switching islands is not as easy as it used to be. One cannot assume that they can drop off the rental car and make it thru security to the gate in under an hour anymore.