Have any of you taken a day trip to Molokai that you really enjoyed and would recommend? Have any of you actually STAYED on Molokai? There are a couple of resorts pictured on their tourism website that look pretty nice.

Yes, I have stayed on Molokai. We enjoyed our three-day trip there and stayed at the Hotel Molokai.

A warning about Molokai: It's not luxurious or "resort-y." It can look very rural and even poor in places. I don't think there are many super luxurious places to stay there; the Sheraton Molokai Lodge is nice but it's an "adventure resort" not a "lay-by-the-pool" resort.

This is part of Molokai's charm, though. It feels like time stands still there. There are few restaurants and few stores. It's mostly nature...pure Hawaiian nature. If you are the backpacking, eco-tourist type who loves to hike, bike, etc. you will love Molokai. If you are the type who likes pampering on your vacation, it's not the island for you.

Agree w/Gellers and I too stayed at the Hotel Molokai. I really enjoyed my stay there, but there is limited things to do. The 7 mile beach is wonderful though, so make sure you check it out if you go. There were only 4 people total the day I went. Go to the coffee plantation too. Have fun.

OK-this is just IMHO:
I was Matron of Honor at my friends wedding on Molokai almost 5 years ago. We stayed on Maui first for a week, then flew over for the wedding for another 4 nights. We left a day early for Honolulu b/c we couldn't take it anymore.
Its VERY casual and laidback, very barren (we were on the dry side only, which I know is a shame), not much to do, etc. We could not WAIT to see people again.
I have heard, however, that the wet side is amazing, and the donkey tours to the leper colony are truly awe inspiring...so maybe a day trip would be in order?
Also, the friend who got married? She and her husband got EVERY year for 2 weeks...ugh! and want to buy property on the island. To each his own.

Ani -

You mean they go every year for two weeks to Molokai and not the other islands?! That is a little unusual. I laughed and laughed at your comment that you couldn't take it anymore.

Thank you for all of the feedback. A day trip there might suit me best... I'm a major Maui addict but am planning to visit Kauai this year too.

crazy4:
Yes...EVERY year they go. To Molokai. Only.
Hard to believe isn't it? It will be harder to believe once you've been there.
HAve a great time whatever you do!

One side of the island is very dry and barren with red clay like dirt, but the other side is just gorgeous with drives along the ocean. It is just very peaceful there so I'm sure that's why Ani's friends might like it. You could do it in a day trip for sure. The best restaurant in town is at the Hotel Molokai, but try the Molokai Drive-in for takeout. The shrimp dinner is yummy.

Stayed for a week at Molokai Ranch. Was very nice & relaxing with a quiet beach and a monk seal or two. Currently up for auction at luxurylink.com though my package had breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Definitely do the drive up the northeast coast and visit Fr. Damien's leper colony.