Don’t get me wrong, I love Molokai for what it is, but having lived elsewhere in the state I’ve seen many people’s idea of Hawaii being Waikiki, luaus, shopping, surf lessons, and drinks by the pool. Molokai has only one very old-school hotel, there is no luxury shopping or luaus, and the residents in general are against the kind of tourism seen on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui. No nightclubs, no fancy restaurants, no cruise ships, no fire dancing. What you will find are people that fish and hunt for their meat and grow their own vegetables, untouched beaches, pristine rainforests, and aloha. I’m certainly not trying to cast any judgment, but if someone is not into all that they might enjoy themselves more elsewhere.

I’ve heard that with the recent loss of two physicians, almost half of Molokai’s population is without a doctor. It’s a unique and beautiful island, but very unlike what most think of when they think of Hawaii. I’m sure the people would welcome you with old school aloha. It could be worth a visit before you decide one way or another!