Kaunakakai

Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for You? | Condé Nast Traveler

"Nickname The Friendly Isle Its Elvis personality Barefoot, pre-fame Elvis, back home in Tupelo, Mississippi Best for Digital detoxers and those looking for a secret island getaway Island Story Just 8,000 people live around this 400-square-mile island, a remote spot best known for a sad chapter in its history: It was here that those suffering from Hansen’s disease (once known as leprosy) were exiled from the 1860s until after World War II; the law was only rescinded in 1969. Now that spot is Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Island Signatures A hip-swaying sleepiness. There’s only one town here, Kaunakakai, and no stoplights, little traffic, or noise other than the waves. Pack hiking boots to explore spots like Halawa Valley, kayak out off the south shore to explore the fringing reef, or take up a perch on the often-deserted, three-mile long Papohaku beach. Where to Stay Molokai is alone in the tourist-focused islands in that no big name resorts and hotels operate here, so decompress in a room at Hotel Molokai —the best are the ones cooled by the trade winds rather than air conditioning." - Mark Ellwood