Central Molokai
Beautiful scenery is the top tourist attraction to Central Molokai. Featuring the Palaau State Park and Kamakou Preserve, visitors to this region of the island are in for a very special treat.
Atop the pristine cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Palaau State Park is 233 acres of photo opportunities. The park is known as the best camping on Molokai and contains the ancient Phallic Rock. Named for its curious shape, Phallic Rock was a site frequented by ancient Hawaiian women praying for fertility. Hiking trails lead to the Makanalua Peninsula (also known as the Kaluapapa Peninsula) and Kaluapapa lookout points.
The Kamakou Preserve is located within the rainforest of Molokai's highest peak and contains over 250 species of plants, most of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The preserve is also the last known location of many rare and endangered species of birds, including the Molokai thrush (oloma'o) and the beautiful red Molokai creeper (kakawahie).
At 3,600 feet above sea level, the Waikolu Overlook offers another beautiful view of this unspoiled island of Molokai. On your way along the trail, be sure to see the old wood carver's cabin and examples of his unique craft. Also stop by the Sandalwood Pit. The pit was dug to the exact specifications to fit within the cargo hold of a ship by order of King Kamehameha in the early 1800's. Prized for its fragrance, the sandalwood trees were cut down here, and carried down the mountains to waiting ships for exportation. From the Waikolu Overlook, the view of low-lying valleys, waterfalls, and islands across the sea is breathtaking.
Another interesting site within Central Molokai is the Meyer Sugar Mill Museum. An immigrant from Germany, Rudolph Meyer worked as a surveyor on Molokai before marrying the Molokai High Chieftess, Kalama and began managing the area known as the Molokai Ranch. He built a sugar mill in 1878 that used mule power and steam engines to process sugar cane for refinement. As the oldest sugar mill in Hawaii, it has been restored to its proper working condition and features artifacts from the industry at that time. The family home located on the grounds still belongs to Meyer's descendants.
Hawaii Vacations
Molokai Hawaii
Central Molokai
