What island offers the "real" Hawaii?

Barb G. from Milton asked this question:

Hey Travel Professor! My fiancé and I really would like to honeymoon in Hawaii but we don’t want the crowds, fast food restaurants and the commercialism. Can you suggest what island would give us the flavor of the real Hawaii?

I like Hawaii & agree that some of the places like Honolulu are New York City with palm trees.

Molokai offers a truly local experience devoid of crowds and chain restaurants and is well suited for travelers like you. The ones that want to see the “real” Hawaii and avoid the commercialism of the other islands.

Molokai is known as the most Hawaiian island for good reason. It’s the only island in the chain except for Niihau (a private island near Kauai) where Hawaiians account for the majority of the population of about 8,000. In fact, more than half are of true Hawaiian ancestry. Molokai is also the birthplace of the hula, which is celebrated each May with the Ka Hula Piko Festival.

Molokai is well suited for people who want to experience old Hawaii, indulge in adventures such as mountain biking and hiking while encountering few other tourists, and have a completely casual vacation (shorts T-shirts and flip flops are the norm here, even in most restaurants). The oblong-shaped island, the fifth largest in Hawaii, is devoid of chain restaurants and retail stores (even Hawaii’s ubiquitous ABC Stores); and its two hotels — the Lodge and Beach Village at Molokai Ranch and the Hotel Molokai — are independently owned and operated. In short, everything is local and authentic. It’s also quiet and uncrowded, with most businesses closing by 9 p.m.

For more information on this wonderful tropical getaway contact your travel agent or tour operator. Also be sure to check out the island’s tourism website at www.molokai-hawaii.com.

Aloha!

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