Things to do / Travel Guide
The Hawaiian island of Maui exists as the result of volcanic eruptions that took place over 5 million years ago. Maui was first inhabited by Polynesians who left an indelible impression on the cultural development of ancient Hawaii that can still be seen and felt today. While Maui has gotten considerably more developed over the decades, with many more hotels, restaurants, and a much more extensive tourist infrastructure, Molokai and Lanai better retain some of the “ancient Hawaiian” charm and remoteness.
Maui is a paradise for honeymooners, surfers, kayakers, and hikers. All around the island's beach-lined coast sit many hotels, resorts, and restaurants, which all primarily cater to tourists. There are also areas on Maui like Paia, Haiku, or Hana, where Maui's more “natural” side can be seen. Two large volcanoes on the ends of Maui are separated by a valley that is home to rolling plains and slopes, littered with rainforests, groves of eucalyptus trees, and farms. In some areas of Maui, sharp, jagged cliffs can be seen, and, during the winter, there are whales frolicking in the ocean surrounding the island.
Molokai, also known as the “friendly isle,” is remote and mostly empty of inhabitants (there are no traffic lights on the island). The “big town” on Molokai is Kaunakakai, yet, while it is the main population center, it is all of three blocks in size. Pretty much all the island's restaurants and shops can be found off the main street of Ala Malama. One important detail to note about life on the island of Molokai is that it closes down early, with most of the stores in Ala Malama street closing up shop prior to “dinner time.”
The island of Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in the Hawaiian archipelago open to tourism. Known for its tasty pineapples, Lanai is also home to a few world-class resorts that offer fantastic golfing and dining and a spectacular variety of accommodations.
In the winter, Hawaiian Standard time (HST) is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST) and five hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST). In the summer, when the rest of the United States is on Daylight Saving Time, Hawaii is three and six hours behind, respectively.
In spite of the beauty of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, it is important to be aware of the potential hidden dangers of some of the islands' inland streams, as they may be polluted. The best advice here is to check with the locals.
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