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East Molokai
East Molokai on a Budget
There are a lot of ways to enjoy the east of Molokai without spending too much. This area of the island is actually one of the best places to go to if you do not want to splurge on shopping and outrageous meal prices because shops and upscale restaurants are located on the other side of the island. The sights in east Molokai are usually visible from the road, which makes looking at everything from the car with the windows down a great sightseeing option.
Getting to East Molokai on a budget
Flying to Oahu can be made cheaper if you get discounts from your airline. You can do this by saving up and using your frequent flier miles, looking out for special promos from your airline and scheduling your vacation during these times, or going in the low-peak seasons. Upon arriving in the island, you will need to hire a taxi or a car rental. There is no public trnasportation in the island, unfortunately. The next most affordable alternative would be renting a car, which won't be a problem since it is virtually impossible to get lost in Molokai.
Accommodation on a budget
East Molokai does not have a lot of four to five-star resorts but it does have its share of vacation rentals, cottages for rent, and condos. You can also find great deals on rentals and other kinds of accommodations especially when travelling in large groups. Molokai Vacation Rentals and Friend Isle Realty handle most of the accommodation plans for tourists looking to stay in East Molokai. The area is usually strict with zoning laws so resorts and hotels may not abound here as they do in other islands like Oahu or Hawaii.
A good place to lay your head is at the Wavecrest resort. Just one of the few places that remained unaffected by the new zoning laws in the area, the Wavecrest resort enjoys a location next to a lagoon with a great view of Maui, which lies just across the water. The resort also has a pool and a putting green. You will need to spend money if you check in, but rates in most hotels and condos in East Molokai are way cheaper than their counterparts in the more touristy side of the island.
You can also find accommodation options that are very affordable in Pu'u O Hoku Ranch, which has 11 rooms open for guests. The ranch comes with a swimming pool and facilities and horses for horseback riding.
Camping is another cheap option for those who want accommodations on the cheap. Granted, you may have to deal with bringing and pitching your own tents, but camping accommodations will just cost you around $5 to $10 compared to the almost a hundred dollars per night if you stayed in a hotel or an upscale cottage rental.
Find the best accommodation deals in East Molokai
Sightseeing on a budget
You can start by visiting the most interesting spots in East Molokai such as the Halawa Valley and Falls, among other attractions. Halawa Valley is one of the most historic valleys in East Molokai. In the past, it supported a taro-growing population and is the site of ancient sacred religious sites. This is also the place you can enjoy two of the most popular falls in the island, Moa'ula Falls and Hipuapua Falls, which are accessible by hiking. You may need the services of a private tour guide when visiting the falls since the Hipuapua Falls lies on private property.
You can then proceed to the Ililiopae Heiau, another ancient sacred site that has been included in the National Register of Historic places. This is the second largest sacred religious site in Hawaii and was used for human sacrifice in ancient times. This is also where young men who wanted to become Hawaiian priests or kahunas would go to for teaching. The site is located on private property so guests may require the assistance of a tour guide to get in.
Another interesting site to visit is the Kaluaaha church located in Kaluaaha on Highway 450. This church is the first Christian church completed by Christian missionaries. Another point of interest, still a church, is the Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church. This is a reconstruction of the church erected by Father Damien and contains artwork in pen and ink of the Station of the Cross which was imported all the way from Holland. Another church that was built by Father Damien himself is the Saint Joseph Church, which is located east of Kaunakakai. This church has also been included in the National Register of Historic Places. Right outside the church stands a black metal sculpture of the beloved priest.
The Smith and Bronte landing is another point of interest visited by most tours. You can find the plaque commemorating the emergency landing of two of the pioneers in trans-Atlantic aviation in 1927. Finally, you can also visit Pu'u O Hoku Ranch, which is a great place to get panoramic views of the island and the neighboring island of Maui. The ranch is also a great place for retreats and seminars.
Cheap eats
You have limited options when it comes to finding food in the eastern part of the island. Puu O Hoku Ranch is one of few places where one can grab a bite to eat or some groceries to take to out to a hike or to a seaside picnic. Another option is the Manae Goods & Grindz, which serves tuna melt sandwiches on whole wheat bread. A popular item on the menu is the mahi mahi burger. The pork stir fry and chicken nuggets are local favorites. The Neighborhood Store 'n Counter is another source of great food but they only serve plate lunches. For other cheap options, you can head to Central Molokai, where you can find affordable fare in places such as Oviedo's Lunch Counter which has been serving plate lunches since it opened over 25 years ago.
Molokai Drive Inn is now a local institution serving the best local cuisine for locals and tourists to enjoy. Another food place favored by both locals and visitors is the Kualapuu Cookhouse, located in Owao Street in Central Molokai. This is a family-owned eating establishment that is known for its casual and funky atmosphere. And for the famous Molokai bread, nothing beats the Kanemitsu Bakery and Coffee shop. While serving Molokai bread and other sorts of breads and pastries, the place is also a good place for cheap burgers and sandwiches and other local dishes.
Swimming
East Molokai is dotted with roadside beaches that are free. One can easily pack a picnic and choose the best place to have it while driving along the highway, looking for the best beach to spend the afternoon. Murphy’s beach is one great option. This is a tree-line stretch of sand that is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or wading since the water is shallow and protected by the reef. Known as one of the prettiest beaches along Halawa Drive, Murphy’s Beach can be seen from several spots from the road. The place has a picnic area but there are no restrooms and lifeguards. But for being virtually free, this is as good an option as any for a cheap afternoon on the beach.
Another option would be Halawa Beach Park, which has two beaches, Kama'alaea Beach and Kawilli Beach. The beaches are good to wade in in the summer, although the winter months may bring in more and bigger waves. With no lifeguards, swimmers are cautioned to swim at their own risk. This is also a good place to fish in. With only a few dollars for entrance and park fees, you can easily have a fun afternoon of swimming and fishing at very little cost.