Kaunakakai, Molokai on a Budget
Traveling to Hawaii may be the ultimate escape if you want to get away from your normal life. However, a stay in the Hawaiian islands doesn't mean that you can also get away from the costs and expenses of living as accommodations, transportation, and even food in your trip can really pull at your purse strings. However, there is one island on the archipelago that people call “the Friendly Isle” because of the hospitality and warmth its people give to visitors and fellow islanders alike. It's not just the attitude that visitors find very refreshing in Molokai, but also the prices of seemingly everything, which are within the budget traveler's range. Kaunakakai, the island's capital, is the business center best described as a town from many years back. Here's a lowdown on how to enjoy a trip to Kaunakakai, Molokai when you're on a budget.
Budget transportation
You can get to the island of Molokai through two ways – one via charter plane from Honolulu and the other is through a daily ferry ride from Maui. Go!Express, one of the airlines servicing Molokai, now also has transfers to the different islands. The flight from Oahu to Molokai will take approximately 25 minutes. Visitors from Oahu however, do not directly get to Kaunakakai as the Molokai airport is located in Hoolehua, just a few minutes drive away from the island center of Kaunakakai.
Those who want to take the scenic route can come to Molokai via the ferry boat from Maui. Passengers bound for Molokai can catch the early morning ferry from Lahaina, Maui. Though it takes a longer time to get to Molokai, passengers can directly disembark in the island center of Kaunakakai. Return trips to Lahaina, Maui via ferry are also on a regular daily schedule, leaving at early noon, for those who just want to pop over Molokai for the day.
Getting around can be a bit of a problem if you don't have your own car. As there is no public transportation on the island, don't come here expecting to hail a cab or a bus to get from one point to another. There are however, many vehicles for rent on the island. You can rent a sedan-type car if you plan on going to the different places on the island. However, if you want to get the best performance out of their vehicle, you should opt for 4WDs that can handle even the rough terrain on some of the scenic spots in Molokai. If you prefer light and speedy modes of transportation, you can also opt for motorbike, moped, and bicycle rentals. Some hotels may also offer pick-up and drop off services but these often have curfews or limitations. Driving around Molokai is easy as there is little traffic. In fact, there are no traffic lights in the island of Molokai. Just don't be a speed devil and go over 45mph by following the local saying “Why hurry, it's an island.”
Budget accommodations
A lot of folks say that Kaunakakai, Molokai is one of the most budget-friendly places in Hawaii. Hotel accommodations in Molokai are by far the cheapest in the whole island chain as the premier hotel here has rates that don't really reach $300. However, if the prices are still too steep for you, there are many accommodation options that you can choose from. There are hostels on the island such as the A'ahi Place that provides budget rooms each with its own private toilet and shower for as low as $35 a night. Condos are semi-serviced units that give you value for your money and the freedom to get around on your own. If you want to have the feel of home away from home, you can get furnished vacation rentals for a week or so for a low price. However, these rentals are not serviced and must be maintained by the tenants themselves. Most accommodation types in Molokai are equipped with basic kitchen equipment so that guests can cook up their own food at their preferred schedule.
For the ultimate Hawaii experience, pitch your tent on campgrounds at the beach or in the wilderness at little or no cost. However, be prepared to face the challenges of no private toilets and baths if you go camping.
Dining on a budget
Each of the islands in the Hawaiian archipelago is a treasure-trove of culinary delights and surprises. Molokai's Kaunakakai, while serving Hawaiian and world cuisine, is better known for the cheap and good grindz (food) in its establishments. You've never savored the true Molokai if you haven't had a taste of the world-famous Molokai bread. Kanemitsu's bakery offers the ever-famous Molokai bread to locals and tourists daily but once 10pm comes around, the legendary hot bread has locals and visitors lining up for a bite of the freshly baked onion-cheesy loaves filled with cream cheese, butter, or jelly.
Few classy restaurants and no fastfood joints mean that prepared food is reasonably priced and delectable. However, establishments close early so be prepared to cook your own meals. There are common grills in most budget accommodations, and small refrigerators and other basic kitchen equipment are often included in the accommodations.
Though the Hula Beach restaurant in Hotel Molokai is a recommended venue, if you want to save on expenses yet get a good taste of the local fare, head off to the Neighborhood Store. This grocery slash lunch counter serves up generous portions of Hawaiian plates as well as other types of meals such as Asian, American, and even Mexican on certain days. Don't forget to grab a bite at the Molokai Pizza Cafe for scrumptious slices of your cheese and tomato-covered goods with a Molokai twist. For the rel deal on Hawaiian cuisine at little or no cost, befriend a local or two and see if you get invited to any of the luau that they hold on special occasions.
Sightseeing on a budget
Though it's quiet and peaceful in Molokai, there are still quite a number of things to do on the island. Kaunakakai is the perfect place for visitors who want to kick back and relax and get an adrenaline rush from the extreme activities. First up are the gorgeous beaches around the island. Requiring only a car, enough gas, and a map, you can have the solitude and the pleasure of taking breathtaking sights of the shoreline of Molokai. Stroll around the quiet beaches and take a dip in the crystal blue waters of some of the beast beaches such as Murphy's Beach. Aside from the beaches, there are also a myriad of marine sights and experiences that you can get when you go under the blue water. Snorkel and dive to explore the only reef barrier in Hawaii and get to meet and greet the many different species of sealife under the waves. The beaches are free but the equipment you need to snorkel and dive may come for a price. Get the services of reputable diving companies, tour agencies, and even in your hotel or better yet, chat up a few locals and they can direct you to someone who freelances yet charges only cheaper rates.
Shopping on a budget
If you're looking for sprawling malls and designer boutiques, you won't find any of that in Kaunakakai where the locals say that the tallest thing in sight is a palm tree. However, there are many great buys in the stores in Kaunakakai. Local produce and souvenir items can be found in the shops that line the Ala Malama main road in town. If you're looking for great buys, the Saturday Farmer's Market in front of the American Savings Bank holds many affordable surprises for the shopper such as locally grown produce like pineapples and other native delicacies.