The History of the Island of Molokai

When visitors arrive on Maui, the question many ask when they are staying in West Maui is “what is that island over there?”

The northern island you can see from the shores of West Maui is the island of Molokai. Molokai is known for both its dramatic landscape and its interesting history. Many visitors choose to take a Maui helicopter tour to experience the north shore of Molokai which boasts the tallest sea cliffs in the world, some of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii and world famous Kalaupapa peninsula.

The Geology of Kalaupapa and the north shore of Molokai is a unique one and is one of the most remote places in Hawaii. The sea cliffs of Molokai reach over 3,000 feet high and are said to be formed roughly 1.5 million years ago when 1/3 of the island collapsed into the ocean. The Kalaupapa peninsula is thought to be formed roughly 250,000 years ago when an off shore shield volcano erupted from the oceans floor.

During the mid to late 1800’s Hansen's Disease was running rampant in the islands and the disease was thought to be incurable and very contagious. Later it was discovered most people are resistant to the disease and effective treatment was developed in the 20th century. In 1865 the Hawaiian King Kamehameha V passed the "Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy". The law required the most serious cases of Hansen’s disease to be moved to a settlement colony on the eastern end of the peninsula. Kalaupapa was chosen due to its isolation and remote location. In 1866 the first twelve patients were dropped off and over the next 100 years more than 8,000 people would live their lives out at the peninsula. In 1873 Father Damien arrived at the peninsula and assisted patients until he eventually contracted the disease and passed away in 1889.  There have been numerous books written about these times. The novel Molokai written by Alana Brennert is a great place to start for those interested in learning about the history of Hansen’s disease in Hawaii from a historical fiction point of view.

Today Kalaupapa is a national park. There are still a few people remaining who have Hansen’s disease but they are not required to live there and choose to do so to live out the rest of their lives in peace. You can experience Molokai’s sea cliffs, waterfalls and Kalaupapa peninsula when you join a Maui helicopter tour which features West Maui and Molokai.  To see this area by air is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Doors Off Maui Helicopter Tour

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When you choose to fly in a doors off helicopter tour, you are taking your experience to another level. Not only is it extremely exciting to be high above the clouds in a helicopter without doors, the pictures you are able to take with nothing between you and the scenery are absolutely stunning. On Maui, there is only one doors off flight offered.  The West Maui Molokai flight takes you along the coastline of the beautiful West Maui Mountains and then over to the north shore of Molokai. Experience remote valleys, some of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii and the tallest sea cliffs in the world. As an added bonus during the months of December-April, you may also see humpback whales as you cross the Pailolo channel on your way over to Molokai. A doors off helicopter tour is not for everybody and there are some restrictions. We have listed them below so you can make the right helicopter choice for you and your family.

REQUIREMENTS:

·The minimum age for passengers is 10 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

· The only camera allowed is the camera on your cell phone. No other cameras or devices are permitted.  Air Maui will provide a lanyard case for passenger’s cell phone that will be attached to them during flight.

· You may not wear or bring hats, bags or any loose items allowed and it is mandatory that all passengers wear closed toed shoes.

· Passengers with long hair must tie it up

· Air Maui will provide each passenger a jacket that will be required to wear during flight

Touring West Maui and Molokai in a helicopter without doors is truly a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Many of our guests let us know it was the highlight of their vacation.