South Moloka'i Sights

Moloka'i's southern coastline

Moloka'i is a lovely little island with a rich history from before and after western colonization. This island features some of the most extensive ancient fishfarming ponds in Hawai'i; much of Moloka'i's south coast is dotted with rock walls reaching out into the sea - a legacy to Hawai'i's rich aquaculture.

Ancient Hawai'ian fishpond along the highway
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 10^th, '08)

Looking inland reveals Moloka'i's interior, a vast untouched wilderness of valleys and waterfalls. Alhough the island itself isn't large, it takes a little while to drive around in order to see the sights. I decided to camp for a few nights at One Ali'i Park in order to have easy access to Moloka'i's south shore beaches.

Valleys of Moloka'i's interior
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 10^th, '08)

Kamalo Wharf
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 10^th, '08)

A gecko on my tent
One Ali'i Park, Moloka'i (May 9^th, '08)

Rainbow over Moloka'i's valleys
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 7^th, '08)

King Kamehameha's Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove stands as a reminder of Hawai'i's monarchy. Kamehameha V planted 1000 coconuts in honor of his army in the 1860s.

King Kamehameha's Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 8^th, '08)

Sunset over the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 8^th, '08)

Reminders of Kalaupapa's "saint", Father Damien, are dotted around Moloka'i. On the south coast is the chuch of St. Joseph built by Father Damien in 1876.

St. Joseph Church
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 10^th, '08)

Statue of Father Damien outside St. Joseph Church
South Coast, Moloka'i (May 10^th, '08)