West Molokai

A million and a half years ago, two volcanoes, Kamakou in the easat and Maunaloa in the west, rose out of the ocean to form Molokai. Maunaloa is a shield-shaped dome with two separate peaks. Pu'uanana is the highest, rising 1,381 feet. The area was famous for adz quarries, holua sliding (sleds on rocks) and the poisonwood tree used by kahuna sorcerers in ancient times.

Maunaloa, the town, is a tiny, former plantation village and is the only town on the west side of Molokai. Dole Pineapple left the island in 1975 after fifty years of production, leaving the city virtually a ghost town. A few businesses gathered strength and established their presence breathing life back into the little town. Big Wind Kite Factory, Plantation Gallery, Dolly Hale, and Blue Nalu are unique shops to visit. Maunaloa Town also serves as the headquarters for the Molokai Ranch that owns most of the land on this side of the island.