Molokai is a quiet island that offers a unique introduction to the gentle rhythms of South Seas life. Many of the Hawaiians here still exist much in the fashion of their ancestors, reaping fish from the sea. Days are spent in a carefree manner, and nights pass in a relaxed mood of tranquility. Kaunakakai, the main town on Molokai, is famed in song for its "cockeyed Mayor." Molokai's few hotels provide delightful accomodations. Highpoint in any tour of the Friendly Isle is a visit to Kalaupapa, one of America's early settlements for sufferers of Hansen's Disease. Established by the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1866, the settlement lies on a flat peninsula jutting out from Molokai's north coast. There was no cure for the disease in those days, and the law of the strong prevailed at Kalaupapa. Father Damien, a Belgian priest came to Kalaupapa in 1873, planning to stay only a few weeks. Instead, he spent the rest of his life on the tiny peninsula, establishing order, ministering to those forgotten people, pleading their cause and becoming himself a victim of Hansen's Disease. Damien's crude wooden church, St. Philomena's, stands near the settlement's old cemetery where a solemn monument marks the martyr's gravesite. Once a tragic spot, now Kalaupapa is among the loveliest places in the islands. From a pleasant park along the craggy shoreline you have a stunning view of Molokai's windward side, great cliffs surging from the sea and icy waterfalls plummeting downward. Near the park is Kaohako Crater, a small, extinct volcano with ancient Hawaiian graves along its slopes. All of Molokai is rich with old Hawaiian lore. Much of the island's eastern end is dense wilderness, thrusting mountains and deep, green valleys. The western side is less rugged, a rolling, fertile plain which is Molokai's agricultural center. Winding country roads beckon sightseers. You'll find a pit where Hawaiians measured loads of fragrant sandalwood before shipping them to China, rustic missionary churches, sites heralded in old legends, stark stone heiaus (sacrificial pagan alters), rock carvings, ancient battlegrounds where you still may discover a discarded weapon or sling stone. True adventurers hike a twisting trail up verdant Halawa Valley to splash in the healing pools at the foot of Moaula Falls. Molokai's thickly forested back country intrigues the huntsman with a variety of game, while isolated and unfrequented beaches and reefs delight skindivers.

FATHER DAMIEN'S STATUE-built in memory of Father Damien de Vuester whose missionary work among the victims of Hansen's Disease was renowned through out the world, this statue stands in a grassy glade on the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on Molokai's north shore.

FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH-near Mapulehu, this tiny church was the first Catholic church built on Molokai except for Father Damien's mission at Kalaupapa.

HALAWA VALLEY-one time center of population, this beautiful valley is locale of ancient heiaus and two plunging waterfalls. Moaula Falls and Hipuapua Falls.

KAMAKOU-4,970 feet, the highest elavation on the island of Molokai. It is located in a State Forest Reserve which is teeming with game, including wild boar, goats and axis deer.

KAPUIWA GROVE-planted in the 1860's by Kamehameha V, this grove has more than 1,000 coconut trees covering 10 acres of land near Kaunakakai.

KAUNAKAKAI-the Hawaiian song "Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai" was written about Molokai's tiny town which is the only business district on the Friendly Island.

KAWELA CITY OF REFUGE-is 200 feet up ridge separating two gulches. There are Menehune walls and salt vats from the reign of Kamehameha V in the area.

MOANUI SUGAR MILL-ruins of an old sugar mill which operated from 1870 to 1900 can still be seen on the road to Halawa Valley.

MOAULA FALLS-legend has it that the pool at the bottom of these falls is safe for swimming only if a ti leaf floats when thrown on the water.

O NE ALII PARK-country beach park equipped with restroom facilities, outdoor shower, grills and picnic tables. One of the only two parks on Molokai where camping is permitted.

PAKUI HEIAU-a former human sacrifice heiau (temple) destroyed in Kamehameha l era. Eerie legends are told about the area.

PALAAU PARK-a stae park overlooking Kalaupapa Peninsula, Palaau has well equipped picnic grounds and winding trails. Here, too, are phallic rocks.

PUKUHIWA BATTLEGROUND-canoes lined the shoreline for four miles during a major battle in Kamehameha l's campaign to unite all the islands under one rule. Piles of sling stones from the battle can still be found in this area.

PUU NANA-1,381 feet, ona clear day the capital island Oahu can be seen across Kaiwi Channel, besides spectacular sunsets.

SMITH & BRONTE LANDING-a plaque marks the spot where two pioneer aviators on the first commercial trans-atlantic flight made an emergency landing in 1927.