things to do on molokai

In addition to its natural beauty and serene seascapes, Hawaii is also well known throughout the world for its rare and unique wildlife. One example is the exquisite Kolea – or Pacific Golden Plover.

The Kolea is a migratory bird typically found as far north as the arctic tundra of Asia and western Alaska down to our fair state of Hawaii, where it typically migrates during the late summer and early fall from their breeding grounds. Despite their relatively small size, they’re champion fliers, flying for long periods of time at upwards of 50–60 miles per hour! From their nests in Alaska to their fall vacation spots in Hawaii is a non-stop 3,000 mile flight.

Spotting the first few Kolea to make their way back to our islands has become a bit of a sport here in Hawaii. In fact, the Molokai Dispatch has announced the annual “Krazy for Kolea Kontest” is well underway!

The first few residents of Molokai to report a Kolea sighting in their area will win various prizes. The first confirmed sighting will win a Kolea Research T-shirt from the Hawaii Audubon Society. The next ten observations will received a gift certificate for a scoop of ice cream at Kamoi Snack ‘N Go. Additionally, any resident who reports seeing a banded Kolea will receive $20 (look for a green or yellow band over a silver metal band)!

Funnily enough, many Molokai residents have named their honored winter guests and note their arrival and departure dates on calendars. Kolea tend to return to the exact same locations year after year during their migration. Now, that’s quite a feat considering the distance and effort it takes for them to get there!

Sightings are collected by the Nene O Molokai organization and emailed to Dr. Peter Pyle, ornithologist, who compiles the information for the Bishop Museum’s database. For more information about the contest or to report a sighting, call Arleone at 553-5992 or email researchbirds@yahoo.com. Contest winners will be announced at the end of September.

Have you spotted a Kolea yet this season? Is your backyard a winter haven for this special creature? Tell us about it!

Hotel Molokai to host FREE film festival

This Saturday, June 12th, Hotel Molokai will be hosting the 2010 Moloka’i Ulitmate Diva Pageant. The pageant, started in 2009, gives transgender girls and women a chance to showcase their inner and outer beauty to the entire island of Molokai. Last years inaugural pageant had a huge turnout of over 250 people and we expect this year to be even greater!

The Molokai Ultimate Diva Pageant consists of 4 categories; Delicious Diva Wear, Swimwear, Talent and Evening wear which will also include a Q&A. During intermissions, the transgender burlesque group from Maui, “The Girly Show” will be on site performing.

Its sure to be great event! For tickets call (808)660-3404.

Amber and I just spent the weekend at Aqua Hotel Molokai and we had a great time! If you want to relax and unwind, Molokai is the place.

The Hotel: Aqua Hotel Molokai is located on Kamiloloa Beach. The pool, restaurant and bar are right next to the water and all the tables have beautiful ocean views. The food was great, the staff was friendly and it was just a perfect spot to sit and listen to the waves, watch the ocean and just relax.

The Entertainment: You would think that on such a small, secluded island there would be no entertainment but that’s not true. Hula Shores Restaurant & Bar at the Aqua Hotel Molokai offers nightly live entertainment and music from hula to disco. We had a great time at the weekly Aloha Friday Sunset Celebration just hanging out after an excellent oceanside dinner, having drinks and dancing and laughing with the locals.

The Flight: We flew Mokulele and had a small plane. Luckily we had smooth flights but you can really feel the turbulence on these smaller planes so sometimes the flight can be quite bumpy. Because you fly so low, however, you do get amazing views of the islands flying in and out so have your cameras ready!