Molokai
Molokai (/ˌmoʊloʊˈkaɪ/[2]) (Hawaiian: Molokaʻi pronounced [ˈmoloˈkɐi, ˈmoloˈkɐʔi][3]) is the fifth most populated of the eight major islands that make up the Hawaiian Islands archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is 38 by 10 miles (61 by 16 km) at its greatest length and width with a usable land area of 260 sq mi (673.40 km2), making it the fifth-largest in size of the main Hawaiian Islands and the 27th largest island in the United States.[4] It lies southeast of Oʻahu across the 25 mi (40 km) wide Kaʻiwi Channel and north of Lānaʻi, separated from it by the Kalohi Channel.
For the 1999 film, see Molokai: The Story of Father Damien.
Nickname: The Friendly Isle, ʻĀina Momona
260 sq mi (670 km2)
5th largest Hawaiian Island
4,961 ft (1512.1 m)
ʻŌmaʻomaʻo (green)
Molokaian
7,345[1]
28/sq mi (10.8/km2)
The island's agrarian economy has been driven primarily by cattle ranching, pineapple production, sugarcane production and small-scale farming. Tourism comprises a small fraction of the island's economy, and much of the infrastructure related to tourism was closed and barricaded in the early 2000s when the primary landowner, Molokai Ranch, ceased operations due to substantial revenue losses. In Kalawao County, on the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north coast, settlements were established in 1866 for quarantined treatment of persons with leprosy; these operated until 1969. The Kalaupapa National Historical Park now preserves this entire county and area. Several other islands are visible from the shores of Molokai, including Oahu from the west shores; Lanai from the south shores, and Maui from the south and east shores.
Name[edit]
The island is known under several names by the local population: Molokaʻi ʻĀina Momona (land of abundance), Molokaʻi Pule Oʻo (powerful prayer), and Molokaʻi Nui A Hina (of the goddess Hina).
Both the form Molokai (without an ʻokina) and Molokaʻi (with) have long been used by native speakers of Hawaiian, and there is debate as to which is the original form, with conflicting claims as to which the elders used.[5] The USGS uses the form with the ʻokina.[6]
Infrastructure[edit]
Health care[edit]
The island of Molokai is served by Molokaʻi General Hospital, which operates all day, every day. It is also serviced by Molokai Community Health Center, Molokai Family Health Center, and Daniel McGuire, MD.
Education[edit]
The island public school system includes four elementary schools, one charter school, one middle school, and one high school. There is also a community college.[47] The island has one private middle/high school.[48]
Transportation[edit]
Highways[edit]
The island can be traversed by a two-lane highway running east to west (highways 450 and 460). Highway 470 is a spur up to the barrier mountains of Kalawao County and the Kalaupapa peninsula. By land this area (Kalaupapa) can only be reached by a hiking trail. Mule rides on the trail were suspended in 2018 when the trail temporarily closed due to a landslide and bridge damage. Most access to the Kalaupapa peninsula is by sea.
