Molokai - Hawaii with Kids - page 314

expensive lodge. For camping on Molokai, you have two options: the upscale
tentalows offered by Molokai Ranch Beach Village or, for hardy souls, camping
with your own tent at the beach or in the cool upland forest. (See “Camping,”
later in this chapter.) I've listed my top picks below; for additional options, con-
tact Molokai Visitors Association ( & 800/800-6367 from the U.S. mainland
and Canada, or 808/553-3876; www.molokai-hawaii.com).
Note: Taxes of 11.42% will be added to your hotel bill. Parking is free.
KAUNAKAKAI
Hotel Molokai This nostalgic Hawaiian motel complex is a series of mod-
ified A-frame units nestled under coco palms along a gray-sand beach with a
great view of Lanai. The rooms are basic (be sure to ask for one with a ceiling
fan), with a lanai. The mattresses are on the soft side, the sheets thin, and the
bath towels rough, but you're on Molokai—and this is the only hotel in Kau-
nakakai. The kitchenettes, with coffeemaker, toaster, pots, and two-burner stove,
can save you money on eating out. Travel Advantage Network recently pur-
chased this property and immediately spent $270,000 upgrading the rooms
with new phones, televisions, decorations, and roof coverings. T.A.N.'s CEO,
Brad Callahan, said they will be marketing to “blue-collar” Americans who want
to “maximize their vacation dollars.” He said he plans to make this property
friendly to the budget crowd, so rack rates may change.
Kamehameha V Hwy. (P.O. Box 1020), Kaunakakai, HI 96748. & 808/553-5347. Fax [phone]. www.
hotelmolokai.com. 45 units. $90-$150 double. Children 17 and under stay free in parent's room. Cribs and
rollaway beds $17. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Fairly good, reasonably priced restaurant w/bar; outdoor
pool; watersports equipment rental; bike rental; activities desk; babysitting; coin-op laundry. In room:A/C, TV,
dataport, kitchenette in some units, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Molokai Shores Suites These condos are perfect for families—the units are
basic but spacious, with kitchens and large lanais. The quiet complex of three-
story Polynesian-style buildings faces a small gold-sand beach and is less than a
mile from Kaunakakai. Alas, the beach is mostly for show (offshore, it's shallow
mud flats underfoot), but your kids can jump in the swimming pool, and the
barbecue area comes with an ocean view. The central location can be a plus,
minimizing driving time from the airport or town, and it's convenient to the
mule ride, as well as the lush East End countryside. There's no daily maid serv-
ice. Check the website for Internet-only discounts.
Kamehameha V Hwy. (P.O. Box 1037), Kaunakakai, HI 96748. & 800/535-0085 or 808/553-5954. Fax 808/
553-5954. www.marcresorts.com. 102 units. $169 1-bedroom apt (sleeps up to 4); $250 2-bedroom apt (up
to 6). Children 17 and under stay free in parent's room. Cribs and rollaway beds $17. Discounted rates for
weekly and extended stays, plus corporate, military, and senior discounts. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Putting
green; salon; coin-op laundry. In room:TV, kitchen, fridge, coffeemaker, iron.
THE WEST END
Ke Nani Kai Resort The large apartments are set up for families to spread
out, with real kitchens, washer/dryers, VCRs, attractive furnishings, and breezy
lanais. There's a huge pool, a volleyball court, tennis courts, and golf on the
neighboring Kaluakoi course. These condos are farther from the sea than other
local accommodations but are still just a brief walk from the beach. The two-
story buildings are surrounded by parking and garden areas. The only downside:
Maid service is every third day.
In the Kaluakoi Resort development, Kaluakoi Rd., off Hwy. 460 (P.O. Box 289), Maunaloa, HI 96770. & 800/
535-0085 or 808/552-2761. Fax [phone]. www.marcresorts.com. 100 units. $179-$189 1-bedroom apt
(sleeps up to 4); $199-$219 2-bedroom apt (up to 6). Children 17 and under stay free in parent's room. Cribs