Moloka'i - Hawaii - page 824

production began in Hoʻolehua in 1920. Within 10 years Molokaʻi's population tripled,
as immigrants arrived to toil in the fields.
During the 1970s, overseas competition brought an end to the pineapple's reign on
Molokaʻi. Dole closed its operation in 1976; the other island giant, Del Monte, later fol-
lowed suit. These closures brought hard times and the highest unemployment levels in
the state. Cattle raising, long a mainstay industry, was the next to collapse. This was due
to a controversial state decision in 1985, pursuant to which every head of cattle on Mo-
lokaʻi was destroyed after an incidence of bovine tuberculosis. The majority of the 240
smaller cattle owners then called it quits. The Molokaʻi Ranch still owns some 64,000
acres - about 40% of the island - and more than half of the island's privately held lands.
What will happen with these fallow holdings is the question of the young century.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Maunaloa
POP 200
In the 1990s the Molokaʻi Ranch bulldozed the atmospheric old plantation town of
Maunaloa, leveling all but a few buildings. New buildings mimicking old, plantation-
style homes were erected. This drove up rents and forced out some small businesses, pro-
voking the ire of island residents.
Ironically, the new development is now all but closed; the hotel, luxury beach camp-
site, cinema and even the local outlet of Kentucky Fried Chicken are all shuttered.
Attractions are few, unless you're an urban planner doing research. The Maunaloa
General Store MAP ( 8am-6pm Mon-Sat) is the last retail holdout, and provides the
village basics. It has a limited selection of pricey groceries and alcohol, but does much to
keep community spirit going. However, there is one excellent reason to visit the quiet
streets, one that will literally blow you away…
Big Wind Kite Factory & Plantation Gallery GALLERY
MAP
( 552-2364; www.bigwindkites.com ; 120 Maunaloa Hwy; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm
Sun) Big Wind custom-makes kites for high fliers of all ages. It has hundreds ready to go
in stock or you can choose a design and watch production begin. Lessons are available,
lest you have a Charlie Brown experience with a kite-eating tree.