Is it true that the island of Molokai in Hawaii is off-limits to tourists?

-- April Argereow (aargereow@ipass.net), January 14, 1999

Answers

Nope, although, there is a restricted place on Molokai and that is Kalaupapa. You need permission to visit this part of the island as this was once the leper colony of Father Damien.

It is Niihau and Kahoolawe that are restriced. Niihau is restricted because it is privately owned (the owners are cool since instead of making tons of money by building resorts, they are keeping the Hawaiian-Hawaiian life style). Kahoolawe is restricted because that is the island that the Navy once used for target practice and there are still live shells there (there are a few small safe zones). For both islands, you need permission to land and visit.

-- Roy Inouye (roy@bothi.com), January 14, 1999.