Moloka’i

Escape to Moloka’i, an island of Hawaii, and an area that boasts of a natural setting mostly untainted by traffic lights and skyscrapers. The fifth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Molaka’i is known as “the friendly island” thanks to a combination of a slow pace of life and a history of nature preservation.

The island’s largest town, Kaunakakai, is home to the most shopping options, which consist of small, local merchants. The rural environment means renting a car is wise, as many attractions do not lie within walking distance of one another. Stay at an intimate bed and breakfast, rent a bungalow or pitch a tent on one of the county beaches.

Ride a mule down steep sea cliffs to the Kalaupapa National Historic Park; take a tour (and taste!) of a macadamia nut farm; hike across West Moloka’i and learn about the history of the hula as well as the island’s gods from a local guide. Athletic types might have trouble deciding between deep-sea fishing, sport fishing, beachside biking and sailing.