The Unforgettable Moloka Nui Ahina Summers on the Lonely Isle

Are you tired of crowded beaches, tourist-filled attractions, and bustling city life? Then it's time to embark on an adventure to Moloka Nui Ahina, the hidden gem of the Hawaiian Islands. Known for its serene beauty and untouched nature, this island offers a truly unique summer experience like no other.

Imagine yourself lounging on pristine white-sand beaches, with turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see. Moloka Nui Ahina boasts some of the world's most breathtaking coastlines, completely untouched by commercialization. You'll feel as if you've stepped into a postcard, surrounded by nature's untouched beauty.

MOLOKA'I NUI AHINA, Summers on the Lonely Isle

by Casey Watson (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3073 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	311 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The island is the perfect destination for both adventurers and those seeking relaxation. Its lush rainforests offer endless hiking trails, where you can discover hidden waterfalls, vibrant flora, and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Explore the diverse landscapes of the Kamakou Preserve, or hike to the top of the majestic cliffs of Kalaupapa National Historical Park, offering panoramic views that will leave you speechless.

For water lovers, the opportunities are limitless. Dive into the crystal-clear lagoons and snorkel alongside colorful coral reefs, teeming with tropical fish. Surf the world-class waves found on the island's northern shores, or paddle your way through the calm waters of Halawa Bay. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the abundant fishing grounds, hoping to catch a prized mahi-mahi or marlin.

As the sun sets, be prepared to witness the most spectacular view of your life. Moloka Nui Ahina is known for its breathtaking sunsets, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. The tranquil atmosphere of the island allows you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, away from the distractions of modern life.

Exploring the Rich Cultural Heritage

While Moloka Nui Ahina may be a secluded paradise, it is also home to a rich cultural heritage. The island's indigenous community, made up of native Hawaiians, has preserved their traditions for generations. Immerse yourself in their customs and traditions by participating in a hula dance workshop or learning how to make traditional Hawaiian crafts.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Kalaupapa Peninsula, a historic site that served as a leprosy settlement in the 19th century. Today, it stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of those affected by the disease, offering a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of Hawaiian history.

Indulge in Local Delicacies

No visit to Moloka Nui Ahina is complete without savoring its delectable cuisine. Indulge in the island's unique culinary traditions, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients take center stage. From succulent seafood to mouthwatering tropical fruits, every bite is a celebration of the island's rich flavors.

Make sure to try the traditional dish of poke, made with fresh marinated fish and served with rice or salad. Sample the melt-in-your-mouth kalua pig, slow-cooked in an underground imu oven for hours. And don't forget to treat yourself to a refreshing shave ice, the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

A Slice of Paradise Awaits

Moloka Nui Ahina summers on the Lonely Isle offer an escape to a world untouched by time. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant local culture, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly unique summer experience. So pack your bags, leave the crowds behind, and embark on an unforgettable journey to this enchanting Hawaiian paradise.

MOLOKA'I NUI AHINA, Summers on the Lonely Isle

by Casey Watson (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3073 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	311 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The rough and tumble east end of Molokai island is the setting for this coming-of-age novel. Cast as a first-person childhood memoir, MOLOKA'I NUI AHINA successfully continues the story of Jeff and Ben Gill, introduced in Wright's first coming-of-age novel, PUNAHOU BLUES (2005). MOLOKA'I NUI AHINA, narrated by young Jeff (aka "Peanut"), describes the long summers the two brothers spend in family exile, year after year, on Molokai with their grandmother, the formidable Grandma Daniels.

Molokai, "The Friendly Isle," transmogrifies into "The Lonely Isle" of the story's title and then later, in the grandmother's words, into "The Godforsaken Isle." The old lady lives in a remote shack, its inaccessibility one of the reasons Ben and Jeff are sent their each summer.

Yet this almost depopulated landscape gradually fills with the richest cast of characters any reader could want. They include the caustic grandma herself, her ex-husband Chipper (who lives nearby slowly pickling himself with alcohol), the violent Duva family, teenage girls who never quite like the boys well enough to fulfill their adolescent hopes, and a variety of horses, deer, waterfalls and mountains drawn from firsthand knowledge of rural Molokai.

Grandma Daniels dominates the story. She is funny, opinionated, eccentric, sexy, vain, violent and even cruel. The two boys wriggle like worms on the hook of her sharp tongue, desperate to evade her discipline and have some fun as the endless summers drag along. Their clandestine adventures become more serious as vacation succeeds vacation, until gun-toting violence is the air. No one is actually killed, but there are successive moments of anxiety and suspense. In one terrible scene a hunted deer is driven into the sea and mercilessly slaughtered.

Moral metaphors are often fresh and unexpected. Hunting, the growth of vegetation, even the island's isolation become occasions for reflection. Keeping pace, Peanut evolves from episode to episode, marking his growing awareness of life's complexities with a series of insights into the baffling grown-up universe.

"For the first time I realized adults could back themselves into corners so remote that love or its memory could no longer reach them," he reflects. But by the end he has come to this truth: "That's when I realized love is a tough, ever hopeful thing, not easily destroyed."

The two brothers leave the story forever marked, for worse or better, by what by the end has become again the Friendly Isle.

—Michael Egan
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Sept. 9, 2007