Hawaii Insider Part II | Molokai and Kauai

Travel Gluten Free

07/30/20 • 28 min

Travel Gluten Free Podcast

S04 Episode 23

Hawaii Insider Part II | Molokai and Kauai

This is the second of a three-part series where I chat with Tony Labbe of @labbetravel about the culture, things to do, and insider tips on six of the Hawaiian Islands. In part II this week, I’ll be talking to Tony about the beautiful islands of Molokai and Kauai, what’s unique about each of these islands, his favorite places to stay and recommendations on

Remember to be safe, wear a mask, wash your hands often, and definitely do not travel if you are in a high-risk group for COVID! See the link on Hawaii travel restrictions below for the latest information on Hawaii travel.

The Hawaiian Islands

Did you know there are a total of 132 islands in Hawaii? With eight main islands, Hawaii is the only state that is entirely surrounded by water and the only state that was formerly ruled by a monarchy and the only state that grows coffee.

The earliest settlers arrived in Hawaii around 800Ad, and Captain Cook was the first European voyager to discover Hawaii in 1778. Once Hawaii was incorporated into the United States, Lahaina, Maui was the first capital, which was then moved to the current capital of Honolulu on the big island.

Mauna Kea, on the Big Island, is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the seafloor, and Hawaii has many active volcanoes that are in the process of making this island chain larger every year. Besides being the tallest mountain, this is also the location of a ski resort and receives snow every winter!

My guest, Tony Labbe, suggests trying several different restaurants while visiting any Hawaiian Island as world-renowned chefs are cooking up exquisite meals at many of the culinary choices in Hawaii. For those of us who are gluten-free, this equates to having the ability to safely eat gourmet meals with a beautiful view of the ocean!

Cruise Hawaii

Tony suggests flying into Hawaii and starting at one of the islands for your Hawaiian cruise. When you begin your Hawaiian journey from the islands, you’ll forgo the long trip across the ocean and spend many of your cruise days at sea. Easily go island hopping and find new adventures on your journey!

Things to do in Molokai

“Molokai is usually not the first Hawaiian island people visit,” says Tony. Off the beaten path, rustic and rugged environment so much so that there are no stop signs or stoplights on the entire island! A much simpler lifestyle on this island, “When you get there, you just slow down.”

Even though Hawaii is known for its championship golf, there are no golf courses on Molokai. Unlike its other island counterparts, Molokai does not feature luxury resorts. Tony suggests going to this unique island to experience more Hawaiian cultural foods, such as Poi, the fresh fish such as Ahi, and other local dishes.

Visiting Kauai

The geologically oldest island, Kauai, has lush rainforests, with the North Shore receiving the most rainfall of this island. On the top of the list for places to visit is Waimea Canyon, dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Hawaii,” take a helicopter ride to the Nepali Coast, and, of course, hiking through the forest.

Take to the water for river or sea kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling. Find some of the most fantastic ziplining through the Kauai rainforest, or take an UnCruise aboard a ship with only 34 other passengers to experience the ultimate in luxury cruise travel!

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