Our first stop is the Saint Joseph Church and statue, founded in 1876 by Father Damien. Nearby, we visit the Our Lady of Sorrows church, established in 1874. Father Damien devoted his life to caring for the leprosy patients on Molokai, until he ultimately succumbed to the disease himself. For good measure, we also stop by the United Church of Christ, dating back to 1855.

These fish ponds can be found all along the south coast of Molokai. They likely date back to the Polynesian settlers of the 13th century. The coastal drive takes you through stunning landscapes and to amazing viewpoints. Along the way, you pass Mokuhooniki, a rocky islet off Molokai that served as a bombing target during World War II.

Further along, the road narrows to a single lane and gets a bit rougher. We pass Kumini Beach, then the road winds up to the Halawa Valley Lookout. From here, you get a spectacular view of the only valley on Molokai's north coast that is accessible by car.

The road then winds steeply down into Halawa Valley. Starting from the small chapel near the coast, the Molokai Fish and Dive Company offers 5-hour hikes to the 250-foot Hipuapua Falls. The tour is said to be ideal for anyone interested in Hawaiian culture, as the guide himself grows taro in the valley, is a great storyteller, and is deeply rooted in Hawaiian traditions. Unfortunately, we don't have enough time, so we spend a while at the coast, watching the surfers and taking in the powerful waves at Halawa Bay.

A quick swim break at the peaceful beach park to relax. We'll be back the next day.

Finally, we head to Kaunakakai to pick up a few things and grab dinner.

Continue reading our Hawaii travel report: Swimming at Kaunakakai and onward to Honolulu.