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Are you looking for something different from the usual Hawaii? Are you in despair to really get away from the crowded or craving for adventures?

Then a smaller island of Hawaii such as Lanai, Molokai or Ni'ihau is the answer!

These islands are the ideal isles for those who are trying to get away from all that is. There are no buildings that are higher than the palm tree, no mall, no elevators, no neon and no burger wars! There are so little automobile traffic, you would not even find a traffic sign! A perfect place if you're looking for the real Hawaii, the breathtaking natural beauty, the rain forests and deserted beaches.

So, what can you do in these tiny islands?

Molokai

Often called The Friendly island'. You could go to watch sunset in Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove/Kiowea Park and ride a Mule to Kalaupapa and have a picnic lunch or relaxing all day in the Outpost Natural Foods or Sundown Deli in Kaunakakai.

Molokai also has generally empty beaches especially on weekdays! Moreover, some of the beaches such as Murphy Beach Park (Kumimi Beach Park) and Sandy Beach on the East End, and Kapukahehu (Dixie Maru) Beach on the West End are just an excellent place for snorkeling.

For those who love adventures, Halawa Valley, Pepeopae Trail and the Kamakou Preserve are just perfect for hiking. You can also go kayaking along the shallow water of the East End, and cycling on the off-road bicycle trails on Molokai Ranch. And for your convenience, Molokai Outdoors Activities could prepare everything you need for these activities.

Lanai

This one-of-the-smallest islands in Hawaii is also very enchanting. It has two exclusive resorts, hundreds of years of history, and a small town where you can meet the friendliest people you will ever seen.

Things that you can do here are just as interesting from swimming to four-wheel driving and whale watching. Some that you must put on the must-do list are exploring the island on the four-wheel vehicle drive; some places to visit are Shipwreck Beach, Keomoku Village, Munro Trail (you can also hike here if you would like to have more adventure) and the historic ruins of the old Kaunolu Village.

Also, don't forget to snorkeling at Marine preserve on Hulopoe Bay. The fish there are so friendly that you will have to shoo them away!

For those who love horse, a tour through the Stables at Koele is a must! You can also go whalewatching, scuba diving and kayaking in this island. And don't forget to bicycle your way to Lanai City. There are some remarkable boutique shops that you will never found somewhere else.

Ni'ihau

The smallest inhabited Hawaiian Islands and often called the 'Forbidden Island'. It is a home for about 250 residents and more than 30 monk seals. There is no airport, no paved roads and no island-wide electricity in this isle.

Unlike the two previous islands, Ni'ihau is a private island and not open to visitors. However, you can take a helicopter tour of the forbidden island from Port Allen and go scuba diving or snorkeling around the isle with tours leaving from Port Allen.

Bottom line, if you're not looking for glitz and glamor, whether you want to slouch and sleep all day or try new challenges, these islands are for you! The only drawback is that there are no direct flights from the mainland, so you will have to go to Honolulu and then take a commuter plane to the destined island (especially for Molokai and Lanai). But believe me, it will be one of the best experience you ever had, so, what you're waiting for?

Learn more about this author, Eva Jio.
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