Wow. a journey of a lifetime. I was terrified all the way down and back but I would do it again in a heartbeat. We had one of the worst storms in ages while we were down at the pennisula (so I found out later). It poured on the way back and we came back up a slippery trail. The mules were great and the crew that saved my sanity were just the best. If you ever get to Molokai and want a true adventure this is for you. We went down the middle of January of this year. The tour at the bottom was great to.

My wife, son and I went on the mule ride Feb 04. There were initial difficulties getting the ride booked and flights arranged from Oahu (Honolulu), but persistence paid off. The view from the mule when you first see over the top of the cliff out to sea and the penninsula below comes a very close second to seeing the Grand Canyon. The journey down involves a great deal of trust in the mule, an ability to cling on, and for city dwellers unused to riding like me, a new meaning to the phrase saddle sore. That said, it is also exhillarting and some of the views are priceless. The return journey is far more comfortable and somewhat quicker. Once down we were met by the local guide, a wonderful warm and fascinating character ( and local sherrif) full of information and humour. The settlement is as close to a geographical paradise as you could wish to see. The tour in an ancient American school bus is a delightful experience once you get used to the fact that most of the time you will not travel more that 100 yards before stopping again (often for the driver/courier/sherrif to feed the pennisulas cats). The tour is centred around the work of Father Damien and others in the leper (Hansens Disease) colony. This was our primary reason for visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Absolutely charming and unforgettable.
The nearest thing to a gift shop was a small store selling cold drinks and ice creams. A haven of peace and beauty that you feel priveleged to have visited. Go while you can. The Hansens residents are all well over 60 and when they have gone it will almost certainly become an exclusive resort and golf course. People already are planning such things!

It was about 1980 when my husband and I took the Mule Ride down the cliff to the leper colony. It was a narrow switchback trail all the way down, no wider than the mule. My one leg would brush the wall of the cliff while the other leg dangled over the cliff, with the ocean waves thundering far below us. I put my full trust in that strong, beautiful mule and let my heart take flight. I never felt such delight before.
Down in the village we were treated to lunch, tours and visits with the villagers who were so open and dear. The visit ended too soon. We rode the mules back up the cliff trail, waving our farewells to our new friends. I am now 68 years old and this one event still remains at the top of my list of wonders. If I ever return I will do it again! I have told everyone that my favorite island is Molokai. Aloha.