Kaunakakai, Maui County, Hawaii
For years, the islands of Hawaii are regarded by many people as heaven on earth. With its picture-perfect seascapes, mind-blowing countryside vistas, breathtaking rainforests, resplendent volcanoes, exotic flora, and cordial people, Hawaii has easily become a favorite holiday destination for tourists who like nothing but to relax in its tranquil and vibrant atmosphere. Needless to say, this string of islands cradled by the immense blue of the Pacific Ocean is simply paradise.
The modest town of Kaunakakai represents Hawaii in every level -- the vibe it exudes is nothing short of welcoming and blissful. The name Kaunakakai means "beach landing", and true to the town's name, it is juxtaposed with the Pacific Ocean waters. Seated at the harbor of Hawaii's "Friendly Isle", Molokai, Kaunakakai has a lengthy wharf that provides refuge for countless boats and other sea vessels.
Kaunakakai has an overall land area of 3.1 square miles or 8.1 square kilometers. Although 34.94% (or 2.8 square kilometers) of it is water, Kaunakakai is clearly Molokai's biggest town. As of year 2000's census, there are 2,726 residents in the town wherein 32.2% of it are below 18 years old. Kaunakakai, like every other place in Hawaii, has a culturally sundry population. A large number of Asians live in the area, the biggest percentage being Filipinos. Caucasians also make up a portion of the town's population, while the number of Native Hawaiians remain the largest in Kaunakakai. When compared to other places in the entire country of United States, Kaunakakai has a cost of living percentage of 47%.
Kaunakakai's History
The island of Molokai and the town of Kaunakakai has a fascinating geological record. The fifth major island, Molokai, was created by two volcanoes that arose from the midst of Pacific Ocean some thousands of years ago. Right in the middle of this volcano-made island, is the town of Kaunakakai.
It was said that the first settlers of the town and the island arrived around 650 AD. These first Kaunakakai residents came from Marquesas, while later immigrants came from Tahiti and other South Pacific islands by canoes. Kaunakakai’'s first contact with Westerners did not come until Captain George Dixon arrived on the Molokai shores in 1786.
Like most of the Hawaiian towns, Kaunakakai has an interesting and colorful history that is tied with the sugar industry era. Even before the Western colonizers arrived in the Hawaii islands, sugar canes were already growing in abundance. It was the early settlers who first brought this agricultural plant to the islands. But it was during the early 19th century that the sugar industry took off in Kaunakakai.
Surveyor Rudolph Meyer was among those who started the sugar industry in Kaunakakai. Meyer, a German immigrant, married Kalama, the island'’s high chieftess. Marrying the high chieftess proved to be fruitful as Meyer managed a piece of land that is now called the Molokai Ranch. It was in the late 19th century that Meyer established the Meyer Sugar Mill. Meyer'’s mill uses steam engine and mule power to process the sugar. The Meyer Sugar Mill is one of the most successful sugar mills in the island at its time. Today, this mill is restored to its working condition and serves as a historical site for Kaunakakai as well as the island of Molokai.
Kaunakakai's Attractions
Because it is at the heart of the "Most Hawaiian Island", Kaunakakai is all Hawaii and a little bit more. The town is not exactly as bustling as other Hawaiian towns, but that's the real beauty of it. Anyone who simply wants to get away from it all may find Kaunakakai a perfect place. A tranquil and unassuming town, Kaunakakai is an idyllic spot for a peaceful reprieve. This rural town has simplicity strewn all over it. There are no towering skycrapers, flyovers, blinding neon lights, maddening traffic, and overcrowded streets in this lost-in-time town.
Although it does not have vast highways and rising buildings, Kaunakakai is far from being an unexciting and dreary town. There are quaint shops in downtown Kaunakakai where visitors can do their shopping. These small business establishments are run by families living in the town, so visitors can be sure that they would be greeted with warm aloha. There'’s also a golf course near the town where enthusiasts of the sport can polish their skills. Of course, being near the ocean’'s proximity, Kaunakakai offers many water activities like sailing, surfing, snorkeling, boating, diving, and water-skiing.
The town is also the hub of Hawaiian history and culture. For people, who want to throw themselves in the best samples of Molokai art, you should visit the Kamakana Art Gallery. The gallery boasts a wide collection of Molokai paintings, hand-made jewelry, woodcarvings, and sculptures. Those who are interested with a slice of history should drop by the R. W. Meyer Sugar Mill and Museum where they exhibit photographs depicting the life of a sugar plantation worker during the 19th century.
Kaunakakai's Economy
For most towns and cities in Hawaii, tourism is a major part of their economy. Because hundreds of tourists visit the islands each year, many business establishments catering to the needs of these visitors were constructed. In recent years, there was a considerable increase in the numbers of hotels, bed and breakfast inns, resorts, golf courses, and other recreational and commercial centers. In turn, these establishments give jobs to the town residents. In Kaunakakai, the emergence of commercial businesses resulted in job growth. As of the year 2000, job growth in town has reached 3.61%, while unemployment rate has gone to 2.70%, slightly lower than the US average of 5%.
Before, residents of the town have relied on agriculture and fishery for their living. During the 19th century, most Kaunakakai locals are employed with sugar plantations and sugar mills. Nowadays, some 9.5% of the population’'s work force is still engaged in farming. Although sugar is not as booming a trade as before, farmers have found other agricultural alternatives in coffee and macadamia. Kaunakakai is home to many coffee farms and macadamia orchards. The Purdy’'s Macadamia Farm, for instance, has been around for 80 years already, producing some of the island’'s best macadamia nuts.
Aside from farming, many people have also found jobs in other trades. Personal care has the biggest percentage of employment at 27.8%. Management occupations make up 24.5% of the working population, the second largest. Those employed in sales and other related occupations rank third with 20%, while the remaining percentage is engaged in productions and construction.
Kaunakakai Statistics:
Population: 2,726Households: 867
Median resident age: 35.5 years
Median household income: $34,492
Median house value: $147,100
Land area: 2.0 square miles
Elevation: 5 feet
Latitude: 21°5'N
Longitude: 157°0'W
Zip code: 96748
County: Maui
