Holiday Area: Islands Off the Coast of Maui, Hawaii

Maui, one of the world’s most popular islands -- voted for the 20th consecutive time in 2013 as the best island in the world by Conde Nast Traveler -- is also the perfect jumping off place for the smallest and least visited of Hawaii’s main islands: Molokai and Lanai. Completing the trio of Maui “Nui,” or Maui County, both of these quietly impressive islands off Maui’s coast offer memorable sights and activities. Lanai’s biggest appeal is the confluence of nature and luxurious seclusion, while Molokai’s attraction is its extraordinary friendliness and sights.

“Slow Down. You’re on Molokai,” reads the airport sign. Rightly known as “The Friendly Isle” and the “Most Hawaiian Isle,” the 10-by-38-mile island may be small, but its big heart is matched by its big sea cliffs -- among the world’s tallest at over 3,400 feet -- and its big beaches.

The island’s main attraction features long-eared, sure-footed animals that carry intrepid visitors along a cliff-hugging trail of switchbacks that increase in elevation to 1,700 feet above the sea and then into the valley home of Kalaupapa National Historic Park. From the trail, catch glimpses of what may be the world’s largest sea cliffs -- castlelike towers of green that rise more than 3,400 feet on Molokai’s north shores. Down at sea level, take a boat or kayak tour along the bottom of nature’s high-rises, or head to one of Molokai’s sandy beaches. Fodor's notes Molokai is the best Hawaiian Island for finding a deserted beach. Papohaku, among Hawaii’s biggest and least busy beaches, offers 3 miles of golden sands strewn with shells and framed by the west side’s romantic sunsets. The clear waters off Molokai and Hawaii’s longest reef make snorkeling another must-do.

In keeping with Molokai’s laid-back, old-Hawaii feel -- many compare it to the 1950s and there’s not one single traffic light or resort -- the accommodations feature bed-and-breakfasts, beach houses, a smattering of condos and a vintage Polynesian style hotel called Hotel Molakai. Or stay at a working organic cattle ranch that adds adventure to the accommodations mix. At Pu'u O Hoku Ranch, kick off your boots in a Hawaiian ranch-style cottage circa the 1930s with views of the ocean and lush landscape. It’s a 2-mile drive down to the black sand beaches. Hike, swim, surf, ride horses, practice yoga and fuel your energy with the ranch’s healthy produce and free-range beef. Listen to the breeze in the trees and watch the stars blanketed overhead, sparkling in the pitch-dark night. Experience renewable energy solutions, conservation and environmental stewardship.

You can easily reach Molokai by ferry or plane. Take a roundtrip ferry out of Lahaina Harbor and spend a day or longer. The ferry service can arrange to have a rental car waiting for you at the end of your 90-minute voyage. They also arrange tours. Or take the short flight from Maui's Kahului Airport to Molokai Airport. You can also rent a car or 4-wheel drive on Molokai.

What Lanai lacks for in activities, it makes up for in luxurious, secluded settings and otherworldly scenery. One of the 18-by13-mile island’s most mesmerizing sites is underwater. Divers come to Lanai for the sole purpose of experiencing its
“cathedrals,” where sunlight filters through lava formations creating patterns of dancing light that is often compared to the light of Renaissance cathedrals' stained glass windows. And for the much easier to learn sport of snorkeling, Lanai provides some of the best beaches and snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Among the most notable is romantic, intimate Hulopoe Bay where golden sand meets the crystal blue water of a marine conservation district that is home to a myriad of turtles and colorful, tropical fish, and visited by spinner dolphins.

On land, visitors explore Lanai’s rugged mountain roads looking for longhorn sheep and axis deer, and viewing places such as Garden of the Gods, a surreal landscape of red dirt and ancient rock formations that is brought to life at sunset. Lanai, a mostly privately owned island, may produce more activities and tourism type sites in the near future under its new ownership -- Larry Ellison purchased 98 percent of the island in 2013 and plans to make it even more alluring than its natural beauty and resorts already do.

While Lanai offers accommodations for a range of budgets and preferences, it is best known for two resorts, both in the ranks of the world’s most highly rated and unique hideaways. The Lodge at Koele surrounded by Cook Island pines sprawls across Lanai’s green upcountry, reminding one of a country manor, as do its activities -- croquet, championship golf, horseback riding, sporting clay shooting and lawn bowling. Ocean and island views are enjoyed in rustic luxury. The ritzy Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay borders a marine preserve rife with colorful reef fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. Enjoy the tranquility and pampering of the Four Seasons Resort, along with its world-class, oceanview golf course.

As with Molokai, you can fly or ride a ferry to Lanai. Island Air flies its turboprop from Maui to Lanai, and the state’s oldest and largest airline, Hawaiian Airlines, also provides flights to Lanai from Maui. Expeditions ferry service takes about an hour to travel from Lahaina Harbor on Maui to Manele Harbor on Lanai. This service also offers package tours. And there’s a shuttle on Lanai that takes you from the airport or harbor to resort and golf courses. A rental car service in Lanai City provides cars and a variety of off-road vehicles.