There are three preserves on Molokai that are owned and cared for by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Two of them–-Mo’omomi and Kamakou--are open to the public, and The Nature Conservancy offers guided hikes to them once per month, usually on a Saturday. Call (808)553-5236 or email hike_molokai@tnc.org for information on guided hikes.
Kamakou Preserve
Kamakou is a 2774-acre preserve in central Molokai on the side of Kamakou Peak, Molokai’s highest at 4961 feet. Kamakou is full of native Hawaiian plants. About 250 different species of plants are found here, 219 of which can be found nowhere else. The preserve starts at Waikolu Lookout (an awesome view of Waikolu Valley, 3600 feet) on the state forest and goes to Pepeopae Bog, where there is a one-mile boardwalk trail. I visited Kamakou Preserve but I did not see the boardwalk trail. It is supposed to be spectacular, going through some amazing forest.
I had tried to reserve myself a spot on a guided hike to the Kamakou Preserve (including the boardwalk trail), and was sad to find the trip was full and I was 5th on the waiting list. Fortunately I was able to convince (it wasn’t too hard) a woman named Stephanie to let me spend a day volunteering with them to do some field work while I was on Molokai. I don’t know their policy on volunteers, but my guess is that it would depend on what they are working on, when you are coming, and what you are willing to do. Just call up and ask!
Anyway, I worked a long day (7:30am-5pm) using a hand-saw to cut down small pine trees (a non-native plant) that are invading an area that is completely native vegetation. I especially loved the ohi'a, with it’s beautiful flowers of many colors, and the pukeawe, a plant traditionally used to make leis. It was hard work, and it was super hot and sunny out, but I had a great time! I wouldn’t have been able to visit Kamakou Preserve otherwise because a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed to reach it.
Mo’omomi Preserve
Mo’omomi Preserve is 921 acres on the northwest coast of Molokai. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to go to Mo’omomi, but I was able to make it in my rental car (most rental companies will not allow you to try…. I didn’t ask...). Anyway, the preserve is made up of two scenic bays and an area of sand dunes. The area doesn’t seem terribly significant, until you find out that it has 22 native plants, 4 of which are rare or endangered. One plant, the Tetramolopium Rockii, is found only on Molokai. There is also a protected bird population, fertile fishing ground, a breeding ground for green sea turtles, and significant archeologic and paleontological finds. Because the area is so sensitive, make sure to stay on the beach or on trails only.