Active Pursuits

Golf

Golf is one of Molokai's best-kept secrets: It's challenging and fun, tee times are open, and the rates are lower than your score will be. After being closed for a number of years for extensive renovations (repairs to irrigation, new grass planted, redesigned bunkers, and narrower fairways), the Kaluakoi Golf Course (tel. 808/552-0255) is open again. Most of the work was cosmetic, and the Ted Robinson-designed course is still as challenging as ever. Using the natural terrain and narrow fairways, there are some tough bunkers and water hazards to maneuver around, plus a stiff wind to contend with. The first 9 holes are at sea level with panoramic views over isolated white-sand Papohaku Beach, with the island of Oahu in the distance. The back 9 holes play up along lush green hillsides, over a tropical gulch, and back down to the shore. Kaluakoi offers a golf range, practice area, and three sets of tees to accommodate all levels of golfers. Greens fees are $75 with cart.

Ironwood Hills Golf Course, off Kalae Highway (tel. 808/567-6000), is located just before the Molokai Mule Ride Mule Barn, on the road to the Lookout. Built in 1929 by Del Monte Plantation for its executives, it's one of the oldest courses in the state. This unusual course, which sits in the cool air at 1,200 feet, delights with its rich foliage, open fairways, and spectacular views of the rest of the island. Tip: After teeing off on the 6th hole, just take whatever clubs you need to finish playing the hole and a driver for the 7th hole, and park your bag under a tree. The climb to the 7th hole is steep -- you'll be glad that you're only carrying a few clubs. Greens fees are $18 for 9 holes or $24 for 18 holes. Club rentals are $7 for 9 holes and $12 for 18.

Bicycling

Molokai is a great place to see by bicycle. The roads are not very busy and there are great places to pull off the road and take a quick dip.

Molokai Outdoors Activities, in the lobby of Hotel Molokai, just outside Kaunakakai (tel. 877/553-4477 or 808/553-4477; www.molokai-outdoors.com), offers bike rentals for $13 an hour, $26 a day, or $113 a week, including a complimentary bicycle rack for your car.

The best mountain biking in the state is on the trails of The Lodge at Molokai Ranch (booked through Molokai Fish & Dive; tel. 808/553-5926; www.molokaifishanddive.com). Imagine 65,000 acres with intercrossing trails that weave up and down the West End to the beach -- simply spectacular. Guided tours for a downhill "gravity ride" start at $59, and bike rentals start at $39 a day.

Horseback Riding

One of the most scenic places to go riding on Molokai is Pu'u O Hoku Ranch (tel. 808/558-8109; www.puuohoku.com), about 25 miles outside Kaunakakai on the East End. Guided trail rides pass through green pasture on one of the largest working ranches on Molokai, then head up into the high mountain forest. Don't forget your camera: There are plenty of scenic views of waterfalls, the Pacific Ocean, and the islands of Maui and Lanai in the distance. Rates are $55 for an hour-long ride, $75 for a 2-hour ride, and $120 for a beach adventure.

For those looking for a little more than just a horseback ride, The Lodge at Molokai Ranch (booked through Molokai Fish & Dive; tel. 808/553-5926; www.molokaifishanddive.com) offers a "Paniolo Roundup," where you can learn horsemanship from the ranch's working cowboys and compete in traditional rodeo games; the half-day adventure is $85. Two-hour trail rides also are $85.

Tennis

The only two tennis courts on Molokai are located at the Mitchell Pauole Center, in Kaunakakai (tel. 808/553-5141). Both are lit for night play and are available free on a first-come, first-served basis, with a 45-minute time limit if someone is waiting. You can also rent tennis rackets ($5 a day, $24 a week) and balls ($3 a day, $12 a week) from Molokai Outdoors Activities (tel. 877/553-4477 or 808/553-4477; www.molokai-outdoors.com).