Molokai Ranch also goes out of business

[DeniseM]

This was easy to overlook with the concern over Aloha Air going out of business, but Molokai Ranch, the largest employer on the island of Molokai, and owner of about 1/3 of the island, also closed it's doors this week - Molokai Ranch

The Molokai Ranch, which is owned by Japanese investors, includes the only upscale accommodations and dining on the island - Molokai Ranch Lodge, as well as the island's major golf course, luxury tent-a-low accommodations on the beach, a large cattle operation, and the company owned Paniolo Town of Maunaloa.

Molokai has fiercely resisted development and when the locals put a stop to construction of luxury homes on Molokai Ranch property, the investors decided to pull out. Sad

 

[BocaBum99]

I was on Molokai for Thanksgiving and I was wondering what all the signs were against Laau Point. It was everywhere.

The one sign that disturbed me the most was, "No blood, no land." As if those who live there have a birth right to the entire island.\

I guess the locals won out. They got exactly what they wanted. No new development and a ton of lost jobs. I guess they'll just have to move to Maui.

 

[Luanne]

That's sad to hear. When we were on Molokai a couple of years ago we ended up eating at Molokai Ranch quite a bit. That really leaves NOTHING up at that end of the island.

 

[nanc65093]

Wasn't Molokai Ranch originally a Starwood property?

 

[moonlightgraham]

Ke Nani Kai

As an owner for 10+ years at Ke Nani Kai on western Molokai it certainly doesn't bode well for that property either. It adjoins the Kaluakoi golf course and resort and with that closing again, after only partially reopening a few years ago, there will be even less to do on the island. It seems that after a 100+ planning meetings,etc., the company showed good faith and attempted to address community concerns but they appeared adament that no new permanent housing development occur on the island.

Although it's called the friendly isle, I will say in my personal experience it is the only Hawaiian island where my presence on occasion was clearly not welcomed by the locals. Looks like they'll have the whole place to themselves soon enough.

 

[DeniseM]

Wasn't Molokai Ranch originally a Starwood property?

Yes, it was once managed by Sheraton - but not owned.

 

[DeniseM]

I thought the Molokai locals were as friendly as can be, and in fact they went out of their way to talk to us, but they were also adamant about keeping Molokai undeveloped. I think that's their decision to make, but I think it is going to be difficult to support an economy with no major businesses.

Molokai Ranch will be the second major resort to close down on Molokai. The remaining "hotels," are mom and pop businesses.

 

[BocaBum99]

I thought the Molokai locals were as friendly as can be, and in fact they went out of their way to talk to us, but they were also adamant about keeping Molokai undeveloped. I think that's their decision to make, but I think it is going to be difficult to support an economy with no major businesses.

Molokai Ranch will be the second major resort to close down on Molokai. The remaining "hotels," are mom and pop businesses.

I found Molokai to be by far the least friendly island of Hawaii. It was probably due to the signs and tone it set. I loved Molokai. I'll probably pick up some land when the place goes bankrupt.

 

[DeniseM]

I loved Molokai. I'll probably pick up some land when the place goes bankrupt.

Hmmm....interesting idea.... I bet it's hard to get a building permit there.