I grew up in Hawaii, but just now visited its 'Friendly Isle.' Here are 9 things that surprised me about my trip.

I had a wonderful time visiting Hawaii's Friendly Isle.

Ashley Probst

• Even as a Maui local, I was surprised by how familiar, yet new, Molokai felt.
• The island's slow pace and tight-knit community reshaped how I think about travel in Hawaii.
• Molokai's history, environmental realities, and quiet landscapes left a lasting impression.

Growing up on the west side of Maui, I could always see Molokai, but I never made the trek across the channel.

For years...