Yes, I actually saw it! I hadn't seen it in years! In fact, while growing up I maybe saw it only 3-4 times. I'm talking about the Island of Molokai.
Molokai can be seen from the east coast of Oahu but only on very clear days. The distance between Oahu and the cliffs of Molokai is approximately 27 miles. I'm told that on really clear days you can see not only Molokai but Lanai as well. I love that. I've always known that I lived in a chain of islands, but you rarely see that with your own eyes.
By the way, a quick and easy flight from Oahu makes laid-back Molokai an idyllic day trip to the heart of Old Hawaii. Why not try it the next time you're in the islands? The island is only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide.
It's the fifth largest of the Hawaiian islands and the least populated, with just 5% of Hawaii's total population. If you want to see Hawaii before tourism took over, the waving palms and empty beaches of Molokai will allow you to do just that. The island is often called "pure Hawaii." Tiny Molokai has no traffic lights and is the birthplace of the hula. The island is best known for its 19th century settlement of Kalaupapa, where people suffering from Hansen's Disease (leprosy) were once forced into quarantine. Belgian priest Father Damien (born Jozef de Veuster) cared for the residents and eventually died there.
He dressed the patients' ulcers, built coffins, dug graves, and ate poi with them. After 11 years of work he contracted the disease and succumbed to it in 1889 at the age of 49. He was laid to rest under the same tree where he first slept upon his arrival in Molokai. Ken Howard played the title role in the TV film Damien: The Leper Priest (1980).
Please note that the island's residents are notoriously resistant to mass tourism. You won't find any mega-resorts or tour groups here. But responsible travelers are welcome. Respect the aina (land) and appreciate Molokai for what it is. Again, it makes for a great day trip (flights run from about $100.00) and it's an island you can see on very rare occasions from the east coast of Oahu!