Dreaming of escaping to a truly authentic Hawaiian experience, untouched by massive resorts and overwhelming crowds? Molokai, the "Friendly Isle," offers just that – a glimpse into old Hawaii, where the pace is slow, the culture is strong, and the natural beauty is breathtaking. But getting to this hidden gem requires a little planning and understanding. Unlike its more bustling neighbors, Molokai isn't directly connected to major international airports, making the journey an integral part of the adventure. Knowing your options is crucial to a smooth and enjoyable arrival on this special island.
Understanding the logistics of travel to Molokai isn't just about convenience; it's about respecting the island and its unique character. By researching your transportation options and choosing the best fit for your travel style and budget, you're demonstrating a commitment to responsible tourism. You're also ensuring you arrive prepared to embrace the slower pace and the authentic experiences Molokai has to offer, maximizing your opportunity to connect with the island's rich history and culture.
What are the most common questions about traveling to Molokai?
What are the flight options to Molokai?
The primary way to fly to Molokai is via scheduled commuter flights from Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu or from Kahului (OGG) on Maui. These inter-island flights are relatively short, typically under 30 minutes, and are operated by smaller airlines like Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways/Pacific Wings. There are no direct flights to Molokai from the continental United States or international destinations; all travelers must connect through Honolulu or Maui.
Flights to Molokai land at Molokai Airport (MKK), also known as Hoolehua Airport. Given the limited flight options and the small size of the aircraft used, it's advisable to book your flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Keep in mind that baggage allowances may be more restrictive than on larger airlines, so checking the baggage policies of the specific airline you choose is always recommended. Due to Molokai's rural and less-developed nature compared to other Hawaiian islands, the airport is smaller and offers fewer amenities. However, ground transportation options, such as rental cars and taxis, are available at the airport to take you to your accommodation or other destinations on the island. Prior arrangement for rental cars is highly recommended, as availability can be limited.Is it possible to take a ferry to Molokai?
No, there is currently no passenger ferry service operating to Molokai. The Molokai ferry, which previously ran between Maui and Molokai, ceased operations in 2016 and has not been reinstated.
Getting to Molokai requires flying. The primary airport serving the island is Molokai Airport (MKK), located in Ho'olehua. Several airlines, including smaller inter-island carriers, offer daily flights from Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu and from other Hawaiian islands like Maui (OGG) and Lanai (LNY). These flights are typically short, ranging from 20-30 minutes from Maui or Lanai, to around 30-40 minutes from Honolulu. While the lack of a ferry might be disappointing for some, flying offers a quick and convenient way to reach Molokai. Consider booking your flights in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best fares and availability. Ensure you confirm baggage allowances and any specific travel requirements with the airline you choose.How long does it take to get to Molokai from Oahu?
The flight time from Honolulu (Oahu) to Hoolehua (Molokai) is approximately 25-30 minutes. This is the fastest and most common method of travel between the two islands.
While the flight itself is quite short, it's important to factor in additional time for travel to and from the airports, check-in procedures, and security. You should arrive at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. Once you land at Molokai Airport (MKK), retrieving your luggage and any rental car pick-up will also take additional time. All told, plan for a total travel time of approximately 3-4 hours when taking a flight to Molokai from Oahu. There is no regularly scheduled ferry service currently operating between Oahu and Molokai. A ferry used to run, but it is no longer in service. Therefore, flying is the only viable option for most travelers seeking to move between the two islands.What airports serve Molokai?
Molokai is primarily served by two airports: Molokai Airport (MKK), located in Ho'olehua in the central part of the island, is the main airport handling scheduled passenger flights, and Kalaupapa Airport (LUP), which is much smaller and primarily serves the isolated community of Kalaupapa on the north shore.
Molokai Airport (MKK) is the larger of the two and offers regular inter-island flights from airlines such as Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways Express, connecting Molokai to other Hawaiian islands like Honolulu (Oahu) and Kahului (Maui). This makes MKK the most common and convenient entry point for visitors arriving by air. From MKK, ground transportation options such as rental cars, taxis, and shuttles are available to reach accommodations and other destinations across the island. Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) is significantly smaller and serves the remote Kalaupapa Settlement, which is historically significant due to its past as a Hansen's disease (leprosy) settlement. Access to Kalaupapa is restricted and generally requires prior permission from the Hawaii Department of Health. Flights to LUP are often arranged for residents, healthcare workers, and authorized visitors to the settlement.What is the cheapest way to get to Molokai?
The cheapest way to get to Molokai is typically by flying from Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu. Both Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways Express offer frequent flights and often have the lowest fares compared to flights from other islands or direct international flights. Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can further reduce costs.
While flying from Honolulu is generally the most economical, it's essential to consider the total cost of your journey. This includes the cost of getting to Honolulu in the first place if you're arriving from the mainland or another international location. Check for inter-island flight deals or package options that might include transportation from your origin point to Honolulu and then onward to Molokai. Keep an eye on airline promotions and consider flying during the off-season (typically spring or fall) for lower prices. It's crucial to compare the prices of both Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways Express, as fares can fluctuate depending on demand and time of booking. Additionally, be aware that these airlines often operate smaller aircraft, so baggage restrictions may be more stringent than on larger carriers. Factor in any potential baggage fees when calculating the overall cost of your trip. Finally, carefully review cancellation and change policies, as cheaper fares often come with stricter terms.Are there any direct flights to Molokai from the mainland?
No, there are currently no direct flights to Molokai (MKK) from the continental United States. All flights to Molokai require at least one connection, typically in Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu or sometimes Kahului (OGG) on Maui.
Molokai Airport (MKK) is a small regional airport primarily serving inter-island flights. The limited runway length and infrastructure are not suited for large jets that typically operate on mainland routes. Consequently, major airlines do not offer direct services to Molokai from locations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or other mainland cities. Therefore, when planning your trip to Molokai, you will need to factor in the connection time in either Honolulu or Maui. Several airlines such as Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways Express offer frequent inter-island flights to Molokai. These flights are typically on smaller turboprop aircraft, reflecting the scale of the airport and the needs of the local community and tourism.Do I need a rental car on Molokai?
Yes, a rental car is highly recommended on Molokai. Public transportation is extremely limited, and relying solely on taxis or ride-sharing services can be unreliable and expensive. To fully explore the island's diverse landscapes, beaches, and cultural sites, having your own vehicle provides the necessary freedom and flexibility.
Molokai is unlike other Hawaiian islands, emphasizing a slower pace of life and preserving its Hawaiian culture. While the island is only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, the attractions are spread out. For example, reaching the remote Kalaupapa Lookout for breathtaking views or accessing the various hiking trails requires independent transportation. Although organized tours exist for specific locations like Kalaupapa National Historical Park (requiring a permit and mule or hiking trip), these tours don't cover the entire island. Without a rental car, you'll be significantly restricted in your ability to experience Molokai's beauty and charm. You'll likely spend a considerable amount of time and money arranging transportation, which can be unreliable. Consider booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, as the island has a limited number of rental vehicles available.So there you have it! Hopefully, this guide has given you a clearer picture of how to get to beautiful Molokai. Whether you choose to fly directly, hop over from another island, or brave a ferry, I'm confident your journey will be worth it. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more tips and tricks to make the most of your Hawaiian adventures!