How to Travel from Maui to Molokaʻi: Your Essential 2025 Guide!

Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Aram Vardanyan

Just 26 miles from Maui, Molokaʻi, “The Friendly Isle,” is a rugged escape offering “an earlier Hawaii.” For a slower pace and uncrowded landscapes, planning your trip from Maui is the essential first step.

Getting there requires careful planning, as the logistics differ from those of inter-island travel in more developed parts of Hawaii.

Here is your helpful guide on how to travel from Maui to Molokaʻi, what to expect upon arrival, and the essential information you need to plan your trip.

Need more help planning your Hawaiian travel? Don’t miss my details guide on things to do in Molokaʻi that will help you maximize your visit. 

How to Travel from Maui to Molokaʻi: Options

Why Visit Molokaʻi, the “Earlier Hawaii”

Before diving into the transport details, let’s talk about why Molokaʻi is worth the effort. Everything slows down here. The island is characterized by a large Hawaiian population and a sparsely developed landscape.

Molokaʻi is divided geographically, which affects the climate where you stay:

• Year-round temperatures average around 75º F (23.9º C).
• The West End is generally more arid.
• The mountainous East End is wetter and greener. You might want to pack a light jacket for the cooler, higher elevations.

Best Route: Getting From Maui to Molokaʻi

The distance between Maui and Molokaʻi is approximately 127 miles (126.2 mi). Since there are no direct international flights, your journey must include an inter-island connection, usually starting from Honolulu (HNL) or Maui (OGG/JHM).

Air Travel: Your Essential Connection

When planning flights from Maui to Molokaʻi, flying is the primary method of transport. The main arrival point is Molokai Airport (MKK), which is sometimes listed by its physical location, Ho’olehua.

The Cheapest & Fastest Option

If you are looking for the absolute best value and efficiency, the combination of bus and flight is the way to go:

• The cheapest and fastest way to get from Maui to Molokaʻi is to bus and fly, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes.
• This route typically costs between $110 and $340.
• The specific route often involves taking the bus from Kula Community Center to Kulamalu Town Center, then catching one of the flights from Kahului Airport (OGG) to Molokai Airport (MKK).

What Airport do I Fly into on Molokaʻi from Maui?

• If you’re flying to Hawaii from the mainland, consider using Hawaiian Airlines. They often have the best through fares to Molokaʻi from the West Coast.
• Their gates at both the Honolulu and Maui airports are the closest to the commuter terminal, which saves you time when catching connecting flights to MKK.
• You can find flights from Kahului Airport (OGG) to Molokai Airport (MKK) with an average duration of 32 minutes. The estimated price for these flights is between $90 and $310.
• Southern Airways Express offers flights from Hana Airport (HNM) to Molokai Airport (MKK) twice daily.

Accessing Kalaupapa by Air

If your final destination is the historic Kalaupapa peninsula, you can fly into Kalaupapa Airport (LUP). Flights are available from Kahului Airport (OGG) to LUP via Molokai Airport (MKK) or via Honolulu (HNL).

Navigating the Island: Ground Transportation and Driving Culture

Once your Maui to Molokaʻi flight lands at MKK, the second major part of your logistics begins. Getting around Molokaʻi is entirely different from Maui.

The Necessity of Rental Cars (Essential Planning)

You might be used to ride-shares or public buses, but on Molokaʻi, the rules change:

• There is no public transportation on Molokaʻi.
• To see the island, you will need a rental car or a taxi.
• Crucial Tip: Rental car quantities are limited, so you must make reservations in advance.
• Options: You can find Alamo Car Rental at the airport, or you might choose to rent one of the highly rated privately owned vehicles available via Turo.
• Taxi Service: If you prefer a taxi, you can contact Hele Mai Taxi (808.336.0967) for reliable, island-wide service, or Midnight Taxi (808.658.1410).

Driving Tips and Island Navigation

Life moves more slowly on Molokaʻi, and the roads reflect that:

• The Driving Mantra: Be sure to heed the sign on the way out of the airport: “Slow down, you’re in Molokaʻi”. The highest posted speed limit anywhere is 45 mph (72 kph).
• The Roads: The island is easy to navigate as it primarily has only one two-lane highway. The road system is split into two major sections from Kaunakakai:
  1. Kamehameha V Highway (450): Runs 27 miles east to Halawa.
  2. Maunaloa Highway (460): Runs 17 miles west to the village of Maunaloa.
• Finding Your Way: Directions are often given using the green mile posts located every mile, along with Hawaiian terms like mauka (mountain side) or makai (ocean side).
• 4WD Note: Keep in mind that some excursions may require the use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Practical Resources and Essential Contacts

Keep these numbers handy for peace of mind while exploring:

• Molokaʻi Visitors Association: (800) 800-6367.
• Molokaʻi General Hospital: (808) 553-5331.
• Molokaʻi Camping Permits: (808) 553-3204 or (808) 984-8109.

More How to Get Around in Hawaii Guides

• How to Get from Oahu to Maui
• How to Get from the Big Island to Maui
• From Maui to Honolulu
• 4 days in Oahu
• 2 days in Honolulu
• 1 day in Volcanoes National Park