Is Mokulele the ONLY way to/from Moloka'i?

Question

Aloha. My family is going to be visiting Moloka'i for the first time from Hawai'i Island. Unfortunately Mokulele cancelled the flights (all service) from Hilo we planned to take and we have to find another way.

It seems we may need to buy tickets to O'ahu on Southwest, then buy separate tickets on Mokulele to Moloka'i? After 6 days there we plan to visit Maui for a few nights before going home. I just want to double check there is no other way to go besides buying more Mokulele tickets. I know the ferry ended but is there any boat service to Lahaina at all? Mokulele tickets are extremely expensive and times 6 each way it really adds up.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Aloha! Traveling to Molokai is always a special experience, and I understand how frustrating it can be when plans get disrupted, especially with flight cancellations. To answer your question about other travel options to Molokai, here’s what I know:

1. Mokulele Airlines: As of now, Mokulele Airlines is indeed the primary commercial carrier offering flights to and from Molokai. Unfortunately, if Mokulele has canceled its flights from Hilo, the most straightforward solution would be to connect through Honolulu (Oahu) on a major airline, like Southwest or Hawaiian Airlines, then take a Mokulele flight from Honolulu to Molokai. This is the most common method for inter-island travel to Molokai.

Fly to Oahu: You would first fly to Honolulu (Oahu) via Southwest or Hawaiian Airlines from Hilo or wherever you’re based on Hawai’i Island.
Fly to Molokai: After arriving in Honolulu, you would take a connecting Mokulele flight to Molokai, which operates several times a day. The flight is relatively short, about 25 minutes, but it can be pricey.

2. Alternatives to Mokulele: Unfortunately, there are currently no direct commercial flights or ferries operating between Molokai and Hawai’i Island or Maui. The ferry service that once ran between Molokai and Lahaina (Maui) was discontinued several years ago, and there are no other regular passenger ferries operating to Molokai at this time.

3. Cost Consideration: I understand that the cost of Mokulele flights can be a significant factor when traveling with a family. While Mokulele's prices are often higher compared to larger commercial airlines, booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates and times can sometimes help reduce costs. Unfortunately, with the current lack of other options, flying is the only way to reach Molokai for most travelers.

4. Future Considerations: It’s worth keeping an eye on any new transportation options, as Molokai has been exploring alternative travel solutions, but as of now, Mokulele remains the primary carrier. You can also reach out to local travel agencies or the hotels you're staying at in Molokai to see if they have any local tips or partnerships that might offer discounts or package deals.

5. Maui to Molokai: If you're continuing on to Maui, flights from Molokai to Maui are also limited and are generally provided by Mokulele. Again, booking in advance can help ensure you get the best rates for these flights.

Unfortunately, unless something changes with air services or new transportation options become available, flying via Mokulele is likely the best way to get to and from Molokai. I hope this helps with your planning!

Safe travels and enjoy your time on Molokai!