Molokai Airport is the gateway to the relatively undiscovered island of Molokai, Hawaii. Even though it’s small in size, this is the main airport on the island. It’s also known as Hoolehua Airport, or sometimes Hoolehua Molokai.
Both commercial airlines and private jets use Molokai Airport. It’s situated a short way west of the center of the island, in the Hoolehua area. Generally, the airport is only used for inter-island flights.
If you want to spend time on one of the friendliest, most authentically Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific, then Molokai Airport is the ideal place to arrive. Some visitors like to head to another island in the Hawaiian archipelago, such as Oahu, before taking a commercial or private inter-island flight to Molokai.
Key Information
Airport Name: Molokai Airport
IATA / ICAO Code: MKK / PHMK
Location: Hoolehua, Molokai, Hawaii
Opening times: Hours of operation at Molokai Airport are determined by flight schedules
Terminal: Molokai Airport has one terminal and two runways
Facilities & Other Services
Wi-Fi: There is no WiFi currently available at Molokai Airport.
Lounges: There are no lounges at Molokai Airport.
Duty-Free Shopping: Molokai Airport does not offer duty-free shopping, but it does have a flower and lei shop.
Restaurants and Cafes: Molokai Airport has a snack bar for hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Currency Exchange: Molokai Airport has no currency exchange or banking services.
Medical Facilities: Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are located at Molokai Airport. Fire Fighters and Airport Rescue can also provide a 24/7 response in an emergency.
Airlines: Only one or two commercial airlines operate inter-island flights to and from Molokai Airport. These do not include Hawaiian Airlines. Private jet charters also use the airport.
About Molokai Airport
Molokai Airport is small, with only a couple of commercial airlines operating into and out of it. Upon arrival, passengers alight directly onto the tarmac. It’s located in the central part of the island, close to Hoolehua; hence, the airport is alternatively known as Hoolehua Airport.
This compact airport is used for inter-island commercial flights and by private jets. Only smaller aircraft seating 127 passengers or less, such as a Boeing 737-200, ever use the airport.
Molokai Airport has two runways and is used for some military flights, air taxis, and general aviation. Mokulele Airlines is the only carrier operating regular inter-island flights to and from the airport, using Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft.
The history of Molokai Airport dates to 1927, when land in Hoolehua was set aside for an airport on the island. Originally, it was to be called Hoolehua Airport, but it is still sometimes known by that name.
By 1947, the airport was earmarked for more commercial use, and by 1950, three scheduled airlines operated, including Hawaiian Airlines, which no longer flew to Molokai. The airport was also increasingly used for cargo flights. By 1957, a new terminal was opened.
Molokai Travel Guide
Molokai—also known as the Friendly Isle—offers an authentic, relaxed slice of Hawaiian life. Locals also tend to extend a very warm welcome to visitors. The island is less touristy and, therefore, more peaceful than its neighbours.
If you like your vacation destinations to be as unspoiled as possible, say Aloha to Molokai. Though you cannot expect modern shopping malls and luxury high-rise hotels in Molokai, that’s the secret of this Hawaiian island’s natural appeal.
Highlights of Molokai include the towering cliffs and leper colony at remote Kalaupapa National Historical Park, one of the biggest beaches in Hawaii at Papohaku Beach Park, snorkeling at the longest fringing reef in the archipelago, the sacred Halawa Valley, and the historic Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove.
Molokai highlights
Kalaupapa National Historical Park and Palaau State Park: Molokai is best known for the Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the Kalaupapa Peninsula in the north. This is home to the highest coastal cliffs in the world, and also a former leper colony.
Papohaku Beach Park: Papohaku Beach Park offers over 10 acres of coastal space. Its broad stretch of white to light golden sand is perfect for soaking up the Friendly Island atmosphere. There are grassy areas and trees providing shade. The park also offers barbecues and picnic tables, which are ideal when you’ll be staying all day. The views are incredible, and due to the sheer scale of the beach, it’s usually easy to find a peaceful spot.
Halawa Valley: Halawa Valley is around 90 90-minute drive from Molokai Airport, and the route is very scenic indeed. If you crave a road trip, why not rent a luxury car and explore this lovely region? The half-a-mile by three-to-four-mile area offers historic places of worship, tumbling waterfalls, and lovely views. Arrange a private hike if you want to see twin-tiered Moʻoula Falls.
Getting to Halawa Valley is as much of an experience as the valley itself. En route, you’ll pass Hawaiian Fishponds, the first Christian church on the island dating from 1833, and many lovely bays and beaches. These include several good swimming beaches, Kaiwili and Kaili, in Halawa Bay.
Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove: Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove is one of Molokai’s most instantly recognisable sights. The palms here were first planted during King Kamehameha V’s reign in the 1860s.
It’s an idyllic spot, especially at sunset. Head off Maunaloa Highway to the grassy area in Kaunakakai to view it from a safe distance. This is one of Hawaii’s last remaining royal coconut groves and a must for any Molokai road trip itinerary.
Other things to do in Molokai: One of the most unforgettable things to do in the Hawaiian Islands is to see the landscapes and coastline from the air. With its towering cliffs, Molokai is one of the best to view from a helicopter.
Accommodations and restaurants on Molokai have a local rather than an international flavour. This is all part of the island’s charm and can enhance the getting-away-from-it-all feel. It’s a great place to sample island specialties with sea views and stay at a laid-back resort right by the beach.
Molokai Climate: Molokai has warm weather all year round. Throughout the year, temperatures don’t vary too widely, with highs ranging between 24°C and 29°C. Summer, between May and October, is the hottest and driest season, with highs typically between 27°C and 29°C. In summer, you can expect about three rainy days per month.
Winter, between November and April, is slightly cooler. Typical average highs are between 24°C and 27°C. There can be two or three times as much rain in winter, though, with around seven monthly wet days.
The humidity in Molokai is moderate. Like the other Hawaiian Islands, microclimates exist, so some parts are hotter, cooler, wetter, or drier than others.
Why not travel by private jet charter to Molokai Airport on the island of Molokai, Hawaii so you can benefit from the convenience, comfort and perfect peace of a private jet? Our team is available 24/7.
