Molokai Island: Day Trips and Tours from Maui

Molokai Island is one of the most unique destinations in the world. With more waterfalls than traffic lights, the island boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Hawaiian archipelago.

While inhabitants of the isle are outspoken in their distaste of modern-day tourism, you can still arrange a trip to see the tallest sea cliffs in the world.

If you want to get a taste of what Hawaii was like before the tourism boom, take a day trip to Molokai Island from Maui.

How to get to Molokai Island from Maui?

Molokai is the fifth largest of the eight islands in the Hawaiian group. It is located around 12 kilometers to the northwest of Maui and is only accessible by air.

In the past, there was a ferry service running between the two islands, however, this has recently stopped operating. Luckily, Molokai Island excursions via helicopter are easy to arrange.

Guided tour to Molokai Island from Maui

It is rare to find a Molokai Island day tour that offers a hotel pickup service. Instead, you'll usually meet at Kahului Airport and be transported from there.

You will be informed of the exact address well before your tour begins, so you'll have plenty of time to arrange transportation there. The typical duration is one to two hours and you'll finish your tour back where you started.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Molokai Island from Maui?

Molokai Island day trips tend to last less than two hours and always include a helicopter ride. While you won't leave the aircraft, you'll be able to experience the island's jaw-dropping scenery from above.

Firstly, you'll fly over the West Maui Mountains — also known as Kahālāwai, which were formed over 1.7 million years ago. You'll make the short jaunt to Molokai Island over the waters of the North Pacific Ocean, and you'll fly across the isle to see waterfalls, sea cliffs and thick rain forest that is full of life.

Once you've toured Molokai from the air, you'll return to Maui and land back at Kahului Airport. You can usually choose from several time slots throughout the day, depending on your itinerary, and it will often be just your group on board the helicopter.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Molokai Island?

All day tours to Molokai Island take place via helicopter. There are several exhilarating options to choose from, including flight lessons and private trips, making it one of the best day trips from Maui.

Helicopter tour to Molokai Island from Maui

This helicopter experience travels across Maui and over the mountain range in the west. You'll see the jagged outline of the peaks as you pass above them towards Molokai.

The island is unspoiled and as you tour it from the air, you'll see the sea cliffs that reach heights of over 1,200 meters with steep drops to the flowing waters below. As you travel further inland, you'll be blessed with a birds-eye-view of the dense rain forest and rippling valleys of the island.

Flight lesson to Molokai Island from Maui

Regardless of whether you're a beginner or a licensed pilot, you'll enjoy this thrilling journey to Molokai Island. Those without flying experience will learn how to perform basic procedures, such as takeoff and landing, as well as cruising through the sky.

If you're traveling with a partner, you'll both have the opportunity to practice these maneuvers, and you'll fly over the western part of Maui on your return.

Those who have flown before will also find the trip from Maui to Molokai Island to be exciting, with some of the best views on earth.

Helicopter tour to Molokai Island with doors off from Maui

If you love the adrenaline rush that comes with a helicopter tour, you'll want to book this doors-off flight of the island.

Instead of seeing the stunning isle through panes of glass, you'll see its towering sea cliffs and gushing waterfalls in all their vibrancy. The tour lasts 45 minutes which is plenty of time to see this untouched corner of the world.

How much does a tour to Molokai Island from Maui cost?

Molokai Island day tours by helicopter include a 45-minute flight. You can expect to pay between US$230 and US$280.

Flying lessons cost approximately US$830 and last 1.5 hours. You can purchase add-ons such as lunch or take-off and landing on Lanai Island, from an extra US$210.

Molokai Island day trips with a doors-off flight start at US$360. You'll have the opportunity to purchase video footage of the trip for an additional cost.

What will you see and do on a Molokai Island day trip?

Molokai Island is one of the least visited places on earth. It is located in the middle of the Hawaiian archipelago, about 12 kilometers from Maui. It is just over 60 kilometers long, which makes it one of the smaller Hawaiian Islands.

Just over 7,000 people live on Molokai Island and the community has been vocal about its desire to refrain from becoming a tourist destination. There are just a handful of hotels and guest houses scattered about the villages on the island.

While it is possible to visit Molokai, most people take a helicopter tour over the island instead.

Molokai has a diverse landscape, ranging from palm-studded sandy beaches to lush rain forests. The island is also home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world, at over 1,200 meters high. From an aerial view, you'll experience the magnitude of the cliffs which make a sheer drop into the ocean.

With its hilly terrain of peaks and valleys, there are plenty of waterfalls to be explored, which again you can see on a helicopter day tour to Molokai Island.

Oloʻupena Falls claims the title of the highest waterfall in the United States at a staggering 900 meters high. To put its immensity into perspective, the famous Niagara Falls is just 99 meters tall.

The island is also home to several unique species of wildlife, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

When is the best time to visit Molokai Island?

Molokai Island day trips can be arranged and enjoyed year-round. The isle experiences warm temperatures that rarely drop below 24 degrees Celsius.

On top of this, there are usually fewer than 1,000 tourists on Molokai at any given time, meaning there is no busy season to avoid. If you wish to visit during the driest season, head to the island between May and September.

Travel tips

• If you wish to organize a Molokai Island day trip that involves a flying lesson, be sure to book in advance. You will need to study before you board your aircraft.
• There is no place for fancy clothes or shoes on the island of Molokai. Instead, pack hiking boots and comfortable attire.
• The unspoiled nature of the isle means that many activities include a fair amount of walking. Ensure you're prepared with plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.