






Find lower rental car prices on Molokai, Hawaii with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no reservation fees. Inventory on the Friendly Isle is tight, so compare Molokai Airport MKK pickups with local agencies in Kaunakakai and reserve early to secure the car you need.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
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| Molokai Airport (MKK) |
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| Local Rental Companies |
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Rental Process:
On average, car rentals at Molokai Airport cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $43 per day.
Shop both airport and local outfits on our site. Off-airport companies often undercut the terminal kiosk, just factor in the short shuttle or pickup fee before you decide.
Reserve early for summer or December. Molokai's tiny fleet really does sell out; book 3-6 months ahead with free cancellation, then re-check prices and re-book if they drop.
Tweak your dates and go weekly. A 7-day rate can cost less than five separate days, and shifting pickup by 24 hours sometimes bumps you into a cheaper bracket.
Pick the smallest car that fits your crew. Compact models are cheaper to rent, easier on narrow east-end roads and sip less gas (fuel here is pricey).
Bring your own child seats or gear. Inventory is limited and daily add-on fees add up fast.
Fill up in Kaunakakai before excursions to avoid the "only pump for 20 miles (32 km)" markup and to return the car full without last-minute panic.
| Location | Availability | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaunakakai Town | Good | Free |
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| Beaches | Limited | Free |
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| Hiking Trailheads | Minimal | Free |
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| Scenic Lookouts | Small lots | Free |
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Speed limits are strictly enforced:
Book a car rental to easily:
Halawa Valley – waterfalls, temples
Papohaku Beach and west end coast – sand, sunsets
Kalaupapa Lookout – sea cliffs, peninsula
Kamakou Preserve – cloud forest, plants

How far in advance should I book a car rental on Molokai?
You should book your car 2 to 3 months early for most of the year and 4 to 6 months early for holidays. The rental companies on Molokai don't have many cars, so they often run out.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle on Molokai?
Most people find a standard 2WD car is enough. The main roads are paved, so you can drive on them in a regular car. A 4WD might help you get to some beaches, but most rental companies don't let you drive their cars off-road anyway.
Can I take a rental car to Kalaupapa Peninsula?
No. You cannot drive a rental car to the Kalaupapa Peninsula. The hiking and mule trail closed after a 2018 landslide and the mule rides stopped. Currently, the only way you can get there is by taking a small plane for a guided tour. You must arrange the tour and get an entry permit before you go.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations on Molokai?
There are very few, if any. We recommend you rent a regular gasoline car because there are almost no places to charge an electric vehicle on the island.
What type of vehicle is recommended for Molokai?
A small or mid-size SUV or a sedan works best. An SUV gives you more room underneath, which helps on some rougher roads, but you can drive a sedan on the main roads just fine. You might have a hard time driving larger vehicles on the narrow roads on the east end of the island.
Can I pick up a rental car at the ferry dock?
No. The ferry from Maui to Molokai stopped running in 2016, so almost everyone flies to the island now. If you get here on a private boat, you will need to find a ride to a rental car office. Most offices are at the airport, or you can find a local company that will pick you up in Kaunakakai.