Small-plane flights in Hawaiʻi have a certain magic that’s hard to beat—especially when the weather cooperates. My recent evening flight on Mokulele Airlines from Lānaʻi Airport (LNY) to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) was one of those perfect island hops, with crystal-clear skies and postcard-worthy views the whole way.
See the video below for all the views.
Check-In & Boarding at Lānaʻi Airport
Lānaʻi Airport is as relaxed as it gets—no long security lines, no crowded terminals, just a simple check-in process and a short walk out to the plane. If you are planning on visiting Lānaʻi then be sure to read my guide with a video, on the Lānaʻi Airport.
If you’ve flown with Mokulele before, you know how much of an adventure this feels like compared to a typical commercial flight. You’re not rushing through a major hub; you’re walking directly onto the tarmac, taking in the island air as you step up to board.
For this flight, there were just two passengers, including me. That meant an almost private-plane experience. The pilot personally walked us out, and climbing aboard felt more like stepping up a ladder than using traditional airplane stairs. There’s no standing room in these small aircraft—you’re either seated or crouching—but that’s part of the fun.
I have been lucky enough to review other flights on Mokulele, Honolulu to Lānaʻi, and Honolulu to Kapalua, all have been fun.
In-Flight Experience & Views
Once the propellers started spinning, the excitement kicked in. The pilots did their pre-flight checks right in front of us, and since there’s no cockpit door, you get a full view of everything they’re doing. After a quick in-person safety briefing from the pilot, we were off.
The takeoff was smooth, and as we banked left, I got a stunning aerial view of Lānaʻi City. With a population of just 3,400 people, the island has no streetlights and is 98% owned by Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle. Seeing it from the air really puts its remoteness into perspective.
Flying over the ocean, I had clear views of Molokaʻi in the distance. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales during the winter months—though this time, I only caught a glimpse without getting a good shot.
Landing in Honolulu
As we approached Oʻahu, I hoped for a scenic coastal arrival, but our route took us slightly out of the way. Still, the views were incredible, with Diamond Head and the city skyline coming into sight. The descent was a little bumpy—thanks to the winds that always seem to make these small-plane landings a bit more thrilling—but overall, it was a smooth touchdown.
We landed on a quieter section of the airport, where private planes and cargo aircraft like FedEx and UPS are stationed. No jet bridges here—just a friendly airport crew member directing traffic as we taxied in.
Final Thoughts
Mokulele Airlines offers a unique and personal way to travel between the Hawaiian Islands, and this flight was no exception. If you’re looking to bring back the joy of flying—or just want a more adventurous alternative to larger airlines—this is the way to do it.
Pros:
Incredible aerial views of the islands
Laid-back and easy boarding process
Personalized experience with a small passenger load
Cons:
No frills—limited baggage space and no in-flight service
Some agility required for boarding and deplaning
Uncertainty with flight scheduling due to Mokulele flight changes and cancellations.
If you’re planning interisland travel, Mokulele is sometimes the only option to the smaller airports. You may learn to love travelling this way, especially if you appreciate the thrill of flying in a smaller aircraft.
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