Flying interisland in Hawai‘i can be a beautiful, stress-free experience—or a lesson in patience, depending on the airline.
My latest trip from Honolulu (HNL) to Lāna‘i (LNY) with Mokulele Airlines was a bit of both. Between multiple schedule changes and an empty flight, this journey had some unexpected twists.
If you’re considering flying Mokulele, here’s what you need to know about the experience, from check-in at Honolulu’s Terminal 3 to the breathtaking sunrise views over the islands.
See the full video review below for even more details about the flight.
Terminal 3 at Honolulu – A Different Experience
At 5:30 a.m., Terminal 3 at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is quiet—almost eerily so. Unlike the bustling Terminal 1 and 2, this smaller terminal feels more like a job-site trailer with minimal amenities. If you’re flying Mokulele, expect a no-frills experience:
Parking: $5 for the first two hours, maxing out at $25 for a full day. If the lot is full, you can park at Terminal 1 or 2 and take the Wiki Wiki shuttle back.
Facilities: A few basic chairs, a snack and soda machine, and some vintage artwork showcasing Mokulele’s destinations.
Check-in: Simple and quick, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to step on a scale—it’s common for small aircraft flights.
One thing that stood out was how friendly the staff was. Despite the challenges Mokulele has faced recently, their employees remain welcoming and helpful.
Flight Schedule Changes – A Common Theme
This flight was originally scheduled for 6:00 a.m. but was changed four times before finally reverting to the original time. Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon with Mokulele. Their interisland service has had numerous delays and cancellations, something to keep in mind if you’re booking with them.
A couple of weeks before this flight Mokulele grounded their whole fleet in Hawai’i leaving many without options to travel between islands.
Boarding & Pre-Flight Experience
Boarding for Mokulele is about as straightforward as it gets. You line up at the gate, an agent assigns your seat, and then you walk out onto the tarmac. No TSA here, no PreCheck, no long security lines—just old-school island flying.
This morning, I was the only passenger on the flight. While that made for a private charter-like experience, it was also a bit concerning. Empty flights aren’t good for business, and it made me wonder about Mokulele’s long-term sustainability (more on that later).
I did fly and review the HNL-JHM (Honolulu to Kapalua) on Mokulelel back in 2023, it was a full flight and quite fun.
The Flight – A Sunrise to Remember
Flying on a Cessna 208EX Grand Caravan, Mokulele offers an intimate flying experience with no barrier between the cockpit and passengers. If you love aviation, this is a unique way to travel.
Since this was a 6:00 a.m. flight in early February, takeoff was in the dark. But as we climbed above the cloud line, the sky transformed. The orange and pink hues of the sunrise stretching over the Pacific were breathtaking.
Haleakalā, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa were all visible in the distance, thanks to low cloud cover.
The view from the cockpit was even better than from my seat—I couldn’t help but be jealous of the pilots.
The morning glow over the ocean made for one of the most scenic flights I’ve ever taken in Hawai‘i.
If you love photography or just want a peaceful start to your day, an early Mokulele flight is worth considering.
Landing in Lāna‘i – Smooth but Choppy
As we approached Lāna‘i, the winds picked up, making for a slightly bumpy descent. This isn’t unusual for small planes landing on the island, but our pilot handled it well.
Lāna‘i Airport is about as small as it gets—minimal services, a simple terminal, and a quick exit to the outside. I took some time to capture video of the airport, and a Lāna‘i airport guide will be coming soon.
Future of Mokulele – What’s Next?
Mokulele Airlines has been a critical part of interisland travel in Hawai‘i, but recent schedule disruptions, cancellations, and low passenger numbers raise questions about its long-term future.
Competition with Lāna‘i Air: Four Seasons-backed Lāna‘i Air offers a more premium (but expensive) alternative.
Financial struggles: Mokulele’s parent company has been restructuring routes, and some flights are operating with just one or two passengers.
Customer frustration: The number of schedule changes and last-minute cancellations has caused some travelers to switch airlines.
I hope Mokulele can overcome these challenges, as it fills an important niche for interisland travel. But if you’re booking a flight with them, I’d recommend having a backup plan.
Final Thoughts – Worth Flying Mokulele?
Despite the scheduling headaches, I enjoyed this flight. Mokulele offers stunning views, a nostalgic island-hopping experience, and a relaxed boarding process that’s hard to find elsewhere. However, their unpredictability is a real downside.
Would I fly Mokulele again? Yes—but with flexible plans. If you’re considering it, be prepared for changes, and always have an alternative travel option in mind.
Have you flown Mokulele recently? Share your experience in the comments.
