The Hawaii Traveler

If you’re an inter-island commuter or just looking to see another island for a day or so, you probably already know that your choice of commercial airlines in Hawai’i just became a little more limited with the closure of Aloha Airlines. Even other forms of inter-island transportation, such as ferries, are feeling the economic squeeze and limiting the number of trips they’re able to make from the major islands to the smaller ones.

In the interests of freedom of choice, I’d like to introduce some small, public carriers that provide inter-island flights.

Mokulele Airlines is a small, public carrier that provides inter-island flights. Operated by Go! and Go! Express, and Charter Services, Mokulele’s fleet includes small crafts, twin-engine Piper Chieftains to be exact, each seating nine passengers.  Mokulele will deliver you any of the six islands, and depending on flight patterns and weather, will take you over some scenery that people would pay big bucks for. The last time we took Mokulele, we got a premium view of the Hana Highway.

Pacific Wings operate operate a discount airline called PW Express with daily nonstop flights between Honolulu and Molokai and Lanai, plus flights from Kahului, Maui, and Molokai.  Cal  888/866-5022 or 808/873-0877 for more information.

Island Air’s motto “we do Hawai’i best because Hawai’i is all we do.”   Island Air services all six islands, with  service to both Kona and Hilo (Big Island), and  Kahalue and  Kapalua (Maui).  Note that the flight schedule changes in mid-September.

The important thing to remember with these smaller airlines is that luggage space is limited, and that in most cases, the gates are away from the main terminals.   We’ve always experienced excellent service with these smaller airlines, and would use them without hesitation. We’re sold on these types of carriers for inter-island travel, and wonder if you’ve had recent experiences you’d like to share.  To weigh in with your thoughts, just use the comments or email me anytime.

Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by johntrainor.

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