Mokulele Airlines: What it’s like Flying to Molokai and Beyond

One of the unique things about visiting multiple islands when you come to Hawaii is deciding how to get between them all, and flying with Mokulele Air is the primary way to get between Molokai and Oahu or Maui. Flying on Mokulele Air is a bit of an adventure as it’s a small aircraft and can be a little bumpy. If you’re a nervous flyer you may not enjoy the thought of a small plane getting you from island to island in Hawaii, but Mokulele Airlines has been doing this for a while, so you’re in good hands.

Read on for all the details of flying Mokulele Air between Molokai and the other islands, as well as what to expect at the small airport on Molokai (MKK). If you have any questions about doing a flight with Mokulele or visiting Molokai, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others plan their Aloha trips.

Reality of Flying Mokulele Airlines to Molokai

I’m a scared flyer, so just keep that in mind as I share about the Mokulele Air experience. I don’t like airplanes large or small, so visiting Molokai and flying into Ho’olehua (MKK) for me is a challenge, but it’s worth it. I will say, the sights from the small airplane as you depart Oahu or Molokai are beautiful. Even though the purpose is to get from island to island, you get to stay low enough in elevation during your flight that it seems more like a sightseeing flight than a commuter plane.

As you fly over Honolulu you’ll get gorgeous views of the mountains, including Diamond Head, or out over the shallows surrounding Oahu. If you’re crossing the water during humpback whale season, if you’re lucky you may even see whales from the air if you’re really paying attention. As you approach Molokai (or if you’re taking off from here) you’ll see the epic cliffs of Molokai’s northern shore. Really, if you can get over being on a small plane and the turbulence that comes with it, it’s a beautiful flight. This is a much less stressful experience than flightseeing in a doors-off helicopter on Kauai (which also really rattled me). Ultimately between getting to visit Molokai and having some incredible sights from the air, flying with Mokulele Airlines is a unique experience.

Tips for a Good Mokulele Flight Between Islands

When you’re doing a small plane flight in Hawaii, whether you’re flying Mokulele air between Molokai and Oahu or if you’re on a small plane between Maui and Lanai, it can be an intimidating experience. I find that getting into the right mindset in advance helps. I go through a series of reminders to calm me before any sort of flight like this. Here’s what I tell myself:

• the pilots are professionals who do this all the time
• the pilots and the planes are specifically designed and trained for this sort of flying
• if it wasn’t safe, it wouldn’t be allowed hundreds of people do small plane flights in Hawaii every day
• the sights and experiences I’ll get will be worth it.

The other thing that’s helpful when we’re doing a small plane flight, like flying Mokulele Airlines, is not getting to the airport too early. This helps me not have time to psych myself out. I like to arrive with enough time to get checked in and our bags handled, and then just a few minutes of down time.

When you’re flying Mokulele Air you’re in a smaller part of the terminal at HNL or OGG, so it’s much less busy. And then on Molokai itself it’s a very small airport with plenty of staff and not much to do, so it stays pretty calm. Most people flying Mokulele are kamaaina visiting family between islands, and they’ve done these flights many times. I tend to find a lot of comfort from the aunties that always spot my stressed out self and calm me down. Last small plane flight the desk agent looked at me and just said “Uncle, it’s okay” and had me take a breather. Everyone wants you to be safe and happy.

Tips for Traveling with Mokulele Airlines

Flying Mokulele Airlines means that you’re traveling light… hopefully. You’re quite limited in what you can bring when you’re flying on a small plane. When you arrive at the airport, they’ll weigh your bags, like any flight, and you may have to pay an additional fee beyond what you’ve already paid if you’ve brought too much. As simple as it may sound, wear your heaviest shoes and your jacket when you’re flying to keep your luggage weight down if you’re concerned. You’ll be allowed one small personal item with you at your seat when you’re flying.

Mokulele Airlines doesn’t have large planes. Most flights are on planes with no more than 12 passengers and there are no in-flight services. You need to be ready to roll when you board and then you’ve just got your captain and first officer flying the plane. Really, it’s a chill operation and they’re very professional, but don’t board this boutique airline expecting it to be a first class Hawaiian Airlines between SFO and HNL. It’s just not that.

The Reality of the Mokulele Airlines Molokai Flight

If you’re a confident flyer, you’ll be fine. If you’re like me, this may very well be an experience full of anxiety and maybe tears. I have done seaplanes and flightseeing planes in many places, but the Mokulele Airlines flight between Oahu and Molokai was very difficult for me. There is a lot of turbulence from takeoff to landing, and it is a lot to process.

I found that watching the pilot was very helpful in navigating my anxiety as she was so very calm through the whole flight. Looking out my window helps also, but it still scares me a bit. I will say that my scariest moment was departing Molokai and approaching the cliffs of the North Shore as the wind came up and brought on a solid swing of turbulence. After this though, most of that flight was much better. Again, remembering to calm yourself by the affirmations about safety and repeat flights is very helpful.

More Travel Options Between the Hawaiian Islands

While Mokulele Airlines is the primary option for getting to the smaller airports across the islands, there are other options as well. Mokulele flies between the following places:

• Honolulu, Ohau
• Lanai City, Lanai’i
• Ho’olehua, Molokai
• Kalaupapa, Molokai
• Kapalua, Maui
• Kahului, Maui
• Hana, Maui
• Waimea, Hawai’i
• Kona, Hawai’i
• Hilo, Hawai’i

Hawaiian Airlines also flies between the larger airports in Hawaii. On Hawaiian, now a part of Alaska Airlines, you can fly via the following:

• Honolulu, Ohau
• Kahului, Maui
• Kona, Hawai’i
• Hilo, Hawai’i

One other option to get between islands is sailing. It’s not the norm to sail between islands as a method of commuting or regular transportation, but you can do. Private charters or even boutique sailings can get you through the islands. UnCruise is an incredible way to experience several islands, including Molokai. The other boat option you’ll find is between Maui and Lanai. There is a passenger ferry between Maalaea and Lana’i that is a good option for visiting for the day or a few days.

In general, traveling between islands is easiest when you can fly, and many people do it. Flying Mokulele Airlines is the best option for flying into the smaller airports and less visited places.