Mokulele Airlines

Definitely the coolest ride I’ve ever been on. We didn’t fly too high, so we could still see Maui when we left (we left from Maui and landed on Big Island). It was a great flight; I got some great pictures. It’s a bit loud, but otherwise the flight was very smooth. We had 9 people on our flight, smallest flight I’ve ever been on! It was great though. Also cheaper than other «proper» airlines, definitely worth it! They have a 15-​pound limit for your baggage, but mine got on with a bit under 20 pounds. They don’t give boarding passes, so pay attention for when your flight gets called! They will tell you where to sit at that point. Highly recommend!

My mom and I flew them recently and they were delayed due to a mechanical problem. Then, by the time it arrived — we were delayed due to weather! After 2 hours and 45 minutes, and it being almost 10pm — and no sign of when the plane would leave, we decided to get a hotel room. At first the agent wanted to book us to another airport, and then shuttle us to our original airport — but dispatch told her NO! They refused to pay for our hotel, even though the next morning they picked us up from the hotel, flew us to the Island and then THEY took us to our original airport. They must admit guilt if they provided shuttle service.
They have NO ALOHA and you should STAY CLEAR as they cancel many flights and obviously do not take care of their passengers. Fly Hawaiian instead!

This was actually a super cool experience.
Pro: Great service, very personalized.
Only 15 for extra bags!
Left on time, no delays.
Aloha spirit from the pilot.
Con: None. A fun albeit super unique flying experience.

Five start is relative, it is relative to what they promised and delivered. We book more than a month ago through their web side to flew from KONA to OGG (Maui) for 4 seats one way for $ 69 each including taxes. Booking went very smooth, web-​site is not to notch but was simple to do booking. After booking I was concern about luggage, and how long before I have to be there, I called them two times two weeks apart, they had excellent and quick response, very nice and accommodating. Information they provide was accurate. They are strict on weight as their planes are probably 6 – 30 seats. The one we flew was 8 seaters. But they did not give an hard time at airport. Each one of us have more than one carry on, but they were fine as long as they were under 15lb each and not more than 25lb combined. All the bags over 15lbs are considered check-​in, which is fair. They took four of our bags for check-​in but we paid only for 1, since remaining were 15lbs.
checking and security and plane crew very nice, and smooth, I would rather prefer Mokulele than regular airline if flying inter Island. planes are small but very comfortable, if you are flying during daytime you have chance to see complete islands, as they fly low.

It was 11.55am flight. Sunny sky, no rain! no boarding pass, $ 15 per every luggage (I mean every bag that has 4 wheels), no delays. I’d say its a very organic flying experience and SAFE!
Don’t be afraid! you’ll feel like you’re on an old 1950s plane with ash tray and uncommon seat belt. If you have weird phobias, maybe go to Kona from other island or airplane. But I think from Maui to Kona, only this one.
Loved the experience, and I get to see free whale watching as we flew.
DO IT!
I can’t wait to go back to Kona with this mini plane. Yaw Yaw Yaw… (giggle of happiness)

Where do I even begin with Mokulele Air?
Let me start by painting a picture of the Mokulele gate at KOA: We parked in the departures lot and were immediately concerned when we realized that only legitimate airlines reside in the terminal. We speed-​walked for nearly a mile (my fiancé with a broken foot in an orthotic boot) past an empty lot, past the cargo terminal along an unlit path to a dirt patch and a pair of double-​wide trailers connected with an ill-​fitting tin roof. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Mokulele gate. The closest resemblance to security we went through was a scale to measure our body weight; I was asked to remove my bottle of water, but not for the usual TSA reasons – just to drink it and reduce the cargo weight for the plane. We waited on busted plastic chairs next to a vending machine with three (three!) soup choices. Two grumpy ladies stood behind desks and swatted away bugs while they complained with the ground crew. Parking was also an issue. We were asked to move our car (another long speed-​walk) to an abandoned dirt lot very confusingly located past the «do not pass» sign. It two three trips back to the desk before I’d put my car in the right place.
The plane itself was fine. It was small, yes, but clean. Our pilots were laid-​back and friendly, but I was somewhat worried when the pilot continued to referr to coordinates on a post-​it note kept in her chest pocket. The 45-​minute ride was picturesque, especially as we saw the sunrise over Haleakalā and pods of whales beneath us.
Fast-​forward to our return flight from Maui to Kona. The gate at OGG was just an open deck. Unlike KOA we boarded early and were greatly by a friendly employee with complementary water. Also unlike our flight from KOA, our pilots were less competent. The pair seemed more frat bro than trustworthy pilot. The next 45 minutes were some of the most nerve-​wracking of my life; riding a puddle-​jumper plane over the open ocean at night can do that to you. The only thought that ran through my mind more than that of being eaten by sharks was this: next time, I’ll fly with Hawaiian Air.

My wife and I have flown Honolulu to Kapalua airport (Maui) and back several times. The planes are clean, and look new, and the crews are great. The bonus is no lines and getting to the airport 30 minutes before flight time.

I’m afraid of flying, therefore I was nervous before taking my first flight on a small plane like this. So to whoever is afraid of flying like I am don’t worry the actual experience of flying on a plane like this was awesome. Very cool. And the view is amazing. It’s actually safer to fly on a plane like this than on big planes I heard. I would definitely fly like this again. I got a small panic attack mid way but I was able to distract my self away from it so it was all good, nothing to do with the plane just my own thoughts.
Service here in Kona was good. Everyone was courteous and organized and plane left on time. Now… The service from Maui was a different story… The workers were fighting with each other, unorganized, mixing people up in planes and sending flights off late. It was funny actually. Like a movie. I guess it counts as entertainment. Even the pilot was arguing with one of the passengers. They fought in Maui before taking off and then again in kona when we landed. It was insane. The copilot was very nice though.
When we landed in Kona and I was walking away I saw 3 Mexicans waiting for their flight and I thought wow, so many Mexicans have died in threes throughout time, like «3 Mexicans died in Yosemite when they got stranded in winter,» or «3 Mexicans died in the dessert, crossing,» and I thought wow if the plane goes down it’ll be 3 Mexicans dying aging with those guys. But the funny thing was, in our flight coming back to kona, it was my wife, my son and me as the three Mexicans in the flight that would’ve gone down, lol, everybody else was haole. Like the movie the sixth sense where Bruce Willis had been dead all along. I’m thinking those three Mexicans are gonna die, but it was actually me that was gonna die. Twist ending you know?

This is a super fun way to travel, although not everyone will like their 9 passenger planes. When you check in, they weigh you and what you are carrying on. They seat passengers by calling out your name and assigning you the row number, 4 rows and the bench across the back. The airline is situated away from the main terminal, but the rental cars will find you just fine. The pilot turns around and gives you the safety instructions and because everyone has a window seat, the views are AWESOME! Unlike other airlines, if it has wheels, it is NOT a carryon. The baggage fees are cheaper than other airlines. We checked 3 bags (they only charge if they weigh over 25 pounds) and we paid for two bags, $ 30.
Island hopping is fun, give it a try for a day or two.

The Kapalua Airport is about 2 miles from my house, very convenient! I’ve only flown Mokulele airline twice. The first time the plane arrived late.(20 or 30 minutes) We are all seated and ready to go when the Pilot turns to us and says” the guy before us screwed us and didn’t refuel, we’ll have to fly to the other side of the Island and re-​fuel.” I thought it was a joke! No joke! I was very late for my appointment. I wrote Mokulele airlines their rely was. «As the delay was brief however, no compensation is warranted as Mokulele’s policy is to consider compensation for delays beyond four hours. «The plane ride is only 45 minutes!
I could understand if the delay was due to weather, mechanical problems or acts above and beyond, but not fueling the plane, come on!
«Island Air» which is 45 minutes from my home is much better. I’ve flown with them a few times, on time, larger planes and the company seems to have a better plan of operations.
I flew with them the last time today, both going and coming over 30+ minutes, but under 4 hours!

2÷5÷2015: 1 month after our trip, 4 – 5 lengthy phone calls and we are told that the company is not liable for any delays occurring as per their website. FYI the delay occurred because the airline did not maintain their equipment properly.
Imagine being laughed at on the phone when you call their bluff… talk about being ethical
Jan 2015:
Horrible customer service. There was no TSA check yet their website states that carry-​on luggage needs to meet TSA standards. Also the agent made us pay for carry-​on bags just because they were a few pounds over and could be adjusted around. They were very curt and muffled about the process. in the end we paid $ 50.
The flight was delayed due to «technical reasons» but no one cared to inform us of the delay nor was there any clarity whether we will take off or not.
Finally after a two hour wait, they scrambled another plane to take us to our destination.
We asked for compensation and the staff on duty has promised that they will refund us the $ 50 for the check in bags… I will update this post if I get something.

OK, so I booked on Mokulele from OGG to HNL. One star, we made it!
–1 star I was charged $ 15 for a carryon bag (because it had wheels), it was a back pack with rollers. Since there is no overhead on a Cessna Caravan, where else would it go but in the belly. Just ripping people off and there was no mention on the Kayak booking I did.
–3 stars because the gate agent was rude, dismissive and just a jerk. So sorry I interrupted her chitchat to check in.
At the end of the day I could have taken a CRJ for the same price with better service and no bag fees.
Lesson learned, stay away from these guys. I will never fly them again, there are plenty of options.

Mokulele Airlines is awesome! We flew from Maui to Moloka’i and the views were spectacular! Every seat has a view — and sitting on the left side proved to be the best! The pilot did a great job — nice smooth flight, professional and caring! Fees are a bit steep for heavy travelers, but not bad when you pack light! Hey, it’s going to Molokai, and HI!
Coming back — from Molokai to Oahu, the same deal — GREAT flight with a great view! Only wish they flew to Kaua’i! Aloha!

The flight from Maui to Kona was just fine… on time and great service.
On the trip from Kona to Maui, we arrived about an hour before the flight to drop off the rental vehicle. We ended up waiting another two hours for our plane and just barely made our connecting flight home. We understand that there are delays and technical difficulties, but at least give us a reason why! Asking the folks at the counter for information was like pulling teeth.

Very small airline where you can check-​in 30 minutes before the flight and still be okay. No security checking bags or anything. There is a fee to check-​in bags, but is waived for active duty personnel.
Our flight was scheduled to leave at 12:50 pm from Kona to Kahului, Maui, but we didn’t leave until 1:20 pm. No one really informed us that our flight was delayed, but I kept asking the front desk just to make sure.
The plane was a 9 passenger little plane with 2 pilots. If you sit in the back (row 5), you get the whole seat to yourself and have awesome views of the islands while flying. The plane was small and loud, but the pilots were good and informative as to what we should expect.
I would fly with Mokulele again in the future. If you’re flying to another airport to catch another plane to your final destination, just make sure you have ample time before your final flight leaves. We had 2.5 hours, but after making it to Maui and going through customs and security, we made it to the gate 15 minutes before boarding time.

Absolutely terrible customer service. The staff at the check in was chatting on the phone while checking us in. Also, the flights are frequently delayed and they charge for water. Please avoid this airline if possible. Fly Hawaiin or any other
airline instead.

I flew Mokulele for the first time a few weeks ago for a trip from Kona to Maui. My friends had flown with them before and raved about the flight. The plane is a
9 seater Cessna, which makes it almost like you are flying on your own private plane. The flight in to OGG was a bit scary due to high winds, but flight back to Kona was smooth and uneventful. Both flights left near the scheduled time, and with friendly pilots and support staff.
PROs:
Affordable ticket price
Small flight
No TSA
Free commuter parking for 1 week at Kona airport. (Saves $ 60)
Cookie and Water at check-​in
Flys low along shoreline resulting in great arial photo ops.
CONS:
$ 15 per bag over 15lbs.
Small plane so it can get bumpy.
Overall, more PROs than CONS. I tend to prefer the larger planes, but I would consider flying Mokulele again if the price was right, or if I was flying light. That $ 15
for bag over 15lbs is a stinker.

This is like your own personal airline. It’s a 9 seaters & each person gets his/​her own personal beautiful view of the Hawai’i. We flew from Maui to Kona and it was a quick, nice trip. Check in was easy, but too bad we had to pay an extra $ 15 for our luggage being over 15lbs.
The view of the land, water, and clouds were wonderful. We even got to see couple of the whales flipped in the ocean upon coming to a descend. NICE!

Yes the service is fast… sometimes. But that’s because the flights are usually small.
My biggest problem with Mokulele is that they are OFTEN delayed. Boo!
It’s so sad that they now charge for water to and from locations. Shouldn’t water be free? Don’t we live on an island?

Good airline.
I took a flight from Kahului to Honoulu as a connection back to San Francisco.
For those trying to find the check-​in counter, please make sure you don’t go to the main terminal. This is located in the smaller terminal, for much smaller planes.
Cujstomer service was very kind and nice, and was able to change my flight to an earlier one with no issues.
Recommended!