Flight Review: Mokulele Airlines – Lanai (LNY) to Honolulu (HNL)

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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.

YouTube player

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.

a building with a large stone pot and a stone vase

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.

a large land with a body of water

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.

a small airplane on a runway

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.

Looking for a place to stay in Honolulu? Check out our latest hotel reviews for top recommendations.

Related

Brandon Hughes
Brandon Hugheshttp://hawaiicalling.com/
Aloha, and welcome. Your journey around the web has brought you here, and I’m grateful for the chance to share a bit about Hawaiʻi with you. I do my best to provide thoughtful insights on hotels, airlines, dining, and the ever-evolving travel scene in Hawaiʻi. I grew up in Kaʻalaea on Oʻahu, surrounded by the beauty and complexity of Hawaiʻi, which shaped how I see the world and connect with it. As a native Hawaiian and someone who works in airline industry, I’ve always been drawn to understanding the details—whether it’s about travel, culture, or the people who make it all happen. I travel extensively across the islands, seeking out what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s truly worth sharing. From the latest hotel openings to restaurant reviews and updates on travel trends, I aim to bring you accurate, first-hand insights you can trust. For a closer look, you can also find me on YouTube, where I dive deeper with visual reviews and updates. My hope is that this space helps you connect with Hawaiʻi in a meaningful way, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.

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