Summary

  • Hawaiian Airlines dominates the inter-island market, with daily flights connecting major and minor island destinations.
  • Southwest Airlines offers competitive pricing, free checked bags, and in-flight entertainment on inter-island routes.
  • Mokulele Airlines specializes in scenic flights to smaller airports, catering to niche needs in Hawaii’s inter-island travel.

Hawaii’s unique geography makes air travel essential for inter-island connectivity. For locals and tourists, hopping between the islands involves several airlines offering frequent and reliable services. We’re exploring the carriers providing inter-island flights, highlighting the routes, aircraft types, and services available in June 2024, as well as the couple of airlines that have ceased these operations.

Main carriers for inter-island flights

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s largest and longest-serving airline, dominating the inter-island market. The airline operates an average of 170 daily flights, connecting major island destinations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

A Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 flying over Honolulu.

Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

Key Routes:

  • Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG)
  • Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH)
  • Honolulu (HNL) to Kona (KOA)
  • Honolulu (HNL) to Hilo (ITO)
  • Kahului (OGG) to to Kona (KOA)
  • Kahului (OGG) to Lihue (LIH)
  • Kona (KOA) to Lihue (LIH)

Aircraft Types:

  • Boeing 717-200: This aircraft is the backbone of Hawaiian Airlines’ inter-island fleet. It is configured with 128 seats, including eight first-class and 120 economy seats. The 717-200 is renowned for its reliability and efficiency on short-haul routes, and its compact size and robust performance make it ideal for frequent short hops between Hawaiian islands. The aircraft’s high dispatch reliability helps to ensure minimal delays, which is critical to maintaining Hawaiian Airlines’ tight schedule.
  • Airbus A321neo: Occasionally deployed on busier routes, providing more capacity and comfort, the A321neo helps Hawaiian Airlines maintain competitive pricing with enhanced fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

Hawaiian Airlines is known for its punctuality, excellent service, and aloha — including complimentary drinks like POG juice and coffee. On select flights, passengers may also have access to in-flight entertainment.

Related

Hawaii Hops For $39: Southwest Locks In Cheap Interisland Fare Through Year End

Southwest will continue to offer its low fare for interisland Hawaii flights through the end of the year.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines entered the Hawaiian market in 2019 and quickly became a major player in inter-island travel. Known for its customer-friendly policies regarding checked baggage and competitive pricing, Southwest now offers extensive inter-island services.

Southwest Airlines' Boeing 737 Imua One is painted with a special livery for Hawaii
Photo: Southwest Airlines

Key Routes:

  • Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG)
  • Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH)
  • Honolulu (HNL) to Kona (KOA)
  • Honolulu (HNL) to Hilo (ITO)
  • Kahului (OGG) to Kona (KOA)
  • Kahului (OGG) to Lihue (LIH)
  • Kona (KOA) to Lihue (LIH)

Aircraft Types:

  • Boeing 737-800: Used for most inter-island routes, providing a comfortable and spacious experience.
  • Boeing 737 MAX 8: Deployed for routes requiring more capacity and efficiency.

According to Southwest Airlines, their inter-island flights include benefits like free checked bags (first two bags), no change fees, and in-flight entertainment, even on short routes. Their reliable service and flexibility make them a popular choice among tourists and locals alike.

Mokulele Airlines

Mokulele Airlines specializes in providing service to smaller airports and more remote destinations within Hawaii. This regional carrier focuses on connecting smaller communities and offering scenic flights between the islands.

White Cessna aircraft with Mokulele painted in red on the side and a red tail flying through blue sky

Photo: Mokulele Airlines

Key Routes:

  • Honolulu (HNL) to Molokai (MKK)
  • Kahului (OGG) to Hana (HNM)
  • Kona (KOA) to Lanai (LNY)
  • Honolulu (HNL) to Kapalua (JHM)
  • Kona (KOA) to Kahului (OGG)
  • Hilo (ITO) to Kahului (OGG)

Aircraft Types:

  • Cessna Grand Caravan: This versatile aircraft is designed for short, low-capacity flights, perfect for Mokulele’s niche routes.

According to Hawaii-guide.com, the Grand Caravan seats up to 9 passengers and offers excellent visibility of Hawaii’s scenic landscapes, making it popular for locals and tourists. Its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways expands Mokulele’s reach to remote areas that larger aircraft can’t access. The Caravan’s rugged design and reliability ensure consistent services even in challenging weather conditions.

Mokulele’s flights offer stunning aerial views of Hawaii’s diverse landscapes, providing a unique and intimate flying experience. The airline is known for its frequent flights and access to less-traveled destinations.

Flight data for June 2024

According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, the following data represents the inter-island flight operations for June 2024:

Hawaii’s inter-island flight data
Photo: Simple Flying

This data highlights Hawaiian Airlines as the leading carrier for inter-island flights, followed by Mokulele Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Each airline caters to different needs, from large-scale operations to niche services.

If you’re thinking of island hopping in Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines offers on average 170 daily flights between the Hawaiian Islands.

Former inter-island carriers

Ohana by Hawaiian

Ohana by Hawaiian, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Airlines, provided essential services to smaller communities, including routes to Molokai and Lanai. However, operations ceased in 2021 due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restructuring efforts by Hawaiian Airlines. This discontinuation left a gap in the market for reliable service to these smaller islands.

'Ohana ATR
Hawaiian Airlines will not offer other services to ‘Ohana destinations. Mokulele Airlines will continue to serve the destinations.

Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

Island Air

Once a key player in Hawaii’s inter-island market, Island Air ceased operations in 2017. The airline faced financial difficulties and couldn’t compete effectively with larger carriers like Hawaiian Airlines and new entrants like Southwest Airlines. Island Air’s closure impacted the availability of flights between smaller islands and major hubs, pushing passengers to seek alternatives.

Related

End Of An Era: Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Turboprop ‘Ohana Services

Pacific Wings

Pacific Wings was another carrier that served inter-island routes, mainly focusing on smaller airports and less-traveled routes. The airline stopped operations in 2014 after struggling with regulatory issues and competition from larger airlines. Pacific Wings’ departure further reduced options for inter-island travel, especially for less popular destinations.

Highlighting the benefits of inter-island travel

Hawaii’s inter-island flights are essential for connecting the state’s diverse islands, offering a range of services to suit different needs. Whether flying with Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, or Mokulele Airlines, passengers can expect frequent, reliable, and enjoyable travel experiences. Air travel remains the most practical way to navigate the Hawaiian islands, so these carriers are essential in maintaining connectivity and vibrancy.

Stay updated with our comprehensive reviews and insights into airline services. Share your inter-island travel experiences with us in the comments below, and follow us for the latest news and features in the world of aviation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *