Hawaii-based Airlines - Mokulele Airlines?

I was checking up on flights for my upcoming trip and found Island Air shifted my flights 2 hours, causing a bit of a headache.

Searching on Kayak, I found flights from Mokulele Airline, which I don't ever recall seeing on previous searches. Are they new? Any reports on them? I'm not sure my family would be in favor of flying a 9-seat Cesna (though a Dash-8 isn't that much better) and I don't know if it can even carry bags for a family of 4 on a 2 week trip.

I couldn't even find the phrase "Mokulele Airline" on this forum...

I'll move this from the Hawai`i forum to our Hawai`i-based Airlines forum

cblaisd
Co-Moderator, Hawai`i forum

I was checking up on flights for my upcoming trip and found Island Air shifted my flights 2 hours, causing a bit of a headache.

Searching on Kayak, I found flights from Mokulele Airline, which I don't ever recall seeing on previous searches. Are they new? Any reports on them? I'm not sure my family would be in favor of flying a 9-seat Cesna (though a Dash-8 isn't that much better) and I don't know if it can even carry bags for a family of 4 on a 2 week trip.

I couldn't even find the phrase "Mokulele Airline" on this forum...
Personally, I think there's a huge difference between a 9 seat Cessna and a 30+ seater Dash-8. Mokulele's been around for most of this decade, serving smaller markets ala Island Air until expanding with EMB-175s. Now, in addition to their commuter service to smaller destinations, they operate both the Cessnas and EMB-175s. The EMB-175s compete directly with Hawaiian/go! mainline service to the major airports, whereas the Cessna service operates to JHM/MKK/LNY, etc.

The EMB-175s compete directly with Hawaiian/go! mainline service to the major airports

CRJ-200s are mainline now? Or did you mean to say "jet service"?

CRJ-200s are mainline now? Or did you mean to say "jet service"?

"mainline" for a carrier like go/YV...

Mokulele looks like a classy outfit... at least judging by their website. I completely forgot to mention them in my recent article about go!/Aloha/Yucaipa. Maybe next time.

Here's a commercial for Mokulele... more advertising its mainline service.

http://www.mokuleleairlines.com/video.html

I just flew their Caravan 208 9-seater from Maui (OGG) to Kona yesterday, and I would highly recommend it! The non-jet Mokulele flights leave Maui from the commuter terminal - around the corner from the rental car pickup. I was able to pull the car up practically to the check-in desk, unload my luggage and check-in, then return the rental car. First piece of checked luggage is free - second piece is $17. You will be asked your weight - the check-in girl was adding up the weight of the passengers and the luggage while we were checking in. After check-in you just hang out until they are ready to board; no security check, no taking off your shoes or laptops out of the bag. All 9 passengers for our flight were there early, so our flight took off 15 minutes early. The pilot also loads and unloads the luggage, and will pack any carry-ons you don't need on the flight back with the luggage. The flight was comfortable, although if you have a strong fear of flying you might be more comfortable on a larger plane. We landed, taxied to the commuter section of the Kona airport, picked up all our luggage right along side the plane, and the pilot had called ahead to have the Hertz shuttle meet us right at the gate! This has been by far the easiest and quickest flying experience I have ever had. I would recommend it to anybody flying between islands!

Mokulele looks like a classy outfit... at least judging by their website. I completely forgot to mention them in my recent article about go!/Aloha/Yucaipa. Maybe next time.

And we always judge businesses by the quality of their websites...:D

And we always judge businesses by the quality of their websites...:D

Websites are usually a good indication though, shows how committed they are

I just flew their Caravan 208 9-seater from Maui (OGG) to Kona yesterday, and I would highly recommend it! The non-jet Mokulele flights leave Maui from the commuter terminal - around the corner from the rental car pickup. I was able to pull the car up practically to the check-in desk, unload my luggage and check-in, then return the rental car. First piece of checked luggage is free - second piece is $17. You will be asked your weight - the check-in girl was adding up the weight of the passengers and the luggage while we were checking in. After check-in you just hang out until they are ready to board; no security check, no taking off your shoes or laptops out of the bag. All 9 passengers for our flight were there early, so our flight took off 15 minutes early. The pilot also loads and unloads the luggage, and will pack any carry-ons you don't need on the flight back with the luggage. The flight was comfortable, although if you have a strong fear of flying you might be more comfortable on a larger plane. We landed, taxied to the commuter section of the Kona airport, picked up all our luggage right along side the plane, and the pilot had called ahead to have the Hertz shuttle meet us right at the gate! This has been by far the easiest and quickest flying experience I have ever had. I would recommend it to anybody flying between islands!

Glad to hear your positive review! Our party of 9 connects in OGG next week from an AA 767 to the 9 seater to Kona. The kids can't wait.

Websites are usually a good indication though, shows how committed they are

Well, YMMV, but I've had poor service from businesses that have great websites and vice versa. Mokulele has a good (but not great) website. Last time I checked, there were still several areas "under construction", which to me is a sign of laziness or cheapness.

Well, YMMV, but I've had poor service from businesses that have great websites and vice versa. Mokulele has a good (but not great) website. Last time I checked, there were still several areas "under construction", which to me is a sign of laziness or cheapness.
The OLCI feature has been "coming soon" since MW started up....

Well, YMMV, but I've had poor service from businesses that have great websites and vice versa. Mokulele has a good (but not great) website. Last time I checked, there were still several areas "under construction", which to me is a sign of laziness or cheapness.

I attribute this to frugality... considering the financial issues they had been enduring recently...

But the 'under construction' is a bit tacky...

One way from HNL to LIH. Everyone was very nice. There was some confusion when our plane pulled up to another gate. We boarded on time though but then took off late. Prolly 30 minutes late; with no explanation. I like the prices but the infrequent service and this delay have soured me a bit. OTOH, HA has really high prices on the flights I always want. :)