Lāna‘i Air launches daily Moloka‘i route

Lāna‘i Air, operated by Western Aircraft, Inc., launched a new route connecting Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. The expanded service between Moloka‘i Airport (MKK) in Ho‘olehua and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu includes four daily flights serviced by a Cessna SkyCourier, a twin engine turboprop airplane with a spacious cabin that seats 19 passengers.

For added safety, each flight is operated by two pilots. A passenger ramp allows for greater accessibility during boarding.

“We’ve seen many requests over the years to add more service to Moloka‘i,” said Hawai‘i State Sen. Lynn DeCoite. “Residents have made it clear that the need is there, so I’m glad to see that Lāna‘i Air has listened and acted to bring more options to the community.”

One-way tickets for the Moloka‘i route are priced at $169. Fares are inclusive of taxes and fees and include two complimentary checked bags, as well as amenities like airport lounge access and airport shuttle service on O‘ahu. Guests enjoy further flexibility with zero fees for changes (made at least two hours prior to departure) or cancellations (at least 48 hours prior to departure).

“Travelers value flexibility and reliability, especially when they depend on air travel for health care, work and family,” said Kurt Matsumoto, president of Pūlama Lānaʻi, Lānaʻi Air’s parent company. “We’re excited to help meet that need by providing another flight choice for residents, along with a comfortable, accessible aircraft experience.”

Guests flying to and from Moloka‘i will check in, depart and arrive at the Lānaʻi Air hangar, located at 100 Kaulele Place on O‘ahu. Complimentary shuttle service between the hangar and the main Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is available.

“There’s something special about serving the community you call home,” said Jolette Silva, Lāna‘i Air’s operations director. “We’re incredibly proud of our Moloka‘i team and the dedication they brought to every step of their training and station set up. Their deep connection to the community, commitment to our values, and passion for providing exceptional care and service make a meaningful difference every day.”

Lāna‘i Air supports the state’s Essential Rural Medical Air Transport (ERMAT) Pilot Program by providing flights between Moloka‘i and O‘ahu through Pūlama Ka Heke. For Lāna‘i residents, Pūlama Ka Heke works with Lāna‘i Kina‘ole to coordinate access to Lāna‘i Air flights between Lana‘i and O‘ahu. The $2 million state-funded initiative helps Moloia‘i and Lāna‘i residents access scheduled health care services unavailable on their home islands by providing free or subsidized interisland transportation.

“Our community has been struggling to get to medical services on other islands,” said Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello, board president of Pūlama Ka Heke. “When there is a flight delay or cancellation, oftentimes patients miss appointments that take months to coordinate. Affording us the option of more airline seats is a huge advantage for our community.”

Lāna‘i Air, operated by Western Aircraft, Inc., provides air service throughout Hawai‘i. The airline offers regularly scheduled commuter and public charter flights connecting Lāna‘i City and Moloka‘i with O‘ahu, as well as private charter service between Lāna‘i and O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. Lāna‘i Air operates Pilatus PC-12 and Cessna SkyCourier aircraft, with two pilots on every flight. To learn more, visit lanaiair.com.