OHANA BY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES - HONOLULU TO LANAI

 OHANA BY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

HONOLULU TO LANAI

Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines is a big name, but it does not stop there.  It is actually Empire Airlines Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines.  Did not know this but it is actually Empire Airlines you are flying and the planes are just branded Ohana.  The ATR-42-500 Dual Prop planes that seat 48 passengers are perfect for jumping to Lanai but when you hit turbulence as we did these little planes rock and roll.  We had a rollercoaster ride flying into Lanai with the plane dipping sharply for a few minutes.  I looked back at the Flight Attendant and she was all smiles.  That calmed me for a second.  We landed safely at what is my favorite airport.  I can recall when Kauai and Maui had similar airports that were small, simple and the baggage was hand loaded onto the racks where you pick them up.  Not much going on in the terminal.  Not even a coffee stand or vending machine.  When you get your bags your on your own.  There are no taxis, Uber or Lyft on Lanai.  There is however Rabacca's Van Service which I highly recommend.  There is usually a van awaiting each flight but if there is not you can call them and they usually arrive within 20 minutes.  The fare is $10 per person no matter where you go on the Island.  Go to the Manele Bay Hotel and it is $10.  Go to Lanai City and it is $10.  Go to the old Lodge at Koele and it is $10.  The drivers are all local Lanai residents who grew up on the Island.  They are all gracious and love to talk and tell stories about the Island or their family.  Seems like everyone on the Island knows everyone here so when you meet one person you are automatically introduced to most of the people they know.  This is old Hawaii and I love it!

OHANA BY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 

THE LITTLE ATR-42-500 TURBO PROPS

A LITTLE TIGHT BUT PERFECT FOR A 30 MINUTE FLIGHT TO LANAI

THE LANAI AIRPORT

LANAI IS A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN

ISLAND AIR - HONOLULU TO LANAI

ISLAND AIR
HONOLULU TO LANAI

ISLAND AIR

800-652-6541

Customer Service Open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM 

Hawaii Time / 7 Days a Week

www.islandair.com

Island Air had some really good deals for travel between Honolulu and Lanai.  This regional carrier serves airports on all major Hawaiian Islands.  They fly smaller turboprop Dash 8 airplanes that fly at lower altitudes than jets do.  Flying lower provides passengers with spectacular views of Hawaii's natural beauty, pristine coastlines and majestic mountains.  I like the fact that Island Air is in a small terminal next to the main airport terminal in Honolulu.  The terminal has a large parking lot directly in front of the check in and baggage claim areas.  This makes getting in and out very fast and easy.  You can check your bags and clear security here in just a few minutes.  Boarding is also a breeze.  With just 37 seats, the plane boards faster than the larger jets and you are in the air without any hassles.  Once aboard you are greeted by a flight attendant who explains emergency procedures and also provides complimentary Maui grown coffee or water.  The Dash 8 has a pilot and co-pilot on board.  Our trip to Lanai was less than 20 minutes.  The flight was smooth and quiet.  Once on Lanai we walked down the steps and had our baggage is less than five minutes.  

BOARDING ISLAND AIR 37 SEAT DASH 8 TURBOPROP AIRCRAFT IN HONOLULU

ISLAND AIR TERMINAL IS ADJACENT TO HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THEY HAVE THEIR OWN PARKING LOT AND ACESSS IS FAST AND EASY

GROUND CREW WAS FRIENDLY AND CHECK IN TOOK ONLY A FEW MINUTES

THE BOSS AND SNOOPY IS READY FOR LANAI

ISLAND AIR TERMINAL HAS SMALL GIFT/SNACK SHOP, BAR AND SMALL KIOSK THAT
SERVES, COFFEE, DRINKS AND SANDWICHES

ISLAND AIR TERMINAL IN HONOLULU

ISLAND AIR DASH 8 TURBOPROP HAS PRESSURIZED CABIN AND SOFT COMFORTABLE SEATS

20 MINUTES LATER WE ARE ON THE ISLAND OF LANAI

LANAI AIRPORT - THIS IS IT.  ONE SMALL TERMINAL FOR ALL FLIGHTS

 COASTLINE VIEW OF THE ISLAND OF LANAI

COASTLINE OF LANAI WITH RUGGED CLIFFS AND NOT MANY BEACHES

Island Air Route Map