`Ohana by Hawaiian Adds Maui and Oahu Flights

Photo courtesy Hawaiian Airlines

After three months of operations on Molokai, `Ohana by Hawaiian is expanding its flights from Molokai to include a daily flight to Maui and a fourth flight to Honolulu this summer.

Beginning July 8, `Ohana will offer a round trip flight to Kahului, scheduled to depart from Molokai to Maui at 8:33 a.m., and returning from Maui to Molokai at 4:41 p.m. The airline is also adding an additional round trip to Honolulu for the summer period only. Currently operating three flights daily since its launch of Molokai and Lanai services in March, `Ohana will add a flight departing Honolulu for Molokai at 7:45 a.m., and from Molokai to Honolulu at 5:30 p.m.

“Since launching `Ohana by Hawaiian earlier this year, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive response and robust demand for more service between the islands to connect our communities,” said Hadden Watt, `Ohana by Hawaiian managing director. “We are excited to answer the call for more service from our customers, offering them more convenience and flexibility when planning their neighbor island travel.”

In addition, the company — whose flights aboard three ATR-42 aircraft are operated by Empire Airlines — will also begin service between Kahului, Hilo and Kona. In an announcement last week, `Ohana stated it plans to connect more islands and offer kama`aina and visitors more options and flexibility for neighbor island travel.

Molokai Dispatch Facebook commenters had positive feedback for the airline’s announcement.

“Perfect, thank you `Ohana,” wrote Vicki Underwood, while some others expressed the hope the airlines would keep their airfare down.

“I think it’s great!” commented Laura Sharp. “I hope they keep the prices affordable to the average person!”

Maryann Manintin echoed the sentiment. “I love [the news] and don’t forget us on Kauai, we want to go Molokai too… let’s see some favorable prices.”

One-way flights between Molokai and Honolulu on `Ohana average between $70 and $115, while airfare on Molokai’s other airlines runs cheaper — $50 for Makani Kai and between $49 and $90 on Mokulele.

Still, `Ohana offers some benefits. Its larger aircraft afford easier wheelchair and handicapped accessibility and no passenger weight restrictions, while HawaiianMiles members can redeem and accumulate miles on the neighbor island flights.