A new bill introduced in Hawaii’s legislature has sparked renewed debate over airline service options for one of the state’s islands. At the center of the discussion is whether expanding the Molokai airport runway could bring back larger aircraft and increase regular jet service and competition. Hawaiian Airlines, which previously cited runway limitations as a barrier to operating there, may have a reason to reconsider if the proposed changes move forward.
Why this bill could change Hawaii flights.
Hawaii’s Senate Bill 1570 directs the state’s Department of Transportation to design a plan to extend the Molokai airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft. Lawmakers supporting the bill argue that the current runway length restricts airline choices and has left travelers with unreliable service.
The island currently depends on Mokulele Airlines for scheduled flights, and residents and visitors alike have faced repeated cancellations, delays, and limited alternatives. In the most severe cases, residents have resorted to boat travel to reach essential services. Supporters believe the expansion could stabilize air service, improve reliability, and create conditions that attract additional airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines’ previous statement on the runway limitation.
Hawaiian Airlines has pointed to the airport’s short runway as a fundamental reason it cannot operate there. CEO Joe Sprague previously explained that the 48-seat ATR-42 aircraft Hawaiian once used for this route is no longer part of the airline’s fleet. Without a longer runway, its current aircraft cannot land and depart there safely.
“If the runway were longer, we could reconsider our position,” said Joe Sprague in a past interview regarding service to Molokai. This statement suggests that infrastructure changes could shift the airline’s calculations, though no commitments have been made.
There is a debate over whether this plan will work.
State transportation officials have expressed mixed views on the bill’s effectiveness. While acknowledging the need for improved air service, the Hawaii Department of Transportation has raised concerns about the project’s feasibility. Officials noted that a Federal Aviation Administration cost-benefit analysis may not justify the investment, and there is no confirmed airline ready to commit to service, even if the runway were to be extended.
Beyond regulatory concerns, industry observers point out that airlines evaluate multiple factors beyond infrastructure. Expanding the runway does not guarantee new service unless a carrier sees long-term profitability and sustainable demand.
What this means for travelers.
If another airline entered the market, for discussion sake Hawaiian/Alaska, it could create new travel opportunities for visitors and residents. Expanded flight options could mean greater reliability and fewer disruptions, addressing longstanding frustrations with cancellations and limited schedules. The potential for more competitive pricing is also a factor, though airfares depend on market conditions beyond just infrastructure.
For the island itself, Hawaiian Airlines’ return—or another competitor’s—would mark a major shift in its travel landscape. How residents would respond to increased air service remains an open question. Some may welcome more connectivity, while others could have concerns about changes to the island’s character and accessibility. Even if air service did increase, there is a lack of visitor infrastructure on Molokai, including accommodations.
Molokai Ranch ceased its hotel, golf course, and other operations in 2008, following years of financial struggles and local opposition to its development plans. The company had also proposed a controversial luxury development at Laau Point, which encountered pushback from Molokai residents concerned about preserving the island’s unique rural lifestyle and natural resources. The property remained largely unused, though various proposals have been made over the years to redevelop parts of the ranch.
The next steps.
The bill (below) has cleared key legislative hurdles, but its future remains uncertain. Before the runway expansion can proceed, lawmakers must secure funding and broader political support.
If approved, this project could reshape the island’s travel options and potentially pave the way for Hawaiian Airlines to return. However, whether the airline follows through depends on much more than an expanded runway.
We welcome your input!
Lead Photo – taken by Beat of Hawaii on arrival to Molokai.
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Please leave molokai alone, it will destroy the echosphere, natural beauty for ever.
Interesting dilemma. Those residents who are opposed to negative effects of increased tourism/development then won’t be to enjoy the upgraded service options for their own inter-island travels.
I was fortunate to have visited when Ohana by Hawaiian still operated to MKK. I don’t have too much confidence in Mokulele’s operations.
Honestly, they don’t know how good they already have it. You think it’s hard getting in and out of Molokai, try getting in and out of Atka, AK. Look it up. And if you do find a flight, look up how often the flight actually flies.
Molokai and many other Hawaiian communities: same song, different verse! you can keep the country country and live with services the market will provide. If you want the rest of the state to subsidize (or tourist) your country lifestyle, you have to give up a little. Sorry to say, you cant have your cake and eat it to. Maybe a twice a week ferry would be a good idea, but there will be opposition to that as well.
No big jets on Molokai. Keep the country country.
I have a feeling it’s not going to happen. I’ve been to Moloka’i, and the locals are very serious about protecting “their” island. To the point they’d rather suffer economically than open up
I think it would be a priority to also put money in the budget for a back-up generator at the Lihue airport. A few weeks ago the power went out in the area around the airport and also created a outage at the airport. So what happened to my friends at the airport. They were all checked in and the flight crew was on the other side of TSA check point. The plane was delayed for a couple hours until the power was restored. I don’t how it affected the take off and landing of planes. Might want to check in to what happened. Mahalo
BOH, do you think Hawaiian service is actually viable? Hard to imagine that there’s a commercial case for running 128-seat planes (HA’s 717). Molokai has a population of 7,000 whom are by far the poorest of any island. HTA visitor count for 2024 was 29,844 (probably over 10% we’re just in the couples around Molokai Hoe), so their roundtrip flight usage was average 164/day. Tourism numbers were much higher (3x) in the 1990s, but the residents’ consensus seems fully against any additional tourism development. How does this all add up to viable 717 service??? Once a day service? Molokai as a stop-over between HNL and OGG? Seems more than disingenuous of Hawaiian to suggest they *might* serve Molokai.
What a waste. there just isn’t enough demand to try and lure another airline to Molokai. Expanding the runway would just be a waste of money
We used to fly to Lanai on Hawaiian Airlines regularly. The route was Honolulu, Molokai, Lanai and return to Honolulu. At that time (late 1990’s early 2000’s) Hawaiian was flying the route with DC-9’s (basically same as B-717). Landing on Lanai after one flight, I noticed it took every foot of the runway to land the aircraft. When exiting the jet, I had a conversation with one of the pilots and he said that when there were no trade winds, it made landing on Molokai and Lanai a challenge, especially Molokai because of the airport location in proximity to mountain terrain. It was not long after that Hawaiian ceased operations to those islands, leaving only Island Air (now defunct) flying De Havilland Dash-8’s and Mokulele’s Grand Caravan’s.
I flew HNL MKK on a Hawaiian DC-9 back in the ’80’s. I wonder what changed with the airport?
Probably safety?
If locals really don’t want more tourists, and I’ve been there, enjoyed the peacefulness, they could use the runway extension money to instead make the existing service more reliable.
Don’t waste the money, Molakai doesn’t want a tourists to visit the island.
Yeah, they seem to just want a nice, big jet for the residents to go to the doctor and everyone else can stay away.
I have been there. I would not call it a place that a lot of tourists would want to go. There really is not much to do there. Shopping and accommodations are very limited.
Locals really like the fact that the place is not overrun with tourists.
There are a few nice hikes. Hunting for Axis deer is really good.
Nice catch on the update gentleman.
That’s what they said about Princeville 50 years ago.