44 thoughts on “What Went Wrong With All The Airlines of Hawaii”
Jay
Most issues are employee/maintenance related. Most maintenance done off island. Getting qualified pilots and mechanics.
Because of the Honolulu runway issues, stop at the other islands (Kona, Maui) first to drop off or pick up passengers then go to Honolulu ( until the runway is completed).
Better yet, bring back the super ferry. Would love to take our car to Oahu for a few days then come back to the Big Island.
Great article, brings back lots of memories. I was in the USAF stationed on the Big Island from 72′ to 74′ and flew military on tiny winy, very low flights, an adventure every time.
Air Molokai operated 2 DC-3s and Cessna 402s. I was privileged to fly both of their DC-3s. I had won a weekend on Molokai. Air Molokai was the airline I flew. I flew on 13 Apr 84 on C-47A-DK N104RP. The return flight was 2 days later on Cessna 402A N9283Z.
I also flew on Air Molokai’s C-53 on 17 Dec 86. This was a flight celebrating the 50th anniversary of the DC-3. The registration was N162E.
I noticed 2 airlines missing from your list: Air Hawaii and Oahu Kauai Airlines (OK Air).
Air Hawaii should not be confused with another airline with the same name that flew DC-10s to the mainland.
I flew their Cessna 402s on 19 Oct 77 (N7800Q HNL-LIH N4061Q (LIH-HPV (Princeville, Kauai)-HNL. I also flew them on 29 Apr 79 from HNL to MKK (N9283Z)
OK Air also operated Cessna 402s. I flew their N440 on 6 Jun 76 from LIH to HNL. If I recall correctly, they became Princeville Airways (as mentioned under the Island Airlines entry above).
Its interesting to see Hawaiian Airs latest TV ads touting their Hawaiian roots and culture. If they really cared that much about hawaii they would serve the small airports in Hawaii. They would still be charging 200 bucks for inter Island flight were it not for SWA
I remember Air Molokai. Thew flew 2 DC-3s and several Cessna 402s.
I won a trip to Molokai in 1984 The flight on 13 Apr 84 from Honolulu to Molokai was on a C-47A-DK (DC–3), registration N104RP. The return flight was on a Cessna 402a (registration N9283Z).
I flew their other DC-3 on 17 Dec 86. This was a flight from Honolulu to Diamond Head and back. It was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the DC-3. This on a C-53 N162E.
Sorry guys, my fingers were on their own for a word or two.
Mahalo Nui Loa for all your amazing coverage of our beautiful land of Aloha. What happened that day at the airport was a stark reminder that we’re mere mortals.
It’s made me a more thankful person ever since.
I’m especially thankful for you.
Would the Webmasters consider producing a future segment on the extreme challenges facing inter island aeromedical transport? That is something that affects all of us, potentially, on an equal basis. Locals and tourists alike on these sister islands (everything other than Oahu) could need a sudden transfer to Oahu for advanced medical care. There are continued shortages of pilots and crews, and even aircraft, which make transfers frequently very difficult. Mahalo.
Once again Beat of Hawaii, a stellar article on the carriers on and throughout our beautiful islands.
Hawai’ian airlines is still the most amazing of all.
I’ll never forget Aloha Airlines.
Flying with them for a lot of flights. I remember the coupon books for the interisland flights. (Some only $20 a flight)
I’ll also never forget the air-raid sirens while shopping at the mall in Kahalui, looking up and seeing that gaping hole in the side. (Horrible, but I also remember being thankful it wasn’t bombs coming in) It was really hard to look at that plane sitting on the side of the tarmac for many months, waiting for the FAA to finish the investigation. It was a stark of mortality.
Mahalo for the awesome reporting! Stay safe and blessed 🌺🌺
I lived on Oahu (Schofield) from December ’86 to December ’90, and I remember Aloha airlines fondly. I definitely preferred flying them inter-island and only flew Hawaiian when it was part of a day tour (remember Akamai?) package.
I even flew into Maui shortly after the convertible 737 accident and saw the plane on the ground there, with the “Aloha” on its tail obscured by a tarp. I remember something similar being done to the Exxon ship that ran aground at Barbers Point a year later.
I missed most of the other airlines it appears. I hope Southwest can successfully fill the niche left when Aloha went under.
Most issues are employee/maintenance related. Most maintenance done off island. Getting qualified pilots and mechanics.
Because of the Honolulu runway issues, stop at the other islands (Kona, Maui) first to drop off or pick up passengers then go to Honolulu ( until the runway is completed).
Better yet, bring back the super ferry. Would love to take our car to Oahu for a few days then come back to the Big Island.
Great article, brings back lots of memories. I was in the USAF stationed on the Big Island from 72′ to 74′ and flew military on tiny winy, very low flights, an adventure every time.
Air Molokai operated 2 DC-3s and Cessna 402s. I was privileged to fly both of their DC-3s. I had won a weekend on Molokai. Air Molokai was the airline I flew. I flew on 13 Apr 84 on C-47A-DK N104RP. The return flight was 2 days later on Cessna 402A N9283Z.
I also flew on Air Molokai’s C-53 on 17 Dec 86. This was a flight celebrating the 50th anniversary of the DC-3. The registration was N162E.
I noticed 2 airlines missing from your list: Air Hawaii and Oahu Kauai Airlines (OK Air).
Air Hawaii should not be confused with another airline with the same name that flew DC-10s to the mainland.
I flew their Cessna 402s on 19 Oct 77 (N7800Q HNL-LIH N4061Q (LIH-HPV (Princeville, Kauai)-HNL. I also flew them on 29 Apr 79 from HNL to MKK (N9283Z)
OK Air also operated Cessna 402s. I flew their N440 on 6 Jun 76 from LIH to HNL. If I recall correctly, they became Princeville Airways (as mentioned under the Island Airlines entry above).
Its interesting to see Hawaiian Airs latest TV ads touting their Hawaiian roots and culture. If they really cared that much about hawaii they would serve the small airports in Hawaii. They would still be charging 200 bucks for inter Island flight were it not for SWA
I remember Air Molokai. Thew flew 2 DC-3s and several Cessna 402s.
I won a trip to Molokai in 1984 The flight on 13 Apr 84 from Honolulu to Molokai was on a C-47A-DK (DC–3), registration N104RP. The return flight was on a Cessna 402a (registration N9283Z).
I flew their other DC-3 on 17 Dec 86. This was a flight from Honolulu to Diamond Head and back. It was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the DC-3. This on a C-53 N162E.
Sorry guys, my fingers were on their own for a word or two.
Mahalo Nui Loa for all your amazing coverage of our beautiful land of Aloha. What happened that day at the airport was a stark reminder that we’re mere mortals.
It’s made me a more thankful person ever since.
I’m especially thankful for you.
Stay safe and blessed.
Always
Hi Pam.
Believe us, the feeling is more than mutual! Thank you.
Aloha.
Would the Webmasters consider producing a future segment on the extreme challenges facing inter island aeromedical transport? That is something that affects all of us, potentially, on an equal basis. Locals and tourists alike on these sister islands (everything other than Oahu) could need a sudden transfer to Oahu for advanced medical care. There are continued shortages of pilots and crews, and even aircraft, which make transfers frequently very difficult. Mahalo.
Hi Eldo.
Thanks. And yes. Can you offer any assistance?
Aloha.
I probably could.
Once again Beat of Hawaii, a stellar article on the carriers on and throughout our beautiful islands.
Hawai’ian airlines is still the most amazing of all.
I’ll never forget Aloha Airlines.
Flying with them for a lot of flights. I remember the coupon books for the interisland flights. (Some only $20 a flight)
I’ll also never forget the air-raid sirens while shopping at the mall in Kahalui, looking up and seeing that gaping hole in the side. (Horrible, but I also remember being thankful it wasn’t bombs coming in) It was really hard to look at that plane sitting on the side of the tarmac for many months, waiting for the FAA to finish the investigation. It was a stark of mortality.
Mahalo for the awesome reporting! Stay safe and blessed 🌺🌺
I lived on Oahu (Schofield) from December ’86 to December ’90, and I remember Aloha airlines fondly. I definitely preferred flying them inter-island and only flew Hawaiian when it was part of a day tour (remember Akamai?) package.
I even flew into Maui shortly after the convertible 737 accident and saw the plane on the ground there, with the “Aloha” on its tail obscured by a tarp. I remember something similar being done to the Exxon ship that ran aground at Barbers Point a year later.
I missed most of the other airlines it appears. I hope Southwest can successfully fill the niche left when Aloha went under.