Inter-island carriers.

Question

What airlines is/are the major carriers for inter-island flights? Is it still Hawaiian? Or is it Alaska? Both? I guess I could do some looking, but im taking the easy way.

Thank you!

Answer

For inter-island flights within Hawaii, there are a few key carriers to know about. Hawaiian Airlines is still the largest and most established, offering frequent flights between all the major islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. They have a strong reputation for reliability, decent service, and flexible scheduling.

Alaska Airlines also operates inter-island flights, particularly after their acquisition of smaller carriers in Hawaii. They tend to cover many of the same routes as Hawaiian Airlines and may offer competitive pricing or different schedule options.

Other options include smaller regional carriers, though they have more limited routes:

Mokulele Airlines – mainly smaller planes for shorter hops, sometimes connecting less-served airports.
Surf Air (limited operations) – occasionally used for specific routes or charter-type flights.

Tips for booking inter-island flights:

Book early, especially if traveling during peak tourist seasons, as flights can fill up quickly.
Compare both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for schedules and prices; loyalty points can sometimes influence your choice.
Check baggage policies ahead of time; Hawaiian allows one free checked bag on inter-island flights for most fares, which can be a savings over other carriers.

Overall, Hawaiian Airlines remains the go-to carrier for inter-island flights, but Alaska Airlines is a solid alternative with similar coverage and competitive rates.