Mokulele Airlines Completes Maui Commuter Terminal Renovation Project

Mokulele Airlines has completed a long-awaited facelift of its Kahului Commuter Terminal. A blessing ceremony held for a small number of invitees included remarks from the airline’s original founder and Hawaii Island native Kawehi Inaba and Southern Airways Corporation Chairman and CEO Stan Little. Southern, along with its Hawaiian investors, have operated Mokulele since 2019.

Mokulele used local trade professionals and locally-sourced materials to complete the renovation. The remodel effort features a modern tropical theme with digital monitors, bamboo facades, new counters, and updated signage. “We felt it important to upgrade the passenger experience at Maui,” said Little. “Kahului is poised to be a very popular connection point for people commuting between the islands when the inter-island travel restrictions are lifted.”

“I can’t remember if there has ever been a renovation with this level of investment at this terminal,” said Marvin Moniz, airport district manager for Maui, “I am truly appreciative of the commitment Mokulele has shown this last year.”

In addition to unveiling the new terminal, Mokulele touted the company’s commitment to its 200 Hawaii-based employees by stating that even in the worst times of the pandemic, no employee was furloughed, laid off, or suffered a loss of benefits.

Mokulele used the terminal dedication ceremony as a venue to announce brand-new daily service between Kahului and Hilo. The four-times-a-day service will be the only non-stop flights between the two airports when the flights begin on April 19. The flights will depart from the Hilo commuter terminal, which Mokulele hopes to have renovated in time for the inaugural flight.