GREAT EATS HAWAII: OHANA BY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

OHANA BY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

HONOLULU TO LANAI

Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines is a big name, but it does not stop there. It is actually Empire Airlines Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines. Did not know this but it is actually Empire Airlines you are flying and the planes are just branded Ohana. The ATR-42-500 Dual Prop planes that seat 48 passengers are perfect for jumping to Lanai but when you hit turbulence as we did these little planes rock and roll. We had a rollercoaster ride flying into Lanai with the plane dipping sharply for a few minutes. I looked back at the Flight Attendant and she was all smiles. That calmed me for a second. We landed safely at what is my favorite airport. I can recall when Kauai and Maui had similar airports that were small, simple and the baggage was hand loaded onto the racks where you pick them up. Not much going on in the terminal. Not even a coffee stand or vending machine. When you get your bags your on your own. There are no taxis, Uber or Lyft on Lanai. There is however Rabacca's Van Service which I highly recommend. There is usually a van awaiting each flight but if there is not you can call them and they usually arrive within 20 minutes. The fare is $10 per person no matter where you go on the Island. Go to the Manele Bay Hotel and it is $10. Go to Lanai City and it is $10. Go to the old Lodge at Koele and it is $10. The drivers are all local Lanai residents who grew up on the Island. They are all gracious and love to talk and tell stories about the Island or their family. Seems like everyone on the Island knows everyone here so when you meet one person you are automatically introduced to most of the people they know. This is old Hawaii and I love it!