Mokulele Airlines Baggage Policy keeps things practical for short hops between Hawaiian islands. Flying on small Cessna Caravans means tighter limits than bigger jets—space and weight matter a lot with these nine-seaters. Travelers heading to Maui, Moloka‘i, Kona, or Honolulu often pack light anyway, focusing on beach gear, swimsuits, and maybe a snorkel set. The rules reflect that reality: generous carry-on for essentials, but checked bags come with fees and strict size/weight caps to keep flights balanced and safe.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance Basics

Carry-on stays free and straightforward. Each passenger gets one main carry-on piece plus a personal item. The main carry-on maxes out at dimensions around 15 inches wide by 12 inches high by 10 inches long—roughly a small rollerboard or backpack. Weight tops out at 15 pounds, no exceptions usually. That limit surprises some folks used to mainland carriers allowing 20-25 pounds, but it fits the small-plane setup.

Personal items include purses, small laptops, briefcases, or diaper bags—same size and weight restrictions apply. These go under the seat or in limited overhead space. Agents weigh and measure carry-ons at check-in if they look borderline. Enforcement varies by agent and flight load; sometimes a few extra pounds slide by, especially on lighter flights, but don't count on it.

The policy suits quick island trips. Most people manage with a daypack for snacks, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Overpacking carry-on risks gate-checking or fees—better to plan accordingly.

Checked Baggage Rules and Fees

Checked bags aren't free on Mokulele—every piece costs extra. First checked bag runs about $20, second around $30, and third or more hit $50 each. These fees apply per direction, so round-trip doubles up. Payment happens at check-in since the airline runs paperless and doesn't take cash—credit cards only.

Size limits for checked items cap at maximum outside dimensions of 30 inches wide by 15 inches high by 45 inches long. Weight maxes at 70 pounds per piece. Anything over those limits gets refused unless special arrangements exist, like for wheelchairs. Items longer than 6 feet—fishing poles, certain sports gear—often won't fly at all.

Heavy bags between 51 and 70 pounds add an extra $35 fee on top of the standard charge. Over that weight, acceptance isn't guaranteed—small planes have strict weight-and-balance needs.

Excess baggage beyond the first couple pieces might not travel with the passenger. Mokulele doesn't promise delivery for extra items that miss the flight. Travelers with lots of gear sometimes split across multiple people or ship ahead.

Special Items: Surfboards, Sports Equipment, and More

Hawaii trips often involve surfboards, golf clubs, or snorkel gear—Mokulele handles these as special baggage with fees. Sports equipment like surfboards, bicycles, golf bags, or rifle cases typically costs $35 per item, plus any standard checked fees if applicable. Size and shape restrictions apply; long items over 6 feet face rejection.

Irregular-shaped gear gets extra scrutiny for fitting in the cargo hold. Bicycles often require disassembly and special packing. Surfboards, popular for inter-island travel, need proper bagging to avoid damage—though liability stays limited per the Contract of Carriage.

Fishing poles and similar long items usually don't make it on board. Travelers with these might rent on arrival or use ground transport.

Pets and Animals in the Cabin or Cargo

Domesticated cats and dogs travel in-cabin or cargo under specific rules. Small pets fit in carriers under the seat—same carry-on size/weight limits apply (15 pounds total with carrier). Larger animals go cargo via the Wikiwiki service, with separate fees and advance booking required.

Service animals follow federal guidelines—advance notice helps. Emotional support animals don't get the same accommodations; check the latest Contract of Carriage for details.

The airline restricts certain items to protect islands like Moloka‘i from invasive species—no soil, plants, or untreated wood in baggage.

Prohibited Items and Security Notes

Standard TSA rules apply—no liquids over 3.4 ounces in carry-on unless in approved bags, no sharp objects, etc. Mokulele reserves the right to inspect suspicious items and involve law enforcement if needed.

Prohibited: illegal substances, hazardous materials, or anything endangering the flight. Firearms follow strict rules—usually not accepted on these short routes.

Check-in closes early—30 minutes before departure minimum, often 45 minutes recommended. For interline connections (like onward to mainland), claim bags at the Mokulele arrival airport and re-check with the next carrier due to security.

Tips for Smooth Baggage Handling

Pack light from the start. Many island visitors thrive with just carry-on—15 pounds covers a week's worth of light clothes, toiletries, and flip-flops. Weigh everything at home to avoid surprises.

Book checked bags early if needed—fees might rise closer to travel. For groups or families, spread bags across tickets to minimize costs.

Arrive early at smaller airports—check-in counters handle quick boarding, agents escort passengers to planes. No assigned seats, so lighter carry-on helps grab space.

For military travelers, special allowances sometimes apply—check directly. Mobility aids like wheelchairs travel free with priority.

Monitor weight distribution—small planes feel turbulence more, so secure loose items.

Why the Policy Fits Small-Plane Island Flying

Mokulele's Cessnas carry limited weight total—every pound counts for fuel, passengers, and safety. Strict rules prevent overloads and ensure balance. Frequent flights mean missing a bag rarely strands someone long—next flight often leaves soon.

The approach keeps base fares low, making spontaneous hops affordable. Fees cover operations without bloating ticket prices. Compared to Hawaiian or Southwest inter-island, Mokulele prioritizes simplicity over generous free allowances.

Travelers adapt quickly—pack versatile clothes, buy sundries on arrival, focus on experiences over stuff. The policy encourages minimalism, which suits Hawaii's laid-back vibe.

For exact current details, visit the Mokulele website's policies section or Contract of Carriage—rules update occasionally. Call reservations at (866) 260-7070 for specifics. Safe island travels!