Fun Takes Off at Mokulele Airlines’ AfterHours

By Fern Gavelek, photos by Seth Feldman

NETWORKING—Against the backdrop of a setting sun and commuter terminal traffic, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce (KKCC) August AfterHours was on schedule for non-stop networking and noshing. Pupus by The Feeding Leaf were enjoyed accompanied by the guitar and vocal stylings of Sonny Lim. The silverware, plates, cups and other products were donated by Sustainable Island Products. Liquid aloha was donated by Kona Brewing Company.

The Chamber’s monthly pau hana was hosted by Mokulele Airlines, located at the
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Throughout the two-hour
event, Keith Sisson of Mokulele gifted tickets to lucky attendees for any of the
airline’s destinations.

“Mokulele serves more cities in Hawai‘i than any other carrier,” Sisson noted. He
said there are currently a dozen daily flights to Maui from Kona and it will be
increased to 15 by October 15. “We have a Ka‘amaina Discount happening for seven
select flights for $49 one way. Use the code 2Pilots,” he instructed.

Mokulele was founded in 1994 by Kona’s Kawehi Inaba and today it is a Southern
Airways Company. Sisson said Inaba is again part of the Mokulele team and the
airline recently opened a new, air-conditioned customer lounge at the Kona
commuter terminal. Attendees were invited to view the comfy, new lounge to “cool
off.” Find the flight schedule at https://www.mokuleleairlines.com.
The next AfterHours is hosted by Hospice of Kona 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Signup at www.kona-kohala.com or phone 329-1758.




AFTERHOURS HOSTS—Greeting arrivals to Mokulele Airline’s August AfterHours were from left front: Mark Cestari of Boston; Lanu Langhi of Maui; Alyse Perry and Jeff McCoy of Kona. From back left: Keith Sisson, Ashley Wright, Kawehi Inaba and Malia Louis of Kona, plus Rob McKinney of Maui.