LANI LEA
Honolulu • Hawaii
Welcome to Lani Lea Flight School
Have you ever desired to see the world from a different perspective?
Lani Lea Flight School can help you reach your dreams of flight. We strive to provide our students with safe, efficient, and timely flight training at the fairest prices on the island of Oahu. Lani Lea Flight School was named for the freedom and wonder you feel from achieving flight. Lani is a Hawaiian word meaning sky, and Lea is derived from the Hawaiian Goddess of Navigators. Our training aspires to combine adventure with the Aloha spirit. Our motto is Safe and Timely Training. Our priority is for the student to receive training to fit their schedule. We are committed to help you complete your training as quickly as you wish.
We hope you will allow us to be a part of your journey.
FLIGHT TRAINING
It’s the perfect time to learn how to fly. Whether it’s for your own enjoyment or you are following your dreams of becoming a commercial pilot, Lani Lea Flight School can take you there. Flying around the Hawaiian islands will never disappoint. You can learn to fly in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Safety is our #1 priority and we offer our services at exceptional prices.
SKY TOURS
Hawaii includes some of the most sought after island views, with breathtaking sunsets, expansive beaches with deep aqua-blue waters, active volcanos, waterfalls, migrating whales and the highest sea cliffs in the world. Seeing the islands from the perfect vantage point is what Lani Lea Sky Tours is all about. Look down on some of the most splendid sights and have memories that will last a lifetime.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Gabriel P
04:07 27 Jan 23
Receptionist and the pilot (Bronson) were awesome. Flight tour path and duration were as described on the website (no surprise)
Good experience overall.
Good experience overall.
Josh Wallace
21:08 02 Dec 22
Highly recommend the 1 hour experience flight. The absolute best way to see Oahu! Thank you to Bronson who is an amazing pilot.
Juan Silver
23:50 17 Nov 22
This flight school is awesome! Was able to get on the books quickly and was a seamless process to get to enjoy Hawaii from another point of view! Kaipo was an awesome flight instructor and gave some great pointers to help dial in the skills! I'll definitely fly through them next visit! Highly recommend any one else wanting to fly to check them out!
orange Spire
07:28 30 Sep 22
Was taking flight lessons here when I didn't really know any better. What can I say other than I felt I was just being used so my instructor could add flight hours to their book. Didn't really give any guidance on how I would go on getting a license or instruction in general.
My instructor, before they ghosted me, said they didn't have time to sign my log book for the last lesson I took with them and would sign it when they have time next time. Still waiting on when that would be. That lesson was over $300, so I guess that money is down the drain.
For those of you who don't know getting a log book signed is proof that you flew those hours and is used towards earning a license. Anyways, don't expect help from the flight school either. In summary, if you care about not wasting time/money try a different school.
My instructor, before they ghosted me, said they didn't have time to sign my log book for the last lesson I took with them and would sign it when they have time next time. Still waiting on when that would be. That lesson was over $300, so I guess that money is down the drain.
For those of you who don't know getting a log book signed is proof that you flew those hours and is used towards earning a license. Anyways, don't expect help from the flight school either. In summary, if you care about not wasting time/money try a different school.
Caroline Hayward
23:52 21 Jul 22
Absolutely amazing service! I just did a ride along with my boyfriend, and they made us feel so loved and special. They gave us snacks and juice and made it a very memorable occasion. Kindest company I’ve been to on the island. Would highly recommend. Thank you for an amazing experience!!
Jasmine Fernandez
03:04 25 Jun 22
I would put zero if I could. This school is the most unprofessional business and has absolutely no customer service. The owners do not communicate effectively, they change their rules on a whim sacrificing safety and the students have to pay for their mistakes. If you want to sink your savings into a company that does not care, look no further. But if you are seriously considering a future in aviation avoid Lani Lea.
David Vancina
15:43 02 Feb 22
I was on the island for a vacation (November 2021) and wanted to take my wife flying. I'm a pilot and aircraft owner, so I know what to look for with regard to maintenance and safety. All the necessary maintenance records were available for my inspection, and they were perfect.
Service and amenities were outstanding. Round-trip transportation from our resort, fresh baked goods available on our arrival. Very professional flight instructor took the right seat and was very accommodating to a fellow pilot. (Pilots: Be ready for tricky maneuvering when reentering the HNL area, and don't be too proud to let the instructor handle it if you're not completely comfortable with busy airspace and tight quarters.)
I would happily fly with Lani Lea again, and recommend them without reservation for anyone who wants to fly or just take a tour.
Service and amenities were outstanding. Round-trip transportation from our resort, fresh baked goods available on our arrival. Very professional flight instructor took the right seat and was very accommodating to a fellow pilot. (Pilots: Be ready for tricky maneuvering when reentering the HNL area, and don't be too proud to let the instructor handle it if you're not completely comfortable with busy airspace and tight quarters.)
I would happily fly with Lani Lea again, and recommend them without reservation for anyone who wants to fly or just take a tour.
Tayler Wise
05:43 16 Dec 21
Took a tour and it was such a great experience! Our pilot (Clay) took us on a beautiful trip around Oahu, a view we would otherwise never be able to see! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity! The entire staff at Lani Lea was extremely helpful and gracious! We are so happy with our experience!
Annabelle Haywood
02:04 21 Nov 21
If being a career pilot is your goal, this school is not for you. Maintainence is horrific and the management seems to disregard things that are basic for other aviation jobs. If you do all your training here, you'll be in for a shock when you leave.
Jacob M
00:30 21 Nov 21
Lani Lea has undergone a change in management for the worst. The front desk is a revolving door of foreigners who have absolutely no knowledge or experience in aviation. The owner does not speak English and also has an incredibly finite amount of aviation experience. The company puts no priority on maintenance. There is not a single aircraft that does not have at least two to four inop placards. Once during preflight, we found a significant amount of fuel leaking into the cockpit via the primer pump. We grounded the aircraft and then were scolded for doing so. Recently it was found that the mechanic had written the wrong date on the annual and pitot static inspections and for more than two weeks it was being illegally flown.
The company absorbs 30-40% of the instructor fee that they charge. Also they charge $50/hr to the students while they solo to have an instructor on standby. The vast majority of the five star reviews are from students who haven't been elsewhere and don't know that this is not normal or acceptable in Aviation, nor do they see behind the scenes what goes on with maintenance, management, etc.
The only saving grace is that most of the instructors are genuinely good people who care about their students. If you are a student seeking instruction on the island, try Georges or Pacific Flight Academy. If you are looking for a Sky Tour, expect an over priced tour in a 50 year old rusty Cessna with inoperative equipment. But hey, at least the island is beautiful.
The company absorbs 30-40% of the instructor fee that they charge. Also they charge $50/hr to the students while they solo to have an instructor on standby. The vast majority of the five star reviews are from students who haven't been elsewhere and don't know that this is not normal or acceptable in Aviation, nor do they see behind the scenes what goes on with maintenance, management, etc.
The only saving grace is that most of the instructors are genuinely good people who care about their students. If you are a student seeking instruction on the island, try Georges or Pacific Flight Academy. If you are looking for a Sky Tour, expect an over priced tour in a 50 year old rusty Cessna with inoperative equipment. But hey, at least the island is beautiful.
Lee T
02:54 25 Oct 21
I had a frustrating start in aviation two years ago trying to find a flight school on Oahu. Most of the flight schools wouldn't even put names on waiting lists, but I just kept going back for nine months straight. Thankfully in that dwell time I I found out about Lani Lea. I finished my private pilot's license with their planes (and instructors) last year. Jonah has been excellent to work with this year in helping me toward my instrument certificate. Very courteous people and clean facility. I highly recommend them!
Heng-Wei Tsai
04:47 24 Sep 21
Jonah is an extremely experienced pilot and everyone in Lani Lea is very nice and have a nice and warming environment. Will definitely recommend everyone to come!
Ryan Strange
04:47 24 Sep 21
Had a really good time with the flight here. Service was top notch! Owners and workers were so nice and hospitable. Hope to be back soon!
matthew urrutia
17:39 17 Jan 21
Finished up my PPL June of last year. Great and well run school. My instructor Yuna was also fantastic helping me through my checkride prep.
Samuel Hoogendoorn
05:51 09 Jul 20
The owner and most of the staff are Japanese and both friendly and honest. Also, the head flight instructor is extremely qualified in addition to being a veteran. Good man. I definitely enjoyed my limited experience here and will be back!
Kalaʻikū Kaneshiro
01:34 23 Feb 20
For anyone wanting to learn how to fly or just spend the day in the air, Lani Lea is a great place to go. I started my flight training back in august 2019 and was so lucky and grateful to have been able to learn from my instructor Brett. I currently have my private pilot license and my instrument rating and am currently working on my commercial license. The whole experience at Lani Lea is great and it is such an efficient and safe place to learn how to fly. Although it gets busy trying to schedule planes at times, Lani lea does a very good job at accommodating the students and pilots. Overall, a good experience and great place to get your foot in the aviation door.
Niaz Mooppan
15:31 01 Feb 20
I got my PPL from Lani Lea and they were the best in the Island. I was lucky to fly with different instructors and they all were amazing. They were so helpful and planes are well maintained. I had great help with scheduling my checkrides and they were always ready to work with my schedules. Special thanks to Natalie for giving me all the help and guidance to achieve this.
Annette Do
21:15 30 Jan 20
Lani Lea flight school is absolutely amazing! I got my private pilot done with kai who is top notch! All the instructors here are wonderful and you can tell they’re passionate about aviation and helping you succeed. But most importantly their planes are beautiful and always well maintained, which made me feel comfortable knowing that I’m in good hands. I can’t recommend this school enough for anyone who wants to learn to fly!
Larry Hansen
04:55 30 Jan 20
Great flight school, personalized instruction, top notch aircraft. Ask for Ian H.
Asher Vedel
22:01 29 Jan 20
I am a student at Lani Lea with Ian as my current instructor for my PPL. He is awesome and so is the school. Ian has taken gone above and beyond the duties of a CFI to help me accomplish my goals of becoming a certified pilot. I would highly recommend Ian and Lani Lea as a flight school for anyone looking to start pilot training.
Aud C.
23:31 14 Oct 19
Shared a great aerial view with my husband and instructor Mark. Such a great way to see Hawaii.
George Philbrick
00:09 05 Sep 19
I'm have my private pilot license and wanted to take a trip around Oahu but not pay tourist sightseeing prices. They were very happy to rent me an aircraft and a CFI to help me with the local area rules at a great rate. Had an amazing trip, some of the best flying I have ever done.
Nyarlathotep
18:27 29 Jul 19
Edit: 10/27/2020
Lani Lea has recently undergone a change of management. The culture at Lani Lea has shifted greatly over the past year in are not so favorable direction. The instructors are under payed for the work that they do and have ended up letting some of their better instructors go over the past couple months. The aviation community can do and deserves better. On a positive note, I do recall their aircraft being fairly well maintained.
I would recommend looking elsewhere for flight training.
Original review below:
Long and short, I would highly recommend finding a different institution to pursue flight training.
Lani Lea Flight School is a fantastic organization and hands down the single best place to learn how to fly. The flight instructors are extremely proficient, professional, and eager to help you achieve your goals. It is especially worth noting that the instructors who are working with Lani Lea are there because aviation is their passion rather than simply building time for the next job. It is also worth noting that the small fleet of aircraft that Lani Lea possesses is by far the best maintained aircraft on the island. All the quality that Lani Lea has to offer comes at a very affordable price that simply cannot be beat.
Lani Lea has recently undergone a change of management. The culture at Lani Lea has shifted greatly over the past year in are not so favorable direction. The instructors are under payed for the work that they do and have ended up letting some of their better instructors go over the past couple months. The aviation community can do and deserves better. On a positive note, I do recall their aircraft being fairly well maintained.
I would recommend looking elsewhere for flight training.
Original review below:
Long and short, I would highly recommend finding a different institution to pursue flight training.
Lani Lea Flight School is a fantastic organization and hands down the single best place to learn how to fly. The flight instructors are extremely proficient, professional, and eager to help you achieve your goals. It is especially worth noting that the instructors who are working with Lani Lea are there because aviation is their passion rather than simply building time for the next job. It is also worth noting that the small fleet of aircraft that Lani Lea possesses is by far the best maintained aircraft on the island. All the quality that Lani Lea has to offer comes at a very affordable price that simply cannot be beat.
Yuna Morris
07:42 02 May 19
Best Flight School on the Island!! I got the pleasure of working with Carlos as my instructor who helped me through my private pilots license! His patience and determination of helping me is what got me through it all! Carlos is a very knowledgeable instructor and I’m glad I found Lani Lea as my flight school! Everyone else their is also very lovely and helpful! I also got the pleasure of working with Natalie who is another great instructor there! If you’re a determined and passionate student looking for a welcoming and supportive place to go for not only flight school but for tours this is the RIGHT place!
Asahel David
07:33 02 May 19
Best flight school ever!! NATALIE IS SUCH A GREAT INSTRUCTOR! her teaching style is on par with the best in the world. If you are looking for a flight school that is more than just a teacher student atmosphere , and is a family of true aviators, this is your place... And Natalie is your instructor! She will go out of her way to make sure you become the best pilot you can possibly become. The only thing that will limit you is yourself. She worked with me to get my private license in 3 weeks. She worked through Christmas and weekends scaraficing her personal time at my expense. Honestly we are all family here and there is no way I would go to anyother flight school. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to meet these amazing people!!
Mark Rees
22:16 07 Dec 18
Great flight school! I came in from out of town to rent a plane for some sight seeing and had no trouble booking and scheduling with Lindsey. I did my check-out with Kai who did a great job familiarizing me with the ins and outs of the busy Honolulu airport. Facilities were very clean and welcoming. Would definitely rent again!!
Nicole Bedwell
21:49 28 Nov 18
My daughter attended “kids day” here at Lani Lea airport and had a fantastic time. The staff was amazing and was great at working with the kids. They had tons of games and educational activities. Even supplied food and drinks!! My daughter learned so much, and is so excited to learn more about aviation. This program the school offered to the public was an amazing opportunity for everyone that got to attend (even the parents!!), a great push in a positive direction for many kids!!
5+ stars to Lani Lea and their amazing staff!! My daughter can’t wait to start her flight training here! Couldn’t ask for a better environment for my daughter to grow in, with such supportive, successful people!
5+ stars to Lani Lea and their amazing staff!! My daughter can’t wait to start her flight training here! Couldn’t ask for a better environment for my daughter to grow in, with such supportive, successful people!
kela bennett
22:10 06 Sep 18
I have always had great experiences at Lani Lea. Natalie was my instructor, and she is amazing! She worked with my schedule, it was fun leaning from her, and I wouldn't change anything about the experience I had. She is a great person, and I've learned so much from her. Lindsey is also so nice and always willing to help. I highly recommend Lani Lea.
James Carroll
02:55 04 Sep 18
Lani Lea is an outstanding flight school. My children came to visit and I wanted to do something out of the ordinary for them. After looking around, I called and spoke with Lindsey about flight options. She was extraordinary with her customer service, worked with my last minute schedule, and even suggested an Introduction Flight for my daughter. She absolutely loved it!
Natalie was the instructor suggested for the intro flight, and we couldn't have asked for a better one! She was very patient and reassuring with my daughter, and was extremely friendly and knowledgeable throughout the entire experience. Both my daughter and son were all smiles the entire day. It was a truly memorable experience and I highly recommend Lani Lea. I will be going back!
Natalie was the instructor suggested for the intro flight, and we couldn't have asked for a better one! She was very patient and reassuring with my daughter, and was extremely friendly and knowledgeable throughout the entire experience. Both my daughter and son were all smiles the entire day. It was a truly memorable experience and I highly recommend Lani Lea. I will be going back!
James Webster
16:44 09 Jul 18
The two girls who run the flight school are amazing. Would highly recommend to anyone, such a friendly and welcoming environment to fly
Alex Linardos
10:10 02 Jul 18
My experience at Lani Lea flight school was amazing! Natalie and Lindsey really made a fun and comfortable environment at the school. Natalie (my instructor) was very fun and professional to fly with! Lindsey was also amazing and helped me with anything I needed. One of the best thing was that the flight schedule was flexible and they were able to adjust for me. The facilities and aircraft were also very nice and well maintained. I have nothing but good things to say about this place, really look forward coming back to Hawaii and flying there again!!
chaz edlao
01:02 07 Mar 18
Everything I did over at Lani Lea was major. Great instructors, Kai and Natalie do amazing getting the information you need stuck in your head and fast. If you wanna be a pilot and you’re from Hawaii you know where to go. #majah
Matthew Bostock
23:33 01 Nov 17
Awesome experience! I only had 34 hrs of flight time, and hadn't flown in 4 1/2 years. 9 days later and only 13 hrs with Lani Lea, and I'm now a confident private pilot. Prices are great, plane was well maintained, and the staff went above and beyond to help me though every step. Would highly recommend flying with Kai or Natalie!
YELP REVIEWS
Sabin
2025-04-12 14:51:40
Matt was an amazing instructor would definitely recommend booking your small aircraft flight's here!
Igor M.
2025-04-06 18:16:09
Had a horrible time with Lani lea flight school, they told me i had an appointment with them on sunday the day they told me they were open but saw they were...
María Fernanda A.
2025-01-07 13:18:24
We had a truly wonderful experience with Lani Lea Sky Tours from start to finish. The team member who helped us over the phone was incredibly sweet, kind,...
Slay T.
2024-11-29 12:28:40
I couldn't think of a better place to write my first Yelp review than Lani Lea Flight School @lanileaflightschool and I especially wanted to give a huge...
Ayana Y.
2024-11-09 17:49:25
友達は、この体験で本気でパイロットになろうと決めました。
送迎付き・フードドリンク付きで時間もゆっくり過ごせました。スタッフの皆さんはとても親切でとても有意義な時間を過ごせました。
Heidi B.
2024-10-21 17:05:49
We had a great time seeing Oahu from the sky. Our pilot was fantastic and the entire staff was very kind. Our driver was very interesting and nice and the...
Shinichi Y.
2023-10-17 20:23:20
飛行機にガムテープが貼ってありました。オーナーはフロントデスクのスタッフに怒っており、私たちは不快な思いをしました。それから彼は私たちに親切にしようとしましたが、私にはそれが偽物だとわかっていました。従業員全員が不満そうだった。代わりに地元のヘリコプター会社に行くべきでした。
Michelle M.
2023-06-06 17:09:44
For my husband's birthday while we were on Oahu, I purchased a 1 hour Discovery Flight from Lani Lea Flight School. While it was the most expensive...
Thomas C.
2023-06-06 15:18:46
A beautiful location to fly. As a Student Pilot I greatly appreciate the staff's professionalism and high skill level. If you also want to start flying or...
Shawnee R.
2023-03-03 18:15:35
amazing circle island tour. My husband and I were nervous but the professionalism and expertise from our pilot (bronson) calmed our nerves! What a view !...
Mike P.
2022-08-20 15:32:54
Took a flight around the island them. It was a little bumpy but such a fantastic view. Great way to log an hour of flight training. Best part of flying here...
Simon L.
2022-08-20 15:10:24
Lani Lea has great service and took care of us from the moment they picked us up at the hotel to the moment they dropped us off. Our pilot / tour guide was...
Mimi Y.
2022-06-24 19:40:29
DO NOT GO HERE. They stole money from my friend's flight account and when we tried to look into it to see what went wrong, THEY CLOSED THE ACCOUNT. We will...
David V.
2022-02-02 07:34:31
I was on the island for a vacation (November 2021) and wanted to take my wife flying. I'm a pilot and aircraft owner, so I know what to look for with regard...
Eric R.
2021-11-07 07:40:25
I am a soloed pilot. My training was interrupted first by a health issue, than for a year by COVID-19 restrictions. While on vacation in Oahu, I decided to...
Kevin G.
2021-10-12 11:41:51
This is the only place I'll ever go when I'm looking for an airplane to use in Hawaii. The staff: Satomi, Warren and Mike were the most warm and welcoming...
Hicham B.
2021-01-22 20:28:38
I got my PPL through this place. Initially everything was fine. But lately things really took a turn for the worst. First they said you can no longer...
Bobbie B.
2019-02-07 16:59:10
The best experience I've ever had. The staff is warm and welcoming! The lobby is immaculately decorated! I felt like royalty when I walked in the doors.
Erick C.
2019-01-19 20:18:37
I happened to have an opening in my conference schedule while visiting Hawaii and looked for a flight school / aircraft rental company that could...
William D.
2018-10-07 18:08:05
I'm in the military and I needed help with my pilots licence. I needed to finish a private pilot check ride that I couldn't finish in my original location...
James C.
2018-09-03 19:45:06
Lani Lea is an outstanding flight school. My children came to visit and I wanted to do something out of the ordinary for them. After looking around, I...
Kinte H.
2018-07-02 18:09:22
Awesome place. I am in town for work. After calling and visiting a few schools, I came across Lani Lea. Lindsey gave me the run down, and provided...
Mike C.
2016-11-24 00:28:22
I got my private pilot certificate from Lani Lea just a few weeks ago. My instructor, Natalie, is probably the best instructor around. She truly cares about...
