MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii’s first civilian air show will be presented by Hawaii AirShow, Inc on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 at the Kona International Airport.

Featured at the first annual Hawaii AirShow Invitational will be aerobatic performances by some of the top pilots in the country and a single ship demonstration by a USAF team with a F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighter.

Also included in the daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. attractions will be display aircraft ranging from an antique Bellanca Pacemaker to a B-1 bomber, a midway of local vendors and information tents and a Kid Zone.

More than a half-dozen pilots will share the sky above the southern end of the Kona International Airport on Memorial Day weekend.

Performers will include Honolulu’s Hank Bruckner in his CAP-10C stunt plane, showman Dan Buchanan from Nevada creating aerial ballet with his custom hang glider, Oahu’s Bruce Mayes in his vintage WWll Pacific Warbirds SNJ-4 Texan and Californian Melissa Pemberton, who soars in with the American flag to begin each day’s shows and also literally ‘flies’ in her handmade bat wing skydiving suit.

Rounding out the performers roster are former USAF pilot Clint Churchill putting his Extra 300 stunt plane through its paces directly overhead, Alan Miller with his classic Aeronca Champ and the thundering F-16 Fighting Falcon of Capt. Jeffery Schneider from the Pacific Air Forces Aerial Demonstration Team.

On the tarmac, more than one dozen unique aircraft will be on display — from the restored 1929 Inter Island Airways (now Hawaiian Air) Bellanca Pacemaker, to military workhorses like the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster and Mach 2.2 B-1 bomber.

Many experimental and civilian aircraft and helicopters will also be on hand to view and learn about.

The AirShow midway will be full of food and new product vendors, many with aviation-oriented products and services. Clubs such as the Kona RC Flyers will have information about their hobby and demonstrations of their scale model aircraft — from mini jets to helicopters.

There will also be military vehicles on display and $30 airplane rides being offered on both days of the show.

Live music by Hoku-nominated L T Smooth will begin each day’s entertainment when the gates open at 9 a.m.

For keiki, there will be a Kid Zone featuring attractions like the Fishpipe water ball (bring swimsuit and a towel), electronic games and Laser Tag from Games 2 U and bouncers and climbing wall from Fun 2 Jump.

Advanced sale tickets for the event are available on the AirShow Website up until 5 p.m. May 27. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for 10 to 17 years of age. Tickets will be $20 and $15 at the gate. Keiki under 10 are free.

Spectators are welcome to bring beach chairs and regular size umbrellas for sun protection, but sunscreen and hats are also advised as well as ear protection for the children.

No smoking, coolers or outside food and beverages.

Performances are 10 a.m. until about 3 p.m. each day scheduled around commercial air traffic at the Kona International Airport. Travelers flying out that weekend should plan ahead to avoid delays due to increased traffic.

Further information, visit www.hawaii-airshow.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the AirShow?

Kona International Airport-KOA
South Ramp area by the private jets

Which day is the best day?

Both days have the same performances you get to pick what day is best for you

What is the schedule of events?

Saturday, May 28 / Sunday, May 29
8 a.m. General Parking Open
9 a.m. Gates open
9-10 a.m. Opening Ceremony, Color Guard. Flag Fly-in
By Melissa and Rex Pemberton

What is the order of performances? (subject to change)

RC Flyers Thrilling Demonstration
Mach 4 Extravaganza
Hank Bruckner- CAP 10
Bruce Mayes – T-6 Texan SNJ
Clint Churchill o Extra 300
Melissa and Rex Pemberton – Bat Wing Suit Skydiving
Mach 4 Extravaganza -Aeronca Champ
Capt Jeffrey Schneider G-16 Fighting Falcon DEMO

What is not permitted at the AirShow?

No Smoking
No Coolers
No out side food or Beverages

Are chairs and umbrellas permitted at the AirShow?

Yes, camp chairs are allowed and welcomed, as well as rain umbrellas, but not large beach umbrellas.

Where is parking?

Parking at the AirShow? – south ramp area follow parking signs and attendants on duty. Parking can be purchased in Advance with ticket purchase. No Parking available at the Commercial Terminal Parking area. Parking at the designated parking ($5 / cash only).