HONOLULU (HI Now) - Aviation in Hawaii is not just about getting from one island to the next, it is about building a future where local students can see themselves in the cockpit, the hangar, the tower, and every career that keeps flights moving. That is the heart behind the 2026 Hawaii Aviation Expo, presented by the Aloha Chapter of the Ninety Nines, the international organization of women pilots founded in 1929 by 99 trailblazers including Amelia Earhart. This event is designed to grow opportunity, strengthen community, and turn curiosity about flight into real next steps.
The Hawai‘i Aviation Expo is sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, happening August 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Event Center. The expo welcomes everyone, from keiki who love planes to adults ready for a career change. Attendees can connect directly with flight schools, instructors, scholarship leaders, and aviation employers during the networking expo. This experience offers a chance to ask questions, meet mentors, and learn what it takes to get started and keep going.
The day also brings education sessions led by experts across the industry, including meteorologists from the National Weather Service, the local FSDO, and airline leaders, with participation from Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air. Expect real career insight, practical guidance, and a look at the many pathways into aviation. These pathways include pilot and maintenance development programs, immersion experiences through schools, and internships that help create hire ready talent right here at home.
Guests will have a chance to win donated prizes like introductory flights from local flight schools, ground school courses from Sportys and King Schools, and giveaways from ForeFlight, AOPA, and more. Best of all, this is a charitable nonprofit event, and all proceeds go directly back into the community through flight training scholarships for women in Hawaii.
Learn more, follow along, and grab tickets at alohachapter99s.com/hawaiiaviationexpo and on Instagram at @hawaiiaviationexpo, @alohachapter99s, and @hawaiianairlines.
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