Honolulu event aims to grow local pilot community

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Aspiring pilots and aviation aficionados gathered at the Hawaii Aviation Expo Saturday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

Read more HPD welcomes 37 officers in 220th recruit class

The Aloha Chapter 99s and Hawaiian Airlines hosted the community-led event, which hopes to grow Hawaii’s aviation community.

The whole range of flyers enjoyed events like an Intro to Flight Training and an interview and resume workshop with Hawaiian Airlines.

“We do have a lot of young people here who are interested or here with their parents, but we also have a lot of people in suits walking around with their resumes trying to get some jobs,” said Michelle Joann, chapter chair of Aloha Chapter of the 99s.

Attendee Joshua Dela Cruz thought the event was a good opportunity to network and find opportunities.

Read more 2-vehicle crash marks Hawaii Island’s 19th traffic fatality of 2026

“I think anybody who may have a slight interest in aviation should definitely come down. You never really know what you’re looking for, but there could be something here for you that you never knew that you needed,” he said.

This was the first time at the Blaisdell for the third annual Aviation Expo, which has previously been held at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

All ticket sale proceeds go toward flight training scholarships for women in Hawaii.

Read more Crews work to repair 16-inch water main break in Waialua