The summer is off to a great start, and this weekend’s going to be a busy on here on Oahu. On June 3, Turtle Bay is hosting its 6th Annual Ocean Fest. We’ve got all the details about that event here. And on June 3 and 4, The Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is hosting its popular remote control Biggest Little Airshow for the 10th year.
Historic Ford Island
Ford Island was the center of the attack on December 7, 1941. Its seaplane base had dozens of long-range PBY patrol bombers capable of locating the Japanese fleet after the attack. Seven of the Pearl Harbor fleet’s nine battleships were moored along the coast. The attack destroyed nearly all of the patrol planes. It also disabled the Pacific Fleet’s battleship force.
The Pacific Fleet’s three aircraft carriers would have moored at Ford Island. But they were saved because they were not in port that day.
Ford Island is still an active military base only accessible to those with base access. But tourists can always visit the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Biggest Little Airshow
This is a unique opportunity that you won’t want to miss if you are lucky enough to be in Hawaii this weekend.
The event will include remote-control flying, static aircraft and full-size aircraft on display, “candy bombings” over historic Ford Island Runway for kids, hands-on modeling stations, a Kids Zone with rides, food, drinks, retail, music, entertainment, and other activities.
The family-friendly airshow features local and nationally acclaimed remote control pilots and their award winning Giant Scale aircraft. Other attractions include open cockpits, hangar tours, restored World War II aircraft displays, and the return of “Snow Fields in June” for kids.
The Biggest Little Airshow welcomes back Warbirds West, a nationally acclaimed award winning team of pilots flying giant-scale remote controlled aircraft.
This year’s event will pay tribute to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, a 1942 four-day, sea-and-air battle that was the decisive turning point of World War II in the Pacific. Performances include an epic Battle of Midway reenactment with dive bombers and fighter planes commemorating the 75th anniversary, a fleet of Japanese AM6 Zero Fighters that will reenact the Pearl Harbor attack, a USAF Thunderbird Shooting Star jet formation flight, a ‘Top Gun’ F14 and bent wing Corsair heritage flight, and a grand finale candy bomb drop performed by Ret USAF Four-Star General Ray John, Jr. On the ground, spectators will be able to explore static aircraft displays and interact with pilots and crew members.
Hanger 79
The Pacific Aviation Museum is home to two different Hangers. During the airshow, you can enter one of the hangars, Hangar 79, which still bears the bullet holes of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.
In Hanger 79, you will be able to see the museum’s many aircraft exhibits, plus the B-17E Swamp Ghost and Nakajima Kate, in restoration. You will even be able to climb into the open cockpits of some of the Museum’s classic aircraft.
The Pacific Aviation Museum will also offer tours of Hangar 79.
Inside, guests will see helicopters, fighter planes, and Lt. Ted Shealy’s Restoration Shop, the 1941 machine shop that is busy restoring the Museum’s aircraft. They’ll also get up close and personal with an F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-86s, P- 40, MiG-15, F-111, and the one and only “Swamp Ghost,” the Museum’s B-17E Flying Fortress.
Getting there and admission
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is located on Ford Island, where bombs fell during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Although it is an active military base, you can drive onto Ford Island for this event. Or, you can take the free shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Parking is free either place.
The event will be held from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission to the Airshow is $5 per person (children ages 3 and under are free). This includes entry to Hangar 79. Children ages 3 and under are free. It’s free with Museum general admission and free forMuseum Members.
Tickets for the Airshow only and tickets for the entire Museum (2 hangars and 50+ aircraft) are available online at www.PacificAviationMuseum.org. General admission to the museum is $25 for adults and $12 for children (with children 3 and under always free). So, at $5, this event is a great deal. It is a great way to see many of the museum’s exhibits for a fraction of the price.
You can also purchase museum admission at the Museum ticketing desk and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center ticketing desk. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm from Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, round trip to the Museum. Call 808-441-1007 for more event information or visit www.PacificAviationMuseum.org.
Learn more about Ford Island
For more information about cultural happenings in Hawaii, be sure to keep checking our blog. We will keep you updated about the best events happening. And, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan your Hawaiian vacation.
If you’re not going to be in Hawaii this weekend but are interested in visiting historic Ford Island, give us a call to book a tour. These tours will enable you to visit many of Oahu’s historic sights in one day. There are a number of options to choose from depending on which sights you want to see.
