Thrilling, seemingly impossible aerobatic maneuvers are the trademark of the renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and they return after a three-year absence to once again soar over beautiful blue Kaneohe Bay along with an exciting aviation lineup at the 2025 Kaneohe Bay Air Show and Open House, also known as “Blues on the Bay,” Aug. 9 to 10.
Following an earlier show in Seattle, the pilots of the Blue Angels arrived at Hangar 107 at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii on Monday and were greeted by a contingent of 21 student ambassadors between grades 4 and 6 from on-base Mokapu Elementary School.
Students held homemade signs and a large “Welcome!” banner as the pilots made their way from the sleek, pristine blue jets to receive lei from Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii Teen, and took some time to speak with the students.
“This is part of their (student ambassadors) role of greeting new students and showing them around a new campus. So basically, we did the same thing with the Blue Angels,” said Mokapu Elementary School Administrative Services Assistant Hillary Pilialoha, who mentioned this was the first opportunity she’s ever had to take the students to see the Blue Angels.
“We know our kids are excited. They even look forward to going outside to watch practice, and our students start school on Wednesday, so perfect timing for everything,” added Pilialoha.
Melissa Rooks, Mokapu Elementary transition center coordinator, confirmed the feeling of excitement all around.
“They (the students) were absolutely excited. Their parents were excited for them too. They made so many signs for them. They’ve been looking forward to this,” Rooks said. “It’s really good to see how appreciative the pilots were, just how the kids come out and greeted them. But honestly, I don’t know who was more excited — me or the kids.”
One of the pilots making a huge impression on the students. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)
For anyone into anything aerial, the two-day lineup will be a dream come true as the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, KC-135 Stratotanker (92nd Ops Group), Pacific Air Forces C-17 Globemaster III, the U.S. Special Operations Command’s “Para-Commandos” parachute team, the legendary B-52 Stratofortress (307th Bomb Wing), Fat Albert, MV-22 Osprey, MH-60 Seahawk, KC-130, AH-64 Apache, and a fan favorite — The Flying Leathernecks — take to the skies above Kaneohe.
On the ground, the public can enjoy activities including aviation and ground static displays, a car show, exhibitor expo, food and beverage booths, a STEM Zone and live performances by the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band and the Hawaii Pipe Band.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels® arrive at Kaneohe. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)
Military Appreciation Day on August 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (end time subject to change) welcomes active and retired military service members, DoD civilian employees, first responders and their families.
On Aug. 9 and 10, general admission is free and open to the public, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (end time subject to change). Preferred Seating Tickets are available to those looking to elevate their experience with best views of the show line, access to shaded tent areas, designated restrooms and an option for preferred parking. Preferred seating begins at 10 a.m.
Base access begins at 8 a.m., air show grounds open 9 a.m. Adults 18 and over will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID to enter the air show grounds and all bags will be inspected at entry points to ensure safety.
Additional tips for attending the event:
• Carpool or rideshare if possible. On Saturday and Sunday, shuttles will be available to transport attendees from designated on-base stops to the air show site. Visit the event website and click on “Information” to find transportation and parking information including shuttle stop locations and times.
• Plan ahead. Review the “Permitted and Prohibited Items” list under “Information” for certain items that will be subject to confiscation and disposal. Individuals are subject to search and bags will be checked.
• Safety is a priority. Use sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for sun protection, bring small umbrellas for shade. Bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.
• Keep keiki safe. If bringing your children, take a picture of them with your phone on the day of the show that you can show volunteers, staff and law enforcement in case they get lost. There will be areas for Lost and Found and First Aid.
• If you see something, say something. If you notice suspicious activities or objects, call 911 immediately and advise the operator you are on the MCBH military base or notify military police at the event.
Editor’s note: The article has been updated with tips for those attending the event. (August 6, 2025)
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source spectrumlocalnews.com ’
