Hawaii’s biggest event of the year is happening this weekend, and the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, is the main attraction.
The 2025 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, more fittingly known as “Blues on the Bay,” will return to Oahu for the first time since 2022.
A special show reserved for Military Appreciation Day will take place on Friday, Aug. 8. The general public can catch the high-flying spectacle over Oahu's Ko'olau Range on Saturday and Sunday.
The Blue Angels will headline the show, but there will be plenty more for fans to see at the air show. The U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor and KC-135 demonstration teams will take to the skies along with four other performers.
Fans can get close-up looks at grounded static displays of vintage and modern aircraft, walk through an exhibitor expo, catch some live music, grab a bite to eat and more. Families can also take their kids to engage with interactive exhibits from local and national organizations at the STEM zone.
The 2025 Kaneohe Bay Air Show is a three-day event that runs Aug. 8-10.
Friday’s show is reserved for active and retired military service members, DoD civilian employees, first responders and their families, along with anyone with existing base access.
Saturday and Sunday’s shows are free and will be open to the public. Fans can purchase tickets for preferred seating, which will get them access to a front row view of the show line, bleacher seating, shade tents and plenty of other perks.
Air show organizers have confirmed they are not planning to release a schedule for the 2025 Kaneohe Bay Air Show.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) will open for public access at 8 a.m. each day, and the air show grounds will open at 9 a.m. Preferred seating ticket holders can start finding their seats at 10 a.m.
Past visitors say that traffic conditions getting onto the base are easier than leaving, but organizers say you should arrive early, carpool or rideshare.
Parking will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Drivers will be directed to the general parking areas as they enter the MCBH main gate, located at the end of the H3 interstate.
Drivers who purchased a preferred parking pass should use the left lane when entering the base, making sure their parking pass is printed and available. Security personnel will direct you to your designated parking area.
Handicap parking is also available. Drivers with a disability or transporting someone with a disability should again use the far left lane when they enter the base. Vehicles with official handicap identification will be directed to designated parking areas or drop-off locations.
Guests won’t be able to take regular public transportation to get around, but the base will offer a shuttle service that loops around between access to the event, the Semper Fit Center Kulia, MCX Marine Mart (the designated drop-off location for rideshare), Fort Hase, Mololani Community Center and the event’s entry gate.
Residents attempting to access the on-base housing areas at the Semper Fit Center Kulia and the Mololani Community Center will need to provide their DoD ID upon exiting.
Going to an air show is typically an all-day affair, which means you’ll want to pack anything you might need. With the level of restrictions usually in place at events like this, that can be easier said than done. Here’s what you can and should bring to the Kaneohe Bay Air Show.
Here’s a list of items you should leave at home:
The 2025 Kaneohe Bay Air Show air show will include the following performers: