As a resident of Kona, I was excited to experience the new Flight of Aloha attraction, a 4K interactive experience of Hawai’i, located at the King Kamehameha Hotel, where you can “feel like you’re truly soaring over the Hawaiian islands.” With their illuminated neon pink sign, I found it easily and signed up for their popular double feature.
Inside, we entered a room with three projector screens on the walls, backlights, and some wooden bench seating to set the mood for the pre-show. Once seated, the lights dimmed as the walls came alive. Hawaiian music played as the side screens showed lush landscapes, ocean life, and local families at the beach. Most importantly, the screens share the importance of mālama i ka 'āina(to respect and take care of the land) by using reef-safe sunscreen, respecting sacred sights, and sharing aloha as guests to the island. The next video displayed an animated retelling of Naupaka, a Hawaiian myth of forbidden love. The final pre-show video featured Alex Farnham, a Hawaiian YouTube comedian, preparing us for the main experience and giving us a taste of local humor.
After the pre-show, we walked into a dark theater with a wraparound screen. Four to five rows of large cushioned seats filled the room. I grabbed a seat in the front, thanks to a little tip from the host. Each seat was equipped with a seatbelt, so I knew the experience would not disappoint. Once buckled, a live voice informed us of the flight we would be taking, giving us tips about the ride and also telling us not to leave our musubi unattended. The lights dimmed, and the screen opened to the backside of a waterfall, almost like we were in a cave. Then, the seats began to rumble.
Suddenly, the sensation of rising into the air like a helicopter took hold. With a gentle lunge, we burst through the waterfall and flew, feeling every turn as this virtual ride soared over the natural beauty of Maui. Waterfalls streamed through the jungle canopy and the brush of the tree tops hit the back of our legs. The wind literally hit my face as we flew across the waves, crashing against the lava shoreline. The splash of surfers and whales breaching hit our faces with a burst of ocean spray, all backed by a moving, dramatic soundtrack.
Once our flight landed, the next feature took a more somber turn. Still in the main theater, a short film about the history of Lahaina and the devastation of the 2023 Lahaina fires informed us of the impact on the community. This segued into the next feature, where our next flight took us over Lahaina. As we flew over the town’s past, a swipe of the screen and the ash and debris left behind replaced it. I couldn’t help but choke back tears at the contrast. Yet, as the powerful music continued, a sense of hope permeated the theater with each turn of the seats. The beauty of the island and the potential for restoration lingered with me as the ride ended.
Afterward, I met with Ola Shaw, the owner, and he shared the journey of what inspired this dream and how it came to fruition. It all started with a family trip to Los Angeles. Raised in a working-class family in Lahaina, Ola’s parents saved for decades with the dream of taking Ola and his eight siblings to Disneyland for a family vacation. After experiencing the virtual ride Soarin’ Over California, Ola’s father urged him to bring a flying ride to the islands. A desire his father continued to voice until he passed away.
A new drive and passion fueled Ola to bring his father’s vision to reality. Through determination and perseverance, Flight of Aloha was set to open in 2023 in Lahaina. Months before the grand opening, the devastating Lahaina fires swept across Maui’s west side. Though the building still stood with minor damage, the loss and grief created a monumental setback.
Though reeling from the loss of his hometown, Ola’s vision to “connect people to the heart of Hawai’i with emotion” through Flight of Aloha remained steadfast. After relocating to the Big Island, he found a new opportunity to bring Hawai’i’s flying ride to the islands in Kailua-Kona. Ola’s six-year tumultuous journey has become a reality, and from my experience, I see and appreciate the islands more deeply than before, thanks to a father’s dream and a son’s willingness to honor it.
Experience a new way to see Hawai’i by visiting FlightOfAloha.com.