Mauna Loa Helicopters believes the sky isn’t the limit-it is just the beginning. That is why we were thrilled to participate in the 2nd Annual West Hawaii Exposure Fair, a vibrant event designed to inspire and empower Big Island students with career possibilities that take off right here in beautiful Hawaii.
This exposure fair brought together organizations, businesses, and professions from across the island to showcase opportunities for students to dream big and plan for their futures. We were proud to stand among them, sharing our passion for aviation and showing young minds that becoming a helicopter or airplane pilot is a thrilling career achievable for Hawaii residents.
The students’ excitement was palpable as they visited the Mauna Loa Helicopters booth. Our enthusiastic team of airplane and helicopter pilots shared stories of their journeys to the cockpit and answered questions about what it takes to become a professional helicopter pilot.
We also displayed gear, tools, and videos that gave the students a glimpse into the world of aviation. From learning about the mechanics of a helicopter to understanding the skills required for precision flying, the students gained valuable insights into a field they had never considered within their reach.
Our goal was simple: show the community that pursuing a career as a helicopter or airplane pilot is something other than what only happens on the mainland. With Mauna Loa Helicopters and Mauna Loa Aero, students can achieve their dreams right here on the Big Island or Oahu—training in one of the world’s most beautiful and challenging flying environments in the world.
One of the day’s highlights was seeing the spark of curiosity ignite in the eyes of the students. Many needed to realize they could start their training locally, with our state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors guiding them at every step. The FAA-certified program prepares students for careers as commercial pilots, tour operators, flight instructors, and more while building a solid foundation in aviation that can take them anywhere in the world.
Participating in events like the West Hawaii Exposure Fair is about more than just recruitment. It is about fostering a sense of possibility and connection within our community. We want students and their families to know that careers in aviation are attainable and rewarding and that Mauna Loa Helicopters and Mauna Loa Aero are committed to helping them achieve their goals.
We’re incredibly proud to be part of this island community, and sharing our love for flight with the next generation is one of the most fulfilling aspects of our work. Whether through hands-on training, mentorship, or events like the Exposure Fair, we’re dedicated to helping Hawaii’s youth reach new heights.
As the fair ended, we were inspired by the enthusiasm and potential of the students we met. Each interaction reaffirmed our belief that the future of aviation is brighter than ever and that the next generation of pilots may already be dreaming of their wings right here on the Big Island.
Thank you to the West Hawaii Exposure Fair organizers for creating such a valuable platform for our youth. We can’t wait to return next year and continue building awareness, sparking ambition, and showing our community that the sky is the limit.