Flight of Aloha: Second Flying Theater Attraction Coming to Hawaii
Synchronized seat movements and special effects, such as wind, are designed to make the flight experience even more thrilling. // Photo: Courtesy of Flight of Aloha
(eap) “Flight of Aloha” is heading to Maui: Following the opening of the first flying theater at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island in 2025, a second Hawaiian location is now set to follow. Behind both projects is entrepreneur Ola Shaw, a Native Hawaiian with a background in electrical and media technology. In Kona, guests take their places in 18 motion seats. Films such as “Naupaka” and “Lāhainā“ introduce them to Hawaiian landscapes, legends and cultures through 8K visuals and surround sound.
With the new location, founder and CEO Shaw is returning to the roots of his project. The first attraction was originally due to open in Lāhainā on Maui. However, the devastating fires in summer 2023 thwarted those plans, prompting Shaw to relocate the project to Kona. After more than two years away, Shaw and his family have now returned to Maui. The second Flight of Aloha attraction is scheduled to open there on 1 December 2026 at Whalers Village, an oceanfront shopping centre in the heart of the Kāʻanapali Beach Resort. Like the Kona attraction, the flying theater on Maui will be open to the public.
US supplier MediaMation Entertainment delivered the ride systems for both locations. Both attractions feature its “MX4D Bantam Flying EFX TheatreTM Seats”. Synchronised seat movements and special effects such as wind create the sensation of flying over the landscapes shown on screen.
Guests on Maui will be able to choose from four films: “Naupaka”, “Lāhainā”, “Europe & the Arctic Northern Lights” and “Whale Song: A Baby Whale’s Journey”. Each film has its own preshow to set the scene. All four productions are also available for licensing. Media production company Super78 provided consulting services for the Naupaka production. The films Naupaka, Lāhainā and Whale Song were scored by Paul Dinletir of Audiomachine. ■
