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Hana Today
By the People, for the People
Molokai Fly-In Brings Small Plane Pilots Together
Despite weather challenges, the annual event introduces kids to aviation and connects Hawaii's small-plane community.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:38am
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A vibrant celebration of Hawaii's small plane aviation community and the next generation of pilots taking to the skies.Hana TodayThe Experimental Aircraft Association's annual Molokai Fly-In event at Hoʻolehua Airport on March 28, 2026 aimed to introduce children ages 8 to 17 to aviation through the Young Eagles program. While weather conditions prevented the planned free plane rides, the event still drew over 100 attendees, including local and off-island pilots, who connected with each other and toured the iconic 'Little Yellow Plane'.
Why it matters
The Molokai Fly-In is part of the EAA's efforts to build a stronger aviation community in Hawaii, which is underrepresented in the industry. By exposing kids to small planes and aviation, the event hopes to inspire the next generation of Hawaii-based pilots, from commercial airlines to helicopter tours.
The details
Although the planned Young Eagles plane rides had to be canceled due to inclement weather, the event still featured tours of the 'Little Yellow Plane', a 1968 Cessna 150 that is one of the most recognizable small aircraft in Hawaii. Tessa Coulter, the plane's owner, gave tours to over 100 attendees, including many eager children who were excited to see and sit in the iconic yellow plane.
- The Molokai Fly-In event took place on March 28, 2026.
- A similar EAA Fly-In event was held in Hana, Maui in 2025, where about 30 kids were able to take plane rides.
The players
Tessa Coulter
The owner of the 'Little Yellow Plane', a 1968 Cessna 150 that is one of the most recognizable small aircraft in Hawaii. Coulter has been flying the plane for the past 5 years.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
A non-profit organization that promotes recreational aviation and hosts events like the Molokai Fly-In to introduce kids to aviation through programs like Young Eagles.
What they’re saying
“We were hoping to get flights up today. The weather did not agree with us, but we introduced kids to flight.”
— Tessa Coulter, Owner, Little Yellow Plane
“Hawaii is very underrepresented in aviation, and we want to see these kids from Molokai flying Alaskan airlines and Mokulele and helicopter tours. We're just trying to show these kids that aviation is for everyone.”
— Tessa Coulter, Owner, Little Yellow Plane
What’s next
The EAA plans to hold the Molokai Fly-In event again in the future, with the goal of providing free plane rides for local children through the Young Eagles program.
The takeaway
The Molokai Fly-In showcases the Experimental Aircraft Association's efforts to grow Hawaii's aviation community by introducing the next generation to the joys of flight. Despite weather challenges, the event succeeded in bringing together small plane pilots from across the islands and sparking excitement about aviation among local youth.
