Events
Drone Shows for Large Events in Hawaii
Custom drone shows for large events in Hawaii, from the concept through show night and the video. The published example is the August 2024 Pokémon World Championships program Oahu Genius produced.
Lawrence Kim, President & CEO · Last updated October 23, 2026
The Pokémon World Championships drone show
In August 2024, Oahu Genius produced the on-island Pokémon World Championships program for more than 25,000 people and handled the video capture. The program included the largest aerial drone show in Hawaii and the first one permitted by the State of Hawaii. Read the Pokémon program.
Oahu Genius produced the on-island event and captured the video. The show is described as the largest aerial drone show in Hawaii and the first one permitted by the State of Hawaii. The permit was issued by the approving agencies.
What a drone show involves
A show needs a site, a date, a viewing plan, a crowd plan, and time for the approving agencies. Oahu Genius produces the event around it and can capture the video, as it did in August 2024. Transportation and staffing for the audience are quoted with the show when the group needs them.
What drives the quote is the site, the date, the approvals, a weather backup, and how complex the show is.
Permitting in Hawaii
A drone show in Hawaii needs FAA authorization plus state and local approvals. Oahu Genius coordinates that process with the agencies. The approving agencies issue the permit. A permit is specific to the site and the date, and it is not promised before those agencies have reviewed it.
Any lead time is accepted. More lead time is always better, especially for peak and citywide dates and for permit-dependent elements. Approvals are why earlier notice helps. The desk is known for quick replies.
Venues and timing
The site has to fit the show and the audience. The Pokémon program was the Honolulu event Oahu Genius produced in August 2024. A later show is quoted from the proposed site, the date, and the headcount.
FAQs
Can you have a drone show in Hawaii?
Yes, with FAA authorization and State and local approvals. Oahu Genius produced the Pokémon World Championships show in August 2024, the first drone show permitted by the State of Hawaii, and handled the video capture. The approving agencies issue the permit. Ask for a custom quote for a new date.
What permits does a drone show in Hawaii need?
A drone show needs FAA authorization plus state and local approvals. Oahu Genius coordinates that process. The agencies decide the permit. Each show is specific to the site and the date.
How far ahead should you plan a drone show?
Any lead time is accepted. More lead time is always better, because approvals take time, especially for peak dates. Oahu Genius is known for quick replies and is open 24 hours a day. Send the target date as soon as you have it.
What was the largest drone show in Hawaii?
The largest aerial drone show in Hawaii, and the first one permitted by the State, was part of the Pokémon World Championships program Oahu Genius produced in August 2024 for more than 25,000 people. Oahu Genius also handled the video capture.
How much does a drone show cost?
A drone show is a custom quote only. The quote follows the site, the date, the audience, and whether you also need transportation, staffing, or video. Oahu Genius does not publish rates. Request a quote with the proposed date.