From its founding in the Territory of Hawaii in 1903 to today, the family-owned kama’āina E. K. Fernandez Shows has brought entertainment experiences to Hawaiʻi for over a century. Families, sports teams, churches, schools, and other businesses and organizations can enjoy carnival rides, play games and win prizes, and enjoy tasty fair treats or a delicious plate on the midway.
The Fernandez company is recognized nationally and internationally for its long history in the carnival, fair, and circus industry. Founder, Edwin Kane (E. K.) Fernandez, was known as “The Barnum of the Pacific.” He searched the world for the best acts he could find and brought them to Hawaiʻi, as well as to shows in Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Japan, Guam, India, and China.
Some of the more well-known acts included the Flying Wallendas and their seven-person aerial pyramid, the wild animal trainer Clyde Beatty, and the famous clown Emmett Kelly. The first elephant at the Honolulu Zoo, Daisy originally came to Hawaiʻi to perform in an E. K. Fernandez show.
The company’s first amusement ride was a steam-powered merry-go-round called a Flying Jenny at the Maui County Fair in 1915. Amusement rides have changed tremendously since then. Today’s fairs include an assortment of kiddie rides, family rides, thrill rides, and spectaculars to please everyone in the family.
Amusement Park swing ride – Depositphotos.com
50th State Fair 2024
The fair features a full-size midway with amusement rides, food, and games. Visitors will also experience a live circus, monster trucks, and live musical entertainment each day.
- When: May 24 – July 7, 2024: E.K. Fernandez Shows, Inc. – Hawaii’s Finest since 1903 (ekfernandezshows.com)
- Opening Hours: Fridays: 6pm, Saturdays: 4pm, Sundays: noon, Memorial Day: noon. Closing time varies between 10:00 p.m. and midnight.
- Where: Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd in Honolulu, HI in the Lower Halawa Lot
- Parking: Main Salt Lake Gate 1.
Fair Admission:
The Fair utilizes a card system called Fun Pass to pay for admission to the fairgrounds, plus rides, games, food & beverages, and other special attractions. Scroll down for more details about purchasing a Fun Pass.
- 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.: 30 credits ($3)
- 5 p.m. to closing: 60 credits ($6)
- Children under 40” tall: FREE at all times
Discount days:
- May 26 – Noon to 5 p.m. HALF-OFF SUNDAY: Admission 30 credits ($3) – All rides 50% OFF.
- May 27 – Noon to 5 p.m. HALF-OFF MONDAY: Admission 30 credits ($3) – All rides 50% OFF.
- May 27 – Noon to closing. PASHA HAWAII MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: FREE admission for active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents with valid military ID.
More info: Aloha Stadium | 50TH STATE FAIR (hawaii.gov)
Stuffed animal game prizes at a state fair – Depositphotos.com
Fun Pass Information
A Fun Pass is used to pay for admission to the fairgrounds, plus rides, games, food & beverages, and other special attractions. Purchase Fun Passes at the large red kiosks at the entrance to the Fair and throughout the fairgrounds using cash or credit card.
Some of the red kiosks are clearly marked “RELOAD ONLY” and accept CASH ONLY and RELOADS ONLY using a $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, or $100 bill.
Tip: We recommend that you purchase a minimum number of credits. It’s easy to check remaining credits and re-load your Fun Pass at stations throughout the fair.
- Each Fun Pass credit is equivalent to 10 cents. $3=30credits; $5=50credits; $10=100credits; $20=200credits; $50=500credits; $100=1,000credits.
- Admission is 30-60 credits ($3-$6) depending on date and time of entry. If you want to attend the Fair but not purchase a Fun Pass, purchase an admission-only ticket: 100 credits (equivalent to $10).
- Rides are 40-66 credits each ($4.00-$6.60). Be sure to check the height requirements for each ride and follow the safety rules.
More info: E.K. Fernandez Shows, Inc. – Hawaii’s Finest since 1903 – 50th State Fair (ekfernandezshows.com)
Fair food favorites include funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies – Depositphotos.com
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
Find more free and cheap events, discounts, and deals at Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)
Mary Chew says
What are the days and times for discounted prices for tickets and admission?
Carole Cancler says
As it states in the information above, the discount dates were May 29-30:
Discounts: