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.
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.
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.
Amusement Park swing ride – Depositphotos.com
50th State Fair Information
When: May 27 – July 4, 2022. (See Fair Dates & Hours below)
Where: Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd in Honolulu, HI
Parking: Main Salt Lake Gate 1 & Halawa Gate 3. Fee: $9.00 per car / $32.00 per bus or limousine.
- Monday – 11:00 am or later
- Thursday & Friday – 5:00pm or later
- Saturday & Sunday – 3:00pm or later. Before 3:00pm: $1 per person (11 years and under free).
Cost: A Fun Pass card is required to pay for admission, rides, games, food & beverages, and other attractions. For details, see Fun Pass Information below.
Discounts:
- Sunday, May 29 & Monday, May 30 from Noon to 5 p.m. Admission 30 credits ($3) and All Rides 50% OFF.
- Monday, May 30 (Labor Day). Miliary appreciation day. Free admission for all active duty and retired military and their dependents with valid ID.
More info: E.K. Fernandez Shows – 50th State Fair (ekfernandezshows.com) and Aloha Stadium | 50TH STATE FAIR (hawaii.gov)
Stuffed animal game prizes at a state fair – Depositphotos.com
Fun Pass Information
A Fun Pass card is required to pay for admission to the fairgrounds, rides, games, food & beverages, novelties, and some attractions. Children under 40″ tall are FREE at all times. Fun Pass Prices: 40 credits/$5, 90 credits/$10, 200 credits/$20, 500 credits/$50, 1000 credits/$100. Each credit is equivalent to 10-cents. Purchase Fun Passes at the large red kiosks at the entrance to the Fair and throughout the fairgrounds using cash or credit card.
- Groups of 50 or more can enjoy special pricing when they Party at the 50th State Fair (ekfernandezshows.com)
Admission is 30-60 credits ($3-$6) depending on date and time of entry. Rides are 35-66 credits ($3.50-$6.60) each (be sure to check the height requirements for each ride and follow the safety rules). If you want to attend the Fair but not purchase a Fun Pass, you may purchase an admission-only ticket for 100 credits (equivalent to $10).
- 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. Note: reload stations accept CASH ONLY.
More info: E.K. Fernandez Shows – Fun Pass Help (ekfernandezshows.com)
Fair food favorites include funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies – Depositphotos.com
Fair Dates & Hours
Daily opening hours are listed below. Closing is normally between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, except for the last day of each weekend where closing is at 9:00 p.m.
May 27-30
- Friday: 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 4 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon
- Monday: Noon
June 3-5
- Friday: 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 4 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon
June 9-12
- Thursday: 6 p.m.
- Friday: 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 4 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon
June 17-19
- Friday: 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 4 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon
June 24-26
- Friday: 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 4 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon
July 1-4
- Friday: 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 4 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon
- Monday: Noon
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