Simon Property lands in Kona after a strong quarter and leadership transition

Simon Property flew from Santa Maria, California, to Kona, Hawaii, on June 17, 2026, arriving at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport aboard its Gulfstream G550 (N63HS). The 4-hour, 45-minute flight came just over a month after the company reported first-quarter results that beat expectations.

Per Simon Property's own earnings release [investors.simon.com], net income rose to $479.6 million, and the company boosted its Real Estate FFO guidance for 2026. The call also marked the first earnings report under new CEO Eli Simon, who took over after the death of longtime leader David Simon. With a $2 billion development pipeline in the works and mall sales per square foot up nearly 12%, the trip to Hawaii may be a brief respite for the executive team.

Recent flight records show the same aircraft made a round-trip to Kona earlier this month, suggesting a recurring destination [celebplanes.com]. While the company's home base is Indianapolis, the pattern of Hawaii visits hints at either a personal retreat or business interests in the islands.