West Hawaii Beach Parks Closing Early July 4

Two beach parks in West Hawaii will close early on July 4 to discourage patrons from using fireworks.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said both Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Kekaha Kai State Park will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

“We are closing these facilities early to discourage use of fireworks, which is prohibited in state parks, and to protect the public and natural resources of the areas,” said DLNR Chairperson William J. Aila Jr.

Normal park hours will resume on Friday.

Kekaha Kai is usually open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Hapuna is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A DLNR spokeswoman also reminded the public that tents may not be set up at Wailoa River State Park in Hilo without a permit.

Wailoa is located mauka of Kamehameha Avenue but not far from Hilo’s bayfront, the site of an annual July 4 fireworks display.

The county is also restricting vehicular access to the area above Kamehameha Avenue during the festivities.

It is closing Kumu Street, which provides access to the King Kamehameha statue, as well as Bishop Street, which leads to the bayfront soccer field restrooms. The streets will be closed from 3 a.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. on Thursday.