Independence Day Closures

A few changes will be seen in the normal Saturday routine as the Big Island celebrates Independence Day. In addition to business and service closures, Fourth of July events taking place around the island will caused a few road closures.

This year’s holiday falls on a Saturday, leaving all government offices already closed.

All post offices will be closed, and there will be no mail delivery, according to United States Postal Service spokesperson Duke Gonzales.

Some banks, including Bank of Hawai’i, American Savings Bank, and Central Pacific Bank will close. First Hawaiian Bank, however, says that it will be open under normal business hours. It is recommended to contact your bank to find out if your branch will be open.

All state public libraries will remain closed Saturday. All libraries have been closed since Friday. 

In addition to the libraries, all public pools will close Saturday in observance of the holiday.

The county’s Hele-On Bus service will resume normal service Saturday, with the exception of certain changes to service in Kailua-Kona because of the Independence Day parade and fireworks show.

According to Hele-On, buses will not be able to access the Kona Commons area. The 5:30 p.m. Northbound bus from Alii Drive will “turn right on Lunapule [Street], left on Kuakini Highway, and make stops at Pottery Terrace, University of Nations, and McDonalds. The bus will then turn right on Henry [Street] and proceed on Queen Kaahumanu Highway to Kaiser Permanente and resume normal schedule.”

Hele-On’s Southbound bus at 5:35 p.m. will go on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, take a right on Henry Street, and move on to Kuakini Highway. Stops will be made at the 76 gas station, Pottery Terrace, and the area across of the University of Nations. Normal service will resume after taking a right turn on Lunapule Street and a left on Alii Drive.

Ali’i Drive in Kona will be closed from Royal Kona Resort to Kekuaokalani Gymnasium between 5:30-8 p.m. for the parade and fireworks festivities.

In Hilo, several road closures will be put in place for Fourth of July festivities. Lihiwai Street, near Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, will be closed from 2 a.m.-10 p.m. Later that evening, Bayfront Highway will close between Waianuenue Avenue and Pauahi Street. That closure starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m.

In Volcano, a half-mile stretch of Old Volcano Road, leading to Cooper Center on Wright Street, will be closed at 9 a.m. for the annual Volcano Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. The parade will start at the post office.