An evacuation drill is set for Waikōloa Village as Hawaiʻi Island enters wildfire season

Waikōloa Village residents can become familiar with the community’s evacuation route during the upcoming Hulu Street Evacuation Drill set for Saturday, Aug. 2.

Residents participating in the drill, also known as Hulu Holoholo, can practice driving the evacuation route from Hulu Street to Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway. Upon exiting the road, motorists will be directed to turn north (right) onto Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway. Motorists wanting to go south will be instructed to turn in at Puakō to change directions.

The drill began in 2022 after the Māna Road wildfire forced the evacuation of Waikōloa Village in 2021. It was originally held annually, but has been conducted twice a year since 2024.

“It’s a great idea to practice your emergency plan so you’re comfortable with it before disaster strikes,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “The evacuation route is a critical lifeline for the community, so I urge residents to get familiar with it just in case the worst occurs.”

Adding a second drill each year doubled the opportunities for part-year residents and kamaʻāina to drive the route, which can accommodate vehicles without four-wheel drive.

The event on Saturday is scheduled as Hawai‘i Island moves into the part of the year with the highest risk for wildfires. Volunteers and County of Hawaiʻi employees will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on disaster preparedness.

The evacuation drill, which is organized by the County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense, will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2.

To watch a video of the route, visit https://tinyurl.com/huluholoholo.