County of Hawaiʻi announces 2023 Fourth of July celebrations

The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation has announced this year’s Fourth of July celebrations in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

In Hilo:

• Beginning at 7 a.m., “A Salute to Our Veterans” Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk at Liliʻuokalani Gardens. For more information or to register, visit www.ASaluteToOurVeterans.org or contact Archie Hapai at 808-825-1917 or by email at 2023VFW38305K@gmail.com.
  
• From 10 a.m. through 3 p.m., the “Hot Rides Expo,” featuring vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles, will be held at the Hilo soccer fields (mauka fields). All show vehicles are welcome to participate at no charge and may roll in, starting at 7:30 a.m. at the former gas station on the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Pauahi Street. Show vehicles are encouraged to stay until 3 p.m.
  
• During the “Hot Rides Expo,” live music will feature Chip Douglas, OL’s School Band, Saddle Road, Johnny Ness and Hot Potaytahs. Food trucks and children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer fields.
  
• At 8 p.m., the “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawai‘i County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks with a performance that begins at 7 p.m. at the Mo‘oheau Park bandstand. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks display will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.

Hilo traffic information:

• Lihiwai Street, from Keliʻipio Lane to the entrance of Isle’s parking lot, will be closed to vehicular traffic from July 4 at 2 a.m. through July 5 at 10 a.m.
  
• Bayfront Highway, from Waiānuenue Avenue to Pauahi Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4. In addition, all gates along Mo‘oheau Park and the Hilo Bayfront Soccer fields will be open to allow pedestrian access to the Hilo Bay shoreline to view the fireworks exhibition.
  
• All Hilo area parks will remain open until 9 p.m. on July 4 only.
  
• The Bayfront Soccer Field has been designated the kūpuna viewing station this year. The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide a shuttle service from the Kamanā Senior Center at 127 Kamanā Street. The shuttle to the Bayfront Soccer Field will run from 5 to 7 p.m., and the return shuttle will run from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Individuals 55 years and older who want to use the shuttle service may contact Elderly Recreation Services at 808-961-8710 for more information.

In Kailua-Kona:

• Fourth of July parade will be held along Kuakini Highway and Ali’i Drive at 6 p.m. For the complete parade route and a list of road closures that will be in effect from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., visit paradesinkona.com. It is presented in partnership with the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association and Fireworks Committee.
  
• At 8 p.m., the “Peace, Love and 4th of July” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics from a barge moored in Kailua Bay. For more information, visit paradesinkona.com.

County, state and federal public safety agencies are working together to make the public Fourth of July events safe and enjoyable for everyone.

As a reminder, the following is provided for your information:

• Personal fireworks, alcohol, tobacco and e-cigs are prohibited at all county and state parks. No tents or canopies are permitted.
  
• Operation of UAVs/drones within 5 miles of the Hilo and Kona airports and county and state parks is prohibited.
  
• All marine vessels (including kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards) operating at night must utilize navigation lights, and all persons on board must have personal floatation devices.
  
• A 600-foot safety zone will be set around the fireworks barges; unauthorized vessels shall NOT moor, drift, traverse or enter these restricted areas. State officers will be assisting with this event on sea and land.

More information may be obtained by calling the Department of Parks & Recreation’s Culture & Education Division at 808-961-8706.