Hilo’s Fourth of July celebrations include a 5K, a classic car show, live music and fireworks
Hilo has a full day of events planned to celebrate Independence Day in the U.S.
6 hours ago
East Hawaiʻi residents can race through 250 years of American history to start their Independence Day celebration.
The “A Salute to Our Veterans” Hilo Bay 5K will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, and feature seven interactive historical stations that bring America’s story to life at Liliʻuokalani Gardens. The race begins during the birth of a new nation as the Declaration of Independence is signed, and the promise of liberty begins.
The annual “Hot Rides Expo” will feature vintage, classic, and futuristic vehicles from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. 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.
During the car show, live music will feature Rhythm X, Just Us Band, Girls Nite Out, and the Abbie Willow Band. Food trucks and children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields.
The “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks will end the holiday beginning at 8 p.m. with pyrotechnics coming from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawaiʻi County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks with a performance that begins at 7 p.m. at the Moʻoheau Park bandstand.
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide shuttle service from the Kamanā Senior Center to the kūpuna viewing station at the Bayfront Soccer Field. The shuttle will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the return shuttle will run from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Individuals 55 years and older wanting to use the shuttle service may contact Elderly Recreation Services at 808-961-8710 for more information.
Remember the following changes to road and park access:
- All Hilo area parks will remain open until 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, only.
- Lihiwai Street will be closed to vehicles from 10 p.m. Friday, July 3, to 10 a.m. Sunday, July 5.
- Bayfront Highway will be closed to vehicles from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
- All gates along Moʻoheau Park and the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields will be open to allow pedestrian access for the fireworks.
The County of Hawaiʻi is hosting these alcohol-, drug-, and litter-free events in coordination with private enterprises, community organizations, and numerous government agencies that are working together to make the public Fourth of July events safe and enjoyable for everyone.
The public is reminded that all county and state parks prohibit personal fireworks, alcohol and tobacco use, and e-cigarettes, as well as tents or canopies. Operation of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones within 5 miles of the Hilo and Kona airports, as well as within county and state parks, is also 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 flotation devices. A 600-foot safety zone will be set around the fireworks barge, and unauthorized vessels will not moor, drift, traverse, or enter the restricted areas.
The State Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers will be assisting with the event on sea and land.
To register for the 5K at Liliʻuokalani Gardens, visit the “A Salute to Our Veterans” website.
For more information on the different events, call the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Culture and Education Division at 808-961-8706.
