Downtown Hilo’s 4th of July fireworks celebration has become a wonderful, fun-filled tradition for many families. For the seventh straight year, the state and County of Hawai‘i and private organizations are coordinating efforts to make the day a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.
Designated parking areas, free shuttle services and road closures are being provided for the safety and convenience of the public (see map).
Just remember:
- Bayfront Highway will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Fourth of July for the safety of fireworks viewers in the area (see map above);
- Shuttle bus service will be available from parking lots at various locations (see map below); and
- Tents, canopies, alcohol and personal fireworks are strictly prohibited.
GOOD VIEWING SITES
- Along the Bayfront Highway and beach area. Three pedestrian gates are located along the fence along the Bayfront Highway and will be marked with orange flags.
- The soccer fields along Kamehameha Avenue.
- Liliuokalani Park
ROAD CLOSURES
- Lihiwai Street from Banyan Drive near Coconut Island to Old Isles parking lot, 2 a.m. on July 4 to 10 a.m. on July 5.
- Bayfront Highway from Waianuenue Avenue to Wailoa Bridge, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4. (No parking allowed all day to allow for a better fireworks viewing area and ensure the safety of viewers and pedestrians by eliminating traffic.)
- Pauahi Street from Kamehameha Ave. to Bayfront Highway, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
- Access will be restricted to Bishop Street and Piopio Street on July 4, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PARKING
- Aupuni Center parking lots on Pauahi Street.
- Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lots.
- Soccer field on the downtown (Hamakua) side of Kumu Street.
- Designated disabled parking available in all parking areas, and an area exclusively for disabled parking at the Liliuokalani Park Tea House parking lot.
For those parking at the State Building, and on nearby mauka streets, please access the viewing area through the crosswalk at Pauahi Street.
While Kamehameha Avenue will be open there will be no parking along Kamehameha Avenue or the adjacent open fields.
Additional parking will be available on the Hāmākua side of Kumu Street, where people can then cross Kamehameha Avenue and access Bayfront through gates in the fence.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
Free round trip shuttles provided by Mass Transit yellow buses will be available to carry people and their picnic gear between designated parking areas and viewing sites from 10a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4th (see map below). Shuttles are equipped with lifts to accommodate persons with disabilities.
WHY NO TENTS OR CANOPIES?
- To prevent accidents and injuries due to fire.
- To improve fireworks viewing.
- To allow emergency responders to reach people needing assistance.
- To comply with state parks rules and regulations.
RESTROOM FACILITIES
Along with permanent facilities, portable toilets will be located throughout the areas.
KEEP HILO TOWN CLEAN AND GREEN
In past years, people viewing the fireworks have left behind more than 11 tons of litter that was picked up by volunteers, so please kokua:
- HI5 Recycle Bins will be distributed throughout the area by Department of Environmental Management and serviced by Hilo AYSO. Please recycle all your cans, glass and plastic bottles.
- Trash bags will be distributed by Parks and Recreation personnel on July 4th.
- Dumpsters will be located throughout the areas. Please use them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Traffic Closures and Parking: Lt. Jason Cortez, 961-2350
County Park Activities: Roxcie Waltjen, 961-8706
Shuttle Service: Betty Alcover, 961-8343
Fireworks Rules: Fire Inspector Gantry Andrade, 981-8369
State Parks: 974-6200
