STAR-ADVERTISER / APRIL 25, 2025
Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinã ala is led by Kumu Leinã’ala Pavao Jardin. In this mele, the wondrous colors, lights and machinery of the Kilauea Lighthouse are celebrated. during the Merrie Monarch hula festival at Edith Kanakaole Stadium, in April 2025. State officials are urging interisland travelers to get to the airport early this week if heading to Hilo for the Merrie Monarch Festival.
State officials are urging interisland travelers to get to the airport early this week if heading to Hilo for the Merrie Monarch Festival.
The week-long festival, which began Easter Sunday, is expected to draw thousands of participants to Hawaii island, increasing passenger volume, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. At the same time, weather forecasters have issued a flash flood watch between now and Friday, warning of heavy rains brought on by another storm.
“HDOT advises travelers to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled flight departure to allow sufficient time to park, check in and get through security,” said the department in a news release. “Travelers should also check with their airline on flight status, including any delays, gate assignments and baggage claim areas.”
A technician will be on standby at Hilo International Airport in case of any technical issues with the screening equipment.
This Sunday, additional staff, along with state sheriff canine teams, will also be on hand to help with baggage screening as travelers depart from Hilo.
DOT also said it is preparing airports for storm conditions by securing loose equipment and ramps, clearing airfield drains and outlets to prevent flooding, and fueling and charging vehicles and generators.
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Additionally, air travel could potentially be impacted by Kilauea’s next episode of lava fountaining, which is forecast to happen sometime between now to April 15.
Hawaiian Airlines, Big Island Candies and Waiakea will offer a complimentary shuttle bus for passengers to shop at the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Fair at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium on Thursday and Friday.
The shuttles will run continuously from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with stops at the Hilo airport check-in area and baggage claim.
State officials are also reminding travelers departing from Hilo or Kona that all ohia flowers, leaves and plant parts must be left on Hawaii island due to quarantine rules that are in place to reduce the spread of rapid ohia death.
