03/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/25/2024 14:52
HONOLULU - The Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) reminds travelers to give themselves extra time at airports statewide during the upcoming Easter weekend and the 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, which starts Easter Sunday, March 31, and culminates on Saturday, April 6. The week-long cultural festival is expected to draw thousands of participants and enthusiasts to Hawai'i Island, which could mean increased crowds and limited parking at Hawai'i's five busiest airports. The Hilo International Airport in particular is expected to be busy throughout the festival week, and travelers flying into and out of Hilo should plan accordingly.
HDOT offers the following tips for air travelers during this period, whether heading to Hilo or other destinations:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has created a series of videos to help you before you go through security checkpoints. See https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/flights/tsa-travel-tips/ for a collection of videos and link to additional TSA resources.
Those departing Hilo are also advised to leave all ʻōhiʻa flowers, leaves and plant parts on Hawaiʻi Island to reduce the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). Warning signs about the fungal disease that has killed more than one million native ʻōhiʻa trees will be posted inside the Hilo Airport. To learn more about ROD visit the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture page here.
A schedule of modified traffic patterns during the festival and parade are posted on the Merrie Monarch website.
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