Why You Won’t be Able to Drive Down Kalākaua Avenue on Sunday
The City and County of Honolulu along with the Hawai‘i Bicycling League, announced the launch of Kalākaua Open Street Sundays. For four consecutive Sundays, beginning June 14, bicyclists, joggers, and walkers will be able to travel down Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī to enjoy outdoor exercise while promoting one of the simplest ways to lower our environmental footprint with other members of our island ‘ohana.
“We’ve all noticed more people out walking, jogging, and biking as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “Opening Kalākaua Avenue to everyone so they have a place to exercise while allowing our local families the opportunity to enjoy a less-crowded Waikīkī during this time is a win-win for everyone. We hope people will dine in Waikīkī’s excellent restaurants and shop in its stores, uncrowded by tourists, helping our local economy while staying safe and healthy.”
This is Honolulu’s version of an Open Street Initiative, similar to “Slow” or “Open” streets in other cities, adapted to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. These streets, usually reserved for motor vehicles, are being opened for more people-focused activities such as biking, jogging, or walking. With the decrease in vehicular traffic on the roadways and minimal tourism, Kalākaua Open Street Sundays will also help reconnect kamaʻāina and merchants along Kalākaua Avenue.
Kalākaua Open Street Sundays are scheduled for June 14, 21, 28, and July 5. The events will be held on Kalākaua Avenue between Seaside Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue. The route will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. to noon. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes. Please allow extra travel time and abide by posted traffic signs. Special Duty Honolulu Police Department Officers will be posted to assist with traffic control.
Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, including families with small children and infrequent bicyclists, with a goal for everyone to enjoy safe, traffic-free mornings. However, we would like to remind everyone that physical distancing is still required between each family and face coverings should be worn to the extent possible. We also encourage participants to keep on the move. Congregating will be prohibited. Of course, people are allowed to dine in restaurants and visit our public beaches along the route, as long as they follow the Restore Honolulu guidelines.
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