HONOLULU (KHON2) — Made in Hawaii is back this weekend at the Hawaii Convention Center, and with it will come loads of traffic, on the roads, in the parking lot and even on foot.
Here’s what Made in Hawaii wants you to know before you hit the road:
Parking will be rough
The street parking surrounding the convention center is minimal. So minimal that even the earliest of risers will probably miss out. So Made in Hawaii is recommending to seek alternative options when it comes to parking.
“With the number of vendors, workers, staff, volunteers, you can do the numbers. There’s not really going to be access to parking on site,” said Olena Heu, Made in Hawaii Spokesperson. “So we do recommend that people find parking in other areas.”
Even parking nearby will likely be filled up, so it’s also recommended to consider other methods of transportation to get to the event.
“Personally I would suggest ridesharing, taxi, getting dropped off, save the hassle,” Heu said.
Ala Moana parking may be risky
While an easy alternative could be parking at Ala Moana, Made in Hawaii gently reminds customers it’s at their own risk.
It is possible to find free parking at the mall, but again, it could be limited. Other areas are paid parking only.
“Of course there are stalls that are only those that are shopping at Ala Moana center,” Heu said. “So when we say if you’re going to park there and come to the festival, you’re parking at your own risk.”
Kupuna accomadations
Made in Hawaii is offering a Kupuna rest area, where Kupuna can sit and relax while their group waits in line. They are then welcome to join the rest of their group once it gets closer to the front of the line.
Kupuna who aren’t accompanied by younger companions are also invited to skip ahead to the line, so that they don’t have to be standing for long periods of time.
There will be signs to indicate the Kupuna Rest Area, and is highly encouraged and welcome to all Kupuna.
Navigation will be easier
This year, Made in Hawaii is color coding the different lanes, with images on the ground, and with different banners.
There will also be a color coded map, aiming to help direct guests to different vendors quicker, which is available online.
“Last year we did welcome over 70,000 people to this event, so as you can imagine it might be quite crowded sometimes shoulder to shoulder,” Heu said. “Check out the map online. If you didn’t already know, come and figure out what vendors you want to visit first and where they are located.”
Tickets are available NOW
The event is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available online now, and it’s highly encouraged to get tickets in advance to keep lines moving efficiently.
The line will be adjacent to Atkinson Drive.