Lights on Rice Parade Set for Līhu‘e, Major Road Closures Expected

The Lights on Rice Parade will start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, with the procession beginning at Vidinha Stadium, proceeding down Ho‘olako Street and Rice Street, and concluding at the Historic County Building on ‘Eiwa Street. To safeguard participants and spectators, the Kaua‘i Police Department will close all streets along the parade route beginning at 5:00 p.m. and continuing until 8:00 p.m., or until the parade has concluded. The closure window therefore spans approximately three hours, covering a prime evening period for commuters, shoppers, and local workers.

Closures will include Ho‘olako Street from Vidinha Stadium to Rice Street, Rice Street from Ho‘olako Street to ‘Eiwa Street, and ‘Eiwa Street from Rice Street to Hardy Street. No parking will be allowed along the parade route beginning at 5:00 p.m. on December 5. Event organizers and county officials have asked drivers to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes, and obey posted signs and on site personnel to minimize disruptions and maintain safety.

For Kaua‘i residents, the immediate impact will be concentrated in downtown Līhu‘e where the parade route intersects commercial and county buildings. The three hour closure will likely compress evening traffic into alternate corridors, increasing travel times for drivers traveling through or into the downtown core. Commuters who normally use Rice Street or ‘Eiwa Street between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. should expect detours and should consider departures earlier or later in the evening, carpooling, or parking outside the closure zone and walking in.

Local businesses near the route can expect both constraints and opportunities. The parking restrictions will reduce curbside access for a portion of the evening, which may inconvenience customers and deliveries. At the same time, parades of this scale typically draw foot traffic toward downtown civic spaces, potentially boosting retail and dining activity near the Historic County Building. The net effect will depend on how well businesses and patrons adapt to the temporary restrictions.

Public transit riders should check with Kaua‘i County transit for any route adjustments as the date approaches, and drivers are advised to follow directions from posted signs and on site personnel to ensure safety and keep traffic moving. With the parade scheduled during a busy evening window, county officials emphasize planning ahead so residents can avoid delays and enjoy the community event safely.