
From the Organizer
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post and Auxiliary 3830, Pahoa, in proud partnership with Hawai'i County Parks & Recreation, invites the entire community to participate in the 14th Annual Hilo Bay Veterans Independence Day Run, Walk, and Roll, held in conjunction with the Freedom 250 celebration.
The run is an inclusive 5K Run, Walk, and Roll honoring those who served our nation while raising awareness of the challenges faced daily by our ill and injured veterans. This is more than a race - it's a community celebration of service, unity, and patriotism.
✔ In-person participation
✔ Virtual participation from anywhere
As our nation commemorates 250 years of Independence, we gather to honor freedom, liberty, and the veterans who made it possible. Every step taken supports veteran awareness and strengthens our commitment to never forget their sacrifices.
Everyone Is Welcome
This event is open to all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users, disabled veterans, families, and community members. Whether you run, walk, roll, or cheer from the sidelines--you belong here.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
83°
Typical Low
69°
Chance of Rain
85%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Hilo Intl Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
149 ft
Nearest Airport
ITO
Hilo International Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
KOA
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole · 62 mi
Time Zone
Hawaii-Aleutian Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at A Salute to Our Veterans Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
Coming Up
Holo Kahakai 5K, 10K or 1/2 Marathon Fun Run
18 miles away
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18 miles away
Big Island International Marathon 2027
Less than a mile away
BIRR Hilo Bay 5k and 10k
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Salute to Our Veterans Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk
Jul 4, 2026