Cars of all colors and types decorated the soccer fields in Hilo as thousands of people spent the holiday admiring the classic cars from around the island.
The Fourth of July Hot Rides Classic Car Expo brought together car enthusiasts to the Bayfront Soccer Fields where people could browse the vehicles while listening to live music.
Maile Kaleo was excited to show her newly acquired classic Chevrolet that she named “Cruella.”
“I got her a year ago from a gentleman in Holualoa, and she had been dead for three years, and I got her going,” Kaleo said. “My dad visits from Mexico for two weeks every year, and we just jam out on cars from the early morning to night.
“He’s the one that introduced me to classic cars.”
Kaleo received her first classic truck from her dad and has continued learning how to fix cars and be part of the classic car community.
“What I love about these shows is that everybody has their favorite car, and everybody is passionate about their vehicles,” Kaleo said “Every person you talk to has a story about how they found their cars.”
After a 10-year hiatus from classic car shows due to a brain tumor, Gerald Granger was excited to show his truck and see old friends.
“After 10 years, I was able to fix my issue, and that’s why I’m here,” Granger said.
“I love seeing everyone I know and being part of the community. I’ve had my truck for 13 years, and I love it so much.”
The Hawaii Classic Cruizers Club and the County of Hawaii work together every year to put on the event. It has grown through the years with more people joining to enjoy the holiday.
Carlton Bello, owner of Holo Ika Papalani Hearse Suc., decided to show his unique Hearse wagon to help advertise his business while also taking part in the classic car community.
“I’ve done this off and on, since it’s a good way to promote the business,” Bello said. “It’s definitely cool to be part of it. Our friends have been doing it forever, and it’s good community of people.”
Herbert Leithe, president of the Hawaii Classic Cruizers Club, helped organize the event and made sure everything went smoothly during the day.
“This show brings all kinds of different people, some young, some old. It’s a great way for old timers to see the cars from when they were young,” Leithe said. “People bring their families out and involve so many people.
We’re happy that so many spend their holiday at the show and thankful for everyone who came out.”
While people enjoyed the classic cars, they also heard live music from local acts Chip Douglas, OL’s School Band, Saddle Road, Johnny Ness and Hot Potaytahs.
The Hawaii Classic Cruizers Club will have its next large-scale traveling car show, Cruize Paradise, next year. The next Hot Rides events will be at Kamaaina Motors and during Hawaii Community College’s Poker Run on July 23.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.