Hawaii Island theaters reopen with enhanced safety guidelines

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Regal Cinema Makalapua reopens today with $5 classic movies. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Regal Cinema Makalapua reopens today with $5 classic movies. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Regal Cinema Makalapua reopens today with $5 classic movies. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
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Two Hawaii Island movie theaters reopen today following a lengthy closure prompted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Regal Makalapua in Kailua-Kona and Regal Prince Kuhio in Hilo will offer $5 screenings of various classics, including Back to the Future, Black Panther, Deadpool, Jaws and more. The Regal Keauhou at Keauhou Shopping Center reopens Aug. 28.

The reopening follows Waikoloa Luxury Cinema’s resumption of service in June. The theater is featuring $7 classics through Thursday.

Regal’s website said that reopening plans include a wide range of new health and safety measures based on guidelines provided from the CDC. The plan also includes safety measures based on feedback received from employees and moviegoers they have deemed most important for their return.

Regal will also provide new contactless payment options and innovative sanitizing methods including

According to the company, employees will undergo daily health screenings, including temperature checks, and must wear masks as well as wash their hands more frequently.

At the concession stand, every other register will be closed to maintain social distancing and a reduced menu offering will be available. Refills will not be available for large drinks and popcorn.

Within the lobby area, masks must be worn, including in restrooms. Wall mounted sanitizer dispensers will be available, however, vending machines and water fountains will not.

Inside the auditorium, guests will be required to wear masks at all times. Masks can be removed for eating and drinking. Capacity will also be decreased and moviegoers will be asked to leave two seats between groups.

“Employees monitor auditoriums throughout each performance as standard practice. Where socially unacceptable behavior is observed, including the non-wearing of a mask, this will be addressed with the patron,” the company said.

Guests are asked to refrain from visiting the theaters if they have COVID-19-like symptoms or have had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. Refunds will be available.

For more information on the Regal theaters reopening today, including a full list of movies and screening times as well as the option to purchase tickets online, visit www.regmovies.com.

For more information on Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas, including a full list of movies and screening times and The Bistro menu, visit www.hawaiicinemas.com.