The 4th of July is celebrated around the nation as one of the biggest holidays in America, if not the biggest. Hawaii is no different, as the islands have their own unique take on celebrating the 4th of July. All the islands of Hawaii offer a unique and interesting perspective on the 4th if July, as they mix mainland tradition with a ton of local Hawaii flavor.
That being said, each island in Hawaii offers a ton of fireworks shows, celebrations, parades, and activities for the the entire family. You may be wondering where to watch the 4th if July fireworks in Hawaii? Now you have a detailed guide at your fingertips, as Beyond Honolulu has put together a few helpful tips that will put you on the right track to finding all the best places for Hawaii 4th of July celebrations and fireworks.
There are a ton of activities, fireworks shows, parades and events no matter what Hawaii island you live on or happen to be visiting during the 4th of July holiday. Of course, there is always the option of celebrating the 4th of July Hawaiian style. Check out our helpful tips below and Happy 4th Hawaii!
Oahu 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations
Aloha Tower Fireworks
Aloha Tower Marketplace continues their tradition of fireworks and entertainment on a yearly basis. Their pau hana (after work) event with entertainment, live music by local favorite bands and food booths. This kid-friendly event includes balloon artists, face painting and a kid-friendly magician.
The main event — the Aloha Tower fireworks show — starts at 8:45pm (usually). The pau hana and fireworks celebrations are free and open to the public from 5pm to 9pm.
Parking in and around Aloha Tower Marketplace is very limited. If you’ll be coming to the fireworks show from Waikiki, public transportation by The Bus would be your best bet. You can also get there via the Red Line Trolley, but you’d have to return via another method. See more transportation to Aloha Tower Marketplace details. Please view the Aloha Tower Marketplace website to confirm times and events.
Ala Moana Center Fireworks
Ala Moana Center hosts one of the biggest July 4th fireworks shows in the state of Hawaii. The fireworks show is set for 8:30pm (usually), though the evening festivities usually begin at 5pm with an Outdoor Concert on the Parking Deck at Mall Level 2 on the ocean side. The entertainment varies yearly.
The Ala Moana Center fireworks and outdoor concert are both free and open to the public. If you’d like to do a bit of shopping prior to the events, this shopping center is giving everyone a 20% savings pass to use at over 60 participating stores. For more information, see their website or call 808-955-9517 for yearly activity and time details.
North Shore Fireworks and Celebration at Turtle Bay Resort
If you’re staying at or around Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore, you won’t have to venture far to enjoy great 4th of July festivities hosted by Turtle Bay Resort. The celebration will be held yearly an is usually near the resort’s stables. Food, live music and fun in the sun will highlight the day followed by a fireworks display at dark.
Turtle Bay Resort is located at 57-091 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku on Oahu’s North Shore. For more information call 808-293-6000.
July 4th Military Celebrations
The military bases on Oahu usually always host a number of different 4th of July fireworks displays and celebrations for both the families of the military stationed in the islands and the general public. To see what is happening this year for fourth of July on your military base please see the relevant websites below for the most up-to-date information.
Hickam Air Force Base | Schofield Barracks | Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Base | Pearl Harbor Naval Air Station Barber’s Point Naval Air Station
Other Parades and Fireworks Shows on Oahu
The beach town of Kailua hosts their annual July 4th parade including 40 vehicles, 40 floats and four bands. The parade starts at approximately 10am at the intersection of Kainalu Drive and Palapu Street. The route will follow Kainalu Drive to Kailua Intermediate School.
Alternative 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Options on Oahu
Our friend Dave from Oahu tells us that you can a great fireworks view from Sand Island State Recreation Area. From there you could watch sunset, have a picnic and watch the Aloha Tower Marketplace fireworks away from the crowds. If you opt to watch the fireworks from Sand Island, it’s best to drive there, otherwise, you’d have a long walk to and from nearest bus stop.
There will be a ton of fun activities, events, fireworks displays, parades, and celebrations going down on Oahu so take some time to plan out where you want to be.
Maui 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations
Are you a Maui resident or happen to find yourself on Maui for the 4th of July holiday? If so, then you can treat yourself to some of the best 4th of July fireworks shows and celebrations in Hawaii. Don’t miss out, here are the biggest and best things going down on Maui during the 4th of July weekend and holiday.
Makawao 4th of July Parade and Rodeo
The historic, small town of Makawao holds their annual parade and rodeo that celebrates Independence Day and their ranching history. The parade starts at 9am (usually) from the lower end of Baldwin Avenue and ends at the Eddie Tam Center on Makawao Avenue. For parade information, call 808-572-9565. (If you go to Haleakala for sunrise, Makawao is a convenient stop on the way back to the major Maui resorts.)
Red White and Blue Ocean Day at Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is putting a ocean spin on the holiday day with special presentations and giveaways. Ocean Naturalists will highlight ocean, land and energy conservation and share helpful hints with guests on how they can protect and promote healthy oceans. Children ages 3-12 will receive a special prize; giveaways will be offered at the Aquarium’s Front Gate while supplies last. See this link for more information on ticket prices.
July 4th Arts & Crafts Show in Lahaina
Local arts and crafts will be on display from 9am to 5pm in Banyan Tree Park off of Front Street in Lahaina. This may vary from year to year so check local listings.
July 4th Concert in the Park in Lahaina
Free Fourth of July Concert in the Park at the Library Lawn in Lahaina. Enjoy musical performances before the big Lahaina fireworks show. This event is free and open to the public.
July 4th Lahaina Town Entertainment
Lahaina’s 5th Annual Karaoke Contest begins at 4pm in The Wharf Cinema Center. Then from 5:30 onwards, entertainment and food booths will be set up at Campbell Park near the intersection of Dickenson Street and Front Streets. For more information, see this flyer.
Lahaina July 4th Fireworks Show
After sunset, the night sky will light up with a big fireworks show visible from along the sea wall on Front Street in Lahaina. The fireworks show will start at 8pm (usually). Check local listings for any cancellations or time changes.
You can watch the fireworks show from the sea wall in Lahaina. The display normally shoots from a barge situated across from Fleetwood’s on Front Street.
Alternative 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations on Maui
The Pacific Whale Foundation offers two different July 4th fireworks cruises departing from Maalaea. (The Lahaina option is sold out at the time of publishing, however, for better parking availability, I highly recommend you choose a cruise departing from Maalaea Harbor.) See their options and book online through this link for 10% discounts.
The Pride of Maui July 4th dinner cruise is sold out, but their sister ship, the Leilani, has availability at the time of publishing. Their hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and desserts cruise departs from Maalaea Harbor. Book online from this link for 10% savings.
Don’t miss out on any of the amazing fireworks shows and celebrations that Maui has to offer. Happy 4th of July!
Kauai 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations
The 4th of July is celebrated on Kauai just like everywhere else in Hawaii. However, it looks like the island of Kauai usually puts all their efforts into one big huge 4th of July event. Instead of several 4th if July Kauai fireworks displays and celebrations. The events and 4th of July celebrations differ from year to year. This link will give you up-to-date information and options on all Kauai 4th of July fireworks and celebrations.
Big Island 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations
The Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii Island) has some of the very best 4th of July fireworks shows and celebrations around. The island is huge, and there is ample room for several big 4th of July fireworks events. If you are on the Big Island of Hawaii for the 4th of July in 2013 then make sure you get to see some of the following fireworks shows and celebrations.
Waikoloa Beach Resort Family Fourth and Fireworks
Fun, patriotic festivities will fill the day before the day is capped off with a fireworks show over Waikoloa Bowl. For more details, see this link. This event is free and open to the public.
Doors open to the Waikoloa Bowl at 5pm (usually) and live entertainment will start shortly after. Beach chairs and blankest are welcome, however coolers are not. This event is alcohol and drug free. The fireworks show is set to start at 8pm. The fireworks show is free and open to the public.
At the Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa, festivities kick off at 10am with entertainment. The day’s activities include a watermelon-eating contest, cooking competition, recognizing first responders and the 22nd Annual Rubber Duckie Race with proceeds benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaii. For the schedule of activities and to learn more about the entering the rubber duckie race, see this link. This event is free and open to the public.
Annual July 4th Turtle Independence Day Celebration at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel
The hotel raises juvenile honu in their saltwater ponds until they are large enough to be released into the ocean. Starting at 10:30am on July 4th, these honu will be paraded from the ponds to the beachfront for release. Live entertainment, educational displays and a July 4th barbecue (for purchase) will be offered. The event is free and open to the public. The Mauna Lani Bat 4th of July events vary from year to year so check out their website for all the most current information.
Parker Ranch Horse Races & Rodeo
The Parker Ranch Rodeo is set to start at 9am (usually) in the Parker Ranch Arena in Waimea. See their website for more information.
Kailua-Kona July 4th Parade and Fireworks
The parade route runs from Palani Drive then along Ali’i Drive to Coconut Grove Marketplace in historic Kailua-Kona. The parade start time is 5:30pm Usually). At around 8pm, the fireworks show will begin. The fireworks shoot from a barge in Kailua Bay, so, grab a spot to watch along the waterfront. For more information and to contribute, see this link.
Volcano Village July 4th Parade & Silent Auction Benefit
Starting at the Volcano Post Office, the annual Volcano Village Parade proceeds down Old Volcano Road to the Cooper Community Center. The silent auction will be held at the Cooper Community Center from 9am until 11:30am but check the link above for yearly times.
Hilo Bay Blast with Fireworks
Along Hilo Bayfront, you’ll find games, entertainment and a cook-off during the day. The Hawaii County Band will perform at the Mo’oheau Bandstand at 7pm, followed by fireworks at 8pm over Hilo Bay. Parking and ride shuttles will be available from the County Aupuni Center and Afook-Chinen Auditorium to downtown Hilo. Check out Kona Web for all the most up-to-date-info.
Don’t miss out on any of the fantastic 4th of July fireworks shows or celebrations taking place on the Big Island of Hawaii.
No matter what island you live in or what island you may be visiting, there is a Hawaii 4th of July fireworks and celebration that you can find and be a part of. Always be safe out there whatever you decide to do and have a safe and fun 4th of July in Hawaii.
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