Big Island of Hawaii July 4th Fireworks, Parades & Events 2012

2016 update:

Click the following link for 2016 events —> Hawaii, the Big Island July 4th Fireworks and Events for 2016

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The following list is from 2012 for reference purposes only. Many of the links will no longer work. For current events, see July 4th on Hawaii, the Big Island.

Hawaii’s Big Island will offer fun and unique ways to celebrate the 4th of July with a slice of aloha. I’ve organized these top events based on location as you will see labeled Kona/Kohala Coast Side, which is the west side of Hawaii Island, and Hilo Side, which is the east side of the island.  From parades to fireworks, you can have a blast with these festivities on the Big Island of Hawaii:

Kona/Kohala Coast Side

Kailua-Kona 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
Starting at 5:30pm, the parade route travels from Kekuaokalani Gym down beautiful Ali’i Drive, finishing at Walua Road past Coconut Grove. See this link for the parade route. Following the parade, Kailua-Kona presents a fireworks show launched from a barge in Kailua Bay. The fireworks show is set to start at 8pm. At the moment, officials are still seeking  funds for the fireworks show, if you or your business might be interested in sponsoring the fireworks please see this link.

Waikoloa Beach Resort Family Fourth & Fireworks
Food, games and entertainment will fill the day that will finish off with a fireworks display on the Kohala Coast. The Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace will both host games and entertainment lasting throughout the day. Starting at 10am, check out the 21st Annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race at the Kings’ Shops. Proceeds between the two venues will benefit Hawaii Island’s Food Bank and United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaii. The full day of fun will end with evening fireworks beginning at 8pm over Waikoloa Bowl at Queen’s Gardens . For more information, see this Waikoloa Beach Resort link as well as this link for a resort map and directions.

Turtle Independence Day at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel
For 23 years running, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel has nurtured young honu (sea turtles) in preparation for their release into the ocean. The Turtle Independence Day is highlighted by a traditional Hawaiian ceremony as the turtles are transported from the hotel’s salt water ponds to the ocean. The honu celebration begins at 10:30am. This event is free and open to the public. A July 4th inspired barbeque will be available from 10am until noon with food and drink  available for purchase. For more information, please see this link.

Parker Ranch 50th Annual July 4th Horse Races & Rodeo
The 50th Annual Parker Ranch July 4th rodeo and horse races are set to begin at 9am. Tickets are $6 at the gate. Kids ages 10 and under are free. See this link for more information. Festivities are scheduled to last until noon.

Hilo Side

Volcano Village 4th of July 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. (Source: Kona Web)

Hilo Fireworks & July 4th Celebration at 2012 Hilo Bay Blast
The Hawaii County Band will perform patriotic music at the Mo’oheau Bandstand beginning at 7pm. Then at 8pm the sky lights up with fireworks from Moku Ola, also known as Coconut Island. Prior to the evening events, there will be a fun run/walk, car show, hula performances, games, barbecue cook-off and lots of fun throughout Hilo. For more information, see this link to Damon Tucker’s blog post.

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Notes:

– Mahalo to all these July 4th event sponsors and coordinators!

– All these details for 2012 Big Island July 4th events  are accurately reported at the time of publishing.

– Bookmark this page and check back for potential additions and updates.

Attention bloggers and journalists: If you use this post as part of researching your own article, please link back to Go Visit Hawaii. This comprehensive list is a result of many phone calls, emails, contacts, hours of research, etc.