Hawaii, Big Island, July 4th Fireworks & Celebrations 2026

Aloha and welcome to our Hawaii, Big Island 4th of July guide!

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic July 4th on Hawaii’s Big Island for this year. Many of the island’s traditional Independence Day celebrations are back in action. You’ll find excellent festivities and fireworks on both the Hilo and Kona sides of Hawaii Island.

Kailua-Kona July 4th Parade & Fireworks 2026

Photo courtesy of Kona Parades and Kailua Village Business Improvement District

The 29th annual Kailua-Kona community Independence Day parade is scheduled to start a 6:00 p.m. This parade route primarily follows beautiful Ali’i Drive. This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful.”

After the parade, at 8:00 p.m., the “Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza” will begin with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in beautiful Kailua Bay.

Hilo Bay Blast Fireworks & Celebration 2026

We have confirmed that Hilo Bay Blast will happen again in 2026. Here’s what’s on slate this year:

A Salute to Our Veterans Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk/Roll event is back on for 2026 after a year off. The event starts bright and early at 7:00 a.m.
From 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., the annual “Hot Rides Expo” will feature vintage, classic, and futuristic vehicles. During the “Hot Rides Expo,” live music will be performed by Rhythm X, Just Us Band, Girls Nite Out, and the Abbie Willow Band. Food trucks and children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields
At 7:00 p.m., the Hawai’i County Band will perform at the Mo’oheau Park Bandstand. Their performance will continue to accompany the fireworks show. For folks not near the bandstand, the fireworks display will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.
The “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks show will begin at 8:00 p.m. This professional pyrotechnics show sets off from a barge moored in Hilo Bay.

Notes:

Lihiwai Street, from Keli’ipio Lane to the entrance of Isle’s parking lot, will be closed to vehicular traffic from Friday, July 3 at 10 p.m. through Sunday, July 5 at 10 a.m.
Bayfront Highway, from Waianuenue Avenue to Pauahi Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 p.m. through 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. In addition, all gates along Mo‘oheau Park and the Hilo Bayfront Soccer fields will be open to allow pedestrian access to the Hilo Bay shoreline to view the fireworks exhibition.
All Hilo area parks will remain open until 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 only.
The Bayfront Soccer Field has been designated as the Kupuna viewing station. The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide shuttle service from the Kamana Senior Center, located at 127 Kamana St. The shuttle to the Bayfront Soccer Field will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the return shuttle will run from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Individuals 55 years and older wanting to use the shuttle service may contact Elderly Recreation Services at (808) 961-8710 for more information.

Waikoloa Beach Resort July 4th Activities 2026

The two shopping centers within Waikoloa Beach Resort, Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, host fun events including free entertainment and plenty of fun family-friendly activities.

Kings’ Shops hosts their annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race along with fun, family-friendly Independence Day activities. This event benefits the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii. Events start at 11:00 a.m. and run through 5:00 p.m. See this link for the schedule of events.

Queens’ Marketplace hosts their 4th of July Extravaganza with many family-friendly events spanning from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. See this link for more information.

Note that prior to 2020, Waikoloa Independence Day events culminated with a spectacular fireworks display over Waikoloa Bowl at Queens Gardens. Fireworks shows have not been held since 2018 and unfortunately they won’t be returning for 2026 either.

Annual 4th of July Rodeo and Horse Races at Parker Ranch 2026

A local tradition on July 4th is the annual Parker Ranch July 4th rodeo. The rodeo celebrates the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) and their skills. In addition to the fast-paced rodeo events, there will be horse races, local food, craft vendors and keiki (kid) activities.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with the grand entry beginning at 9:00 a.m. for the 62nd annual rodeo. This year’s celebration will also feature live music from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Check this link to purchase tickets.

—

Notes:

All events are subject to change without notice.
More events may be added or revised. Check back for updates.
If you are staying in a resort, your resort might be offering special celebrations, barbecues and other fun things to do for Independence Day. Check directly with your resort for what they might be offering.
Some events are dependent upon fundraisers and local financial support. As such, they may be canceled with little notice if they don’t raise enough funds. When/if we know of these situations, we will note them.
Personal fireworks, alcohol, drugs, tobacco use and e-cigarettes are prohibited at all county and state parks. No tents or canopies are permitted.
Operation of UAVs/drones is prohibited within five miles of the Hilo and Kona airports. UAVs/drones are also prohibited within county and state parks.
All marine vessels (including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards) operating at night must use navigation lights, and all persons on board must have personal flotation devices.
A 600-foot safety zone will be established around the fireworks barges; unauthorized vessels shall not moor, drift, traverse or enter these restricted areas. Officers from the State Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will be assisting this event on sea and land.
If you are visiting the Big Island, check out our guide to the top things you need to know for a July vacation in Hawaii. Pay close attention to what you need to reserve ahead of your vacation.
If you are a journalist or blogger using this post for researching an article you are writing, kindly do what’s proper and provide a link back to Go Visit Hawaii. This work is a result of many hours of my very own research, long distance phone calls, emails, contacts, etc.