Aloha and welcome to our Hawaii, Big Island 4th of July guide! As the venues announce what they plan to host for 2026, we are updating this page. Some of the events that are listed below have details from 2025, however they are very likely to be repeated for July 4, 2026. As of May 2026 we’ve already seen some very strong indications that almost every event will be repeated for 2026. So, even though some details are from last year, this list is a helpful predictor of what you’ll likely find in 2026. If any event has been confirmed for 2026, we will note it with a bold, red 2026.
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
We have confirmed that the annual parade and fireworks extravaganza are on for 2026! And, the organizers say that “Something BIG is coming…” While we wait for more details to be announced, this is what we know so far:
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. 2026
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. 2026
Note: A unique way to view the fireworks show is from a boat tour. It’s beautiful to see the island and the fireworks from the water. Body Glove is operating a special scenic Fireworks Cruise that includes a BBQ dinner, including hamburgers and hot dogs. Live entertainment will also be on board. It will be a nice way to escape the crowds from Ali’i Drive, have dinner, enjoy some live entertainment, and get to see the fireworks show from the water! This would be my pick to enjoy the evening, even though you’d have to miss part of the parade. We have taken a sunset cruise with Body Glove and they do a nice job. Read about that experience here. Body Glove Hawaii has very good TripAdvisor reviews. (Note that fireworks cruises are popular at the holidays. They tend to sell out well in advance, so if this tour is of interest, it is best to book early.) 2026
Hilo Bay Blast Fireworks & Celebration 2026
We have confirmed that Hilo Bay Blast will happen again in 2026. Details are still to be determined, so stay tuned for that. Here’s what’s confirmed for 2026 so far:
- 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. 2026
- Fireworks over Hilo Bay are planned for 2026. Details are still to be announced. Time is to be determined. 2026
- More events are still to be announced for 2026. Typically, there’s a Hot Rides Expo car show, live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and more.
Waikoloa Beach Resort July 4th Activities 2025
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 Fourth of July 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 for 2025.
- Queens’ Marketplace hosts their 4th of July Extravaganza with many family-friendly events throughout the day. 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 2025 either.
Annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races at Parker Ranch 2025
The annual Parker Ranch July 4th rodeo will take place again in 2025 for the 61st year. Events start at 9:00 a.m. Traditionally, this rodeo celebrates the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) and their skills. Check this link for more information.
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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.
- 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.
Happy July 4th!
