Aloha and welcome to our Hawaii, Big Island 4th of July guide. It is fully up to date for 2025.
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic July 4th on Hawaii’s Big Island for this year. Many of the 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 2025
Kailua-Kona plans their traditional patriotic parade with fireworks to follow. Here are the details for this year’s festivities:
- The 28th annual Kailua-Kona community parade planned to be back in action this July 4th! Kialua Village Independence Day Parade starts a 6:00 p.m. This parade route runs from Kuakini Highway (from Kekuaokalani Gymnasium) to Ali’i Drive.
- After the parade, at 8:00 p.m., the “Independence Day Extravaganza” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in beautiful Kailua Bay.
Hilo Bay Blast Fireworks & Celebration 2025
Hilo plans to host a wonderful day of fun and fireworks. Here’s what’s planned for 2025:
- From 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., the “Hot Rides Expo” car show will be held at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields (mauka fields.) This car show will feature vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles.
- While the “Hot Rides Expo” is taking place, there will be live music featuring Saddle Road Band, Quartz, Poki’i Seto and Always Free. Food trucks will be on hand. Children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields.
- The Hawaii County Band will perform at Mo’oheau Bandstand starting at 7:00 p.m.
- The big, “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks show is set to begin at 8:00 p.m. These professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawaii County Band will present live accompaniment to the fireworks. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks show will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.
- Please note that the annual 4th of July “A Salute to Our Veterans” Hilo Bay 5K run/walk is not taking place in 2025. Organizers hope to host the event again in 2026.
Hilo July 4th Closures & Kapuna Services
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- Lihiwai Street, from Keli’ipio Lane to the entrance of Isle’s parking lot, will be closed to vehicular traffic from Thursday, July 3 at 10:00 p.m. through Saturday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m.
- Bayfront Highway, from Wainuenue Avenue to Pauahi Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. on Friday, 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 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4 only.
- The Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields have been designated as the Kupuna viewing station. The Department of Parks & Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide shuttle service from the Kaman? Senior Center, located at 127 Kaman? Street. The shuttle to the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Field will run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the return shuttle will run from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 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 2025
The two shopping centers within Waikoloa, Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, host fun events including free, live 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.
Prior to 2020, Waikoloa Independent 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
We anticipate that 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.
- 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.
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Happy July 4th!