Following a two year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, July 4th celebrations are making a comeback on the Big Island in 2022! I’m excited to see recent news announcements about traditional island festivities for this all American holiday and I’m happy to share some of them with you below.
KAILUA–KONA
The annual Kailua-Kona parade and fireworks display over Kailua Bay is back this year! The parade begins at 6pm on Kuakini Highway and continues along the waterfront on Ali‘i Drive. This year’s theme is “A Salute to Our Hometown Heroes.” The fireworks show starts at 8pm set off from a barge moored out in the bay.
WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT, KOHALA COAST
Family fun at Waikoloa King & Queen’s Marketplace
The Waikoloa Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace will host a number of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and contests. The fun takes place from 11am to 5pm at the King’s Shops, featuring shave ice and watermelon eating contests and music by the Ronnie V. & The Family Band. Kings’ Shops also is hosting its beloved Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race again this year which benefits the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii. Adopt a duckie and be one of the many winners to take home a prize. From 2pm to 6pm the Queens’ Marketplace hosts lawn games, live music, and complimentary face painting, popcorn and cotton candy. While prior to 2020 the Waikoloa Independence Day celebration culminated with a fireworks display, organizers announced fireworks will not be on the schedule this year.
WAIMEA, NORTH KOHALA
Following a two year hiatus, Parker Ranch will host the 58th Annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races, celebrating its 175th anniversary on Monday, July 4 at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea. The rodeo celebrates this paniolo (cowboy) community, commemorating Waimea’s unique ranching culture and way of life. A long-standing tradition, the rodeo promotes camaraderie and friendly competition among the various HawaiÊ»i Island ranches. The paniolo will compete in horse races, ranch mugging, team roping and more. Local crafts and food will be available, as well as keiki activities including a petting zoo. Gates open at 7am with rodeo action beginning shortly after the 9am grand entry and continuing non-stop til 1pm.
HILO
Hilo hosts a day filled with fun, culminating with fireworks over Hilo Bay in the evening. Festivities begin early with a 5K run/walk in Lili‘uokalani Gardens followed by the “hot Rides Expo” car show at 10am at the Hilo soccer fields. Bounce houses and water slides will be on site for the keiki. The Hawaii County Band performs at Mo‘oheau Bandstand beginning a 7pm and the music continues throughout the fireworks display starting at 8pm.
